Second Practice

We practiced again tonight, despite a light rain off and on, cold (upper 40's) temperatures, and a soggy field.

We worked on our juggling. Brooke earned her OYSAN patch and Nathan came really close. Once everybody arrived, we ran 2 big laps to warm up and then did some dribbling. We played a game of "Sharks & Minnows", where minnows, each with a ball, try to dribble across the field while the sharks defend and try to steal the ball. When a minnow loses the ball, they become a shark.

Unfortunately due to the missing practices, I had to review a few basic concepts today. One was that the left and right positions do not need to stay on the left or right side of the field, but to stay to the left or right of the player next to them.

Next we discussed the responsibilities of the defender, as presented in Premier Soccer by Michael Parker.

1. Intercept the ball
2. Don't let the player turn
3. Stay between the player and the goal
4. Force the player outside

We then formed 2 lines, offense and defense, and worked on these concepts.

Finally, we worked on scoring, taking the ball into the corner and crossing it into the box. I want the middle player to stop at the top of the box and wait for the cross, and I want the cross to be directed behind the defender.

We ended up right around 8 PM, a 1-hour practice.