Sac United Man Utd U12B: 2009

Sac United Winter Camp Dec 15, 16, & 17th.

Don't forget the Sac United Winter Camp will be Dec 15, 16, 17 at Granite Park from 5:30-7:00.

This will be the last official club event of the year.

And we'll be having a party to celebrate the year either after the Winter Camp or in January.

We'll keep you posted.

Time To Get Ready For the State Cup!!

In this set of clips there are some tremendous assists from the #7 & #11 players and some outstanding #9 play. Watch the eye contact between players, the timing, and the runs behind the defense.

No Practice Next Week! Happy Thanksgiving!

There will be no practice the week of November 23.

We will resume training on November 30 for final preparations for the State Cup.

Have a wonderful holiday!

-Coach Nate

Goalkeeping: Angles

Angle play: This area alone separates the pretenders from the contenders. By simply taking up the right position you can make goalkeeping look very easy.
-- Tony DiCicco, Goalkeeper Soccer Training Manual

Here is a good quick read about Goalkeeping from JB Goalkeeping a decent resource for all things GK related.

Along with footwork and good catching skills, positioning provides the foundation of good goalkeeping. A keeper who is always in position makes it look like every shot goes right to them, because the shooter has nowhere else to put the ball. Poor positioning leaves vast areas of net for a shooter, or even an empty net.

Basic Positioning Principles

Fig 1. The Center Line Position

Fig. 2 Covering the Angle

First, to position themselves accurately, the goalkeeper must know where the goal is! It sounds obvious, but during the scramble of a game a keeper can lose track. When the play starts moving towards the goal, the first thing the keeper must do is check the posts to make sure they are starting off with good position. Then, whenever they can divert their attention for a split second, they should check the posts again to make sure they've maintained that good position in the face of a moving ball.

Second, the goalkeeper must always try to position themselves on an imaginary line that runs from the center of the goal to the ball (Fig. 1). This puts them in position to get to either post equally well. The center line determines the side-to-side positioning.

Third, the goalkeeper must position themselves far enough off the goal line to cover the angle created by the ball and both posts. They should be able to cover either post with a couple of quick steps (footwork!) and a dive if necessary (Fig. 2). The angle and the keeper's ability determine the forward/backward positioning. Many young or timid goalkeepers tend to stay very close to the goal line - sometimes right on it. They must be taught to come off the line if they are to cover any shots near the posts.

How far out a keeper must come depends on their size and ability - smaller goalkeepers or keepers with a poor range will need to come farther out to be able to cover the entire angle.

But don't forget the third dimension not represented in these pictures: height. A keeper who is far off their line is more likely to be beaten by a chip over their head, so that must also be put into the equation. The keeper must adjust the forward/backward position so that they're confident they won't be beaten easily over the top.

Positioning Around the Goal

The goalkeeper must constantly adjust his or her position as they move around the goal. Let's look at what happens as the ball changes spots.

Fig. 3: The Goalkeeper's Arc

Fig. 4 Adjusted Arc

At a tight angle, with the ball near the end line, the angle the keeper needs to cover is very small, so they can stay near their goal. However, the keeper must stay outside the near post. This will prevent them from deflecting a shot into their own net inside the near post. At sharp angles the goalkeeper should always position themselves so any ball they deflect at a right angle (they should already be square to the ball) will go outside the near post.

Here's a quick way for goalkeepers to tell if they are outside the near post: if the goalkeeper, while square to the ball, points their arms straight out sideways, the arm nearest the goal should be pointing outside the near post. If it is pointing into the net, the keeper needs to take another step or two out from goal.

As the ball moves further out onto the soccer field, the near post is not as much of a concern any more, but the keeper must move further out to cover the angle.

Figure 3 shows conceptually where a keeper should be positioned (red dots) as the ball (black dots) moves around the edge of the penalty area. The blue line shows the shape this makes. The actual size of the arc will differ depending on the size and skill of a particular keeper, but the general shape will remain the same. (The angle lines are only drawn on the left side of the illustration to avoid clutter.)

If we look at the top of the arc, though, we notice that the keeper is very far off the line (sometimes 10-12 yards out!) and likely to get chipped, especially if they're not very tall. So we need to adjust the top of the arc to account for high balls. The top of the arc gets flattened, bringing the keeper back to a position where they have a chance to get to any ball over their head (Fig. 4). Again, the exact position will depend on the size and skill of the player. Shorter, less skilled keepers will be more comfortable closer to the goal line, others may be comfortable closer to the six.

Tony DiCicco calls this concept the "Arc Angle". It can easily be demonstrated on the soccer field with three ropes about 50 feet long, one attached to each post and one to a stake at the middle of the goal line. Place the ball at varying spots around the penalty area and have the keeper find their position, then place a cone there. When the exercise is finished, the cones will show that keeper's arc as in Figure 3. Adjust for chip shots and you'll end up with the keeper's arc as in Figure 4.

A keeper should learn this arc and use it as a general guideline for how they position themselves as the ball moves. Notice that this arc roughly follows the goal box. Make sure the keeper notes how their own arc matches or differs from the goal box, so they can use the goal box as a reference during practices and games. However, do not let a keeper, especially a young one, think they must move along this arc at all times. If the ball quickly changes position, they must move as quickly as possible to cover the new position, cutting across the box if necessary.

Also, remember a given keeper's arc will change as they gain size, strength and ability. You may want to run the exercise with the ropes once a season to see if their arc has changed.

Positioning Within the Penalty Area

Discussion of where the goalkeeper should be in the penalty area when the ball is elsewhere on the soccer field is in the tactics section.

Quick Summary - Positioning:

Mistakes to Watch For:

Know the location of the goalposts

Stay on line between the center of the goal and the ball

Move far enough off the line to cover the angle to each post

Be aware of balls over the head when way off the line

At sharp angles, always play outside the near post

Not checking the goalposts frequently

Staying planted on the goal line

Standing inside the near post on sharp-angled shots

Continue Reading

Street Soccer

Please to do not try this at home. This is a professional on a closed course....

Practice where you can.

The Assist

Not half bad at football, this guy.

Vision. Touch. Awareness. Class. And unselfish too.

Juggle Month Results & Winners

All throughout October the boys have been focusing on there juggle skills. We spent five minutes every practice juggling. Two minutes to warm-up & a three-minute juggle test.

The Benefits of Juggling:

Players gain more confidence on the ball while increasing overall skill.

Juggling is a fantastic exercise to develop touch with the soccer ball. When juggling, learning to control the body is very important. Being able to make quick, bodily adjustments with all muscles is developed through juggling.

Juggling also improves Balance & Coordination . With good juggling skills, players will become better passes, beat defenders more easily, and be able to hold the ball against defensive pressure, because of better touch on the ball.

This past month has been a smashing success with 5 players moving their juggling high into the triple digits. Congratulations Alex, Nata, Sergio F., Edwin & Rod!

We also had 5 players improve there juggling high by more than 50 juggles (Sergio F. +58, Adrian +58, Edwin +71, Nata +75, & Rod +346)It shows you what just a little practice at home can do for a players skills.

Winners

Record High / Highest Total: Rod 402/528
Honorable Mention: Sergio F. 175/420

Record High Head Juggles: Rod

Juggle Trick Champion: Jorden
Honorable Mention: Sergio F., Alex

Congratulations to all the players for their improvements over the last month. Great Job.

U12B
Player	OG High	New High	High Dif	OG Total	New Total	Total Dif
Sergio F.	117	175	58	320	420	100
Alex	102	107	5	270	307	37
Rod	56	402	346	127	528	401
Jorden	55	95	40	244	320	76
Nata	42	117	75	212	293	81
Abel	42	42	0	222	222	0
Max	35	63	28	185	230	45
Edwin	34	105	71	216	328	112
Gabe	34	54	20	175	231	56
Seamus	32	32	0	162	193	31
Adrian	31	89	58	173	173	0
Julien	30	38	8	190	226	36
Kenneth	29	36	7	198	219	21
Sergio DLQ	28	28	0	173	173	0
Jake	27	30	3	167	210	43
Adam	23	23	0			0
Sascha	10	31	21	82	108	26

Skill of The Week: Rebona

Rabona (ie- tricky kick): to cross your dominant foot behind your non-dominant foot and kick the ball.

Here's a great example to set up a goal. Watch close as this right-footed player figures out how to cross with his right foot while dribbling down the left.

Here are some more examples (around 3:30). And check out Maradona leading the way with the most stylish Rabona.

Definitely something to practice in your next backyard session.

Caravan Down To Visalia, CA

We still need to get one or two more drivers to go down to Visalia. By my current count we have 3 drivers. All we need is one more van/suv or a couple cars.

Please let Mitch or I know if you plan to drive down and see if we can organize a ride-share.

Celebrate The Goal

A goal is something special. Something to celebrate. Here is a list of 10 Memorable Goal Celebrations from the past & a video to give you some ideas.

I'd like to purpose that every Man Utd goal from here forward gets a proper celebration (even if that celebration is simple, like everyone on the field gives the scorer a hug and a high-five).

Have Your Say!

Put your favorite Goal Celebration in the comments thread.

HowTo: Midfield Support The Front Line

Here is a great analysis of how midfield players support the forward line.

This is a great example for players to learn from. Watch closely and see how they look for each other as there first option.

This is very close to how our #8 & #10 support our #9 (the center forward). But it is a good lesson for all our players to learn.

1-4-3-3 Setup w/ Responsibilities

click to enlarge

Juggle Score Update

Showoff

Here is a good little video of some flicks & tricks from last weeks soccer action.

This should give you some new ideas about how deception and disguise play a part in successful attacking movements. Maybe you could even practice some of these at home & try them in practice.

This Makes Me Want To Go Practice MY Juggling...

GOTM Winner Sept

Sorry but nobody guessed #9 so nobody won this month.

Leave it to Brazil. While it might not be in the running for GOTM, it might be Goal Of The Year!

GameNotes: Sac United 3 - 6 Atlas

Man Utd Family,

It was a disappointing loss this past Saturday. We did not defend there directness well. Both times we got back on level terms, we did not show the determination, resolve, or teamwork to hold them off.

Even with our defensive troubles, I feel we had enough chances to score 6, 7 or 8 goals but lacked the predatory touch in front of goal. The goals we did score were well taken. Congrats to Speedy for scoring again in his new attacking role, Adrian for bagging himself a goal with a smart finish & Jorden for continuing his good run of goalscoring.

It is important to stay positive looking forward to next League match. I feel we have made real progress in the last month and need to continue working hard to take our game to the next level. Woodland has been a bogey team for us this year, but I think with a strong week of training, the right mental and team focus this Saturday and we can bring back a victory.

We will work this week to improve the three most urgent soccer problems the team faces: (1) Individual & Team Defending (2) Finishing (3) Teamwork & Understanding: Practicing the System

Training Next Week:
Monday : 5:30-7:00pm @ Granite - Defending
Wednesday: 5:30-7:00pm @ Granite - Finishing
Thursday : 5:30-7:00pm @ Granite - Practicing the System: 1-4-3-3 + Set Pieces

Contest Notes:

GOTM-
You still have a few days to enter the GOTM contest. GO HERE & leave a comment of which goal you liked the best. If you guess the best goal, you win a $25 gift certificate to Kombat Soccer.

Juggle Month:
Keep practicing to raise your juggle scores as there will be prizes for the player who raises her total & consecutive high scores the most. And don't be surprised if there is a lightning bonus round for headers in the next week. ;)

Evaluations:
Fall Evaluations are complete, so check your email & please share them with your player. I will be talking with each player individually over the next 2 weeks regarding the eval & there continued soccer improvements.

Iker Casillas vs Seville: BEST GOALKEEPER IN THE WORLD!! Video evidence

September GOTM Contest

Pick your favorite and leave it in the comments thread (click on the number a the top of the post) to be eligible for the $25 dollar gift certificate to Kombat Soccer. Like this:

#2 , Gary

This contest is open to all Man Utd. players & parents.

For a Higher Quality Video Click Here.

Goal recap:

(1) Could you track an attacker to your own 18, make a gut busting 80 yard run with the ball, and still be cool enough to make a great pass your teammate could coolly slot away?

(2) Clever turn. Used his body to turn the defender. Buried the finish with his weaker foot.

(3) Great Chilean! (Americans call it a bicycle kick though... not sure why.)

(4) What makes this goal great is the teamwork you don't notice. The first header from the goalkick finds a teammate. Then the layoff and run by the forward to draw the defender out of his central position. Then the good finish. Overall excellent execution.

(5) Good run. Good decision. Great turn. Better Hit.

(6) Great goal from a Center Back*. Wins a header in midfield. Continues forward playing a one-two with an attacker and ends up on the edge of the box with a great strike. (* please keep in mind he does play for Arsenal**)(** Watch Arsenal play and you'll understand)

(7) Another Striker using his body to shield and roll the defender. But the speed and the finish are top class.

(8) This goal starts with great anticipation by the left back to cut out an attack. but the rest is All Fernando Torres. Moves, Speed, Power and the ability to FINISH.

(9) I posted this goal a few weeks ago but it gets better and better every time I see it. My new favorite part: if you turn up the volume, even over the commentator, you can hear the ball RIP THE NET! Whao!

(10) Great combination play around the box. An inside wall-pass, backheel flick, fake shot to draw a defender and a strong finish.

So there they are!

Pick your favorite and win. The winner will be announced Oct 18th.

(One vote per person. If there are multiple votes for the GOTM, a winner will be chosen at random)

Juggle Scores

Player	High	Total
Max	35	185
Nata	42	212
Seamus	32	162
Julien	30	190
Jake	27	167
Rod	56	127
Adrian	31	173
Kenneth	29	198
Adam	23	-
Jorden	55	244
Edwin	34	216
Gabe	34	175

October Is Juggle Month

The Benefits of Juggling:

Players gain more confidence on the ball while increasing overall skill.

Juggling is a fantastic exercise to develop touch with the soccer ball. When juggling, learning to control the body is very important. Being able to make quick, bodily adjustments with all muscles is developed through juggling.

Juggling also improves Balance & Coordination . With good juggling skills, players will become better passes, beat defenders more easily, and be able to hold the ball against defensive pressure, because of better touch on the ball.

And Juggling Will Help You Score! Don't believe me?.. Here are three examples. Enjoy.

Valencia's Pablo Hernadez. Take a bow!

One of the best goals you might have missed from last week.

Rivaldo for Barcelona. Probably one the the best assists of all time, although I think he meant to score. What a first & second & third touch.

GOTM Winner

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!! The winner of the $25 gift cert to Kombat Soccer is....

Nobody!! Since nobody entered, nobody won.

Next month look for the GOTM post and to enter, leave a comment on your choice for the best goal.

Fall Evaluations

Hello Man Utd Family,

The end of summer brings many things. One of them is the second round of evaluations.

This week I will be releasing player evaluations via email.

And I hope to speak with every player at training the week after that.

And of course, contact me if you have any questions or comments.

Thanks.

Principles of Attack

Lets go over some basic principles of how we attack & the Sac United Attacking Philosophy.
The Main Focus is to Score more Goals than the other team!

Penetration - the first choice through dribbling, shooting, passing
Support - providing all around support for player with the ball
Mobility - an attempt to create gaps in the defense by a variety of different runs
Width - in order to spread out the defense and create space
Improvisation - make the attack unpredictable through creativity

The player on the ball we call the First Attacker. The next closest is the Second Attacker & so forth.. Here the the roles for each attacker.

1st Attacker – penetrate, improvisation
2nd Attacker – width, depth, mobility
3rd Attacker – width, depth, mobility

Sac United Attacking Philosophy

If we can go directly to goal, we will.

If we can not, we will make the game wide, long, and hold on to the ball.

Penetration

Support

The ball must have three options:
1. right
2. lef
3. through
4. a fourth option would be a stretch option - direct ball over the defense

Call for the ball when:
1. you can be seen
2. eye contact – the passer looks up

Mobility
Options to the ball: right, left, through, and if possible a stretch option. Specifically;

Present targets to support the ball.
If covered, move. If covered middle, move down the line.
If covered square, vacate space.
Always look to be the third man.

Width

We achieve width through flank players and overlaps.
Achieve width early out of the back.
At minimum, present wide targets.

Improvisation

Dribble when:
1. open space
2. in vital area, one defender to beat and shoot
3. no options (shielding)

Visual And Visual Cues

1. Eye contact between players in possession and teammates
2. Sudden burst of speed by player will act as a cue
3. Positioning and body shape of player comparison to their defender
4. Nodding of the head in the direction where you want the ball to be passed
5. Strengths and weaknesses of person on the ball
6. Run dictates pass

The final consideration when we attack is the Risk vs. Safety Issue. We want to attack, but we don't want to expose ourselves to counter-attacks or make rash decisions in the wrong part of the park. How we act depends on where we are and how much pressure we're under.

1. Attacking Third

---> More risks should be taken

2. Middle Third

----> 50/50 consideration of Safety vs. Risk

3. Defensive Third

----> Safety is the first concern

EPL - Goal of the Month - WITH PRIZES

**UPDATE: Make sure to post your favorite goal in the Comments!**

As you all should know, the EPL (English Premier League) is back and better than ever (mostly because of being sans Newcastle.

The best EPL review show around is without a doubt the BBC's Match Of The Day. Every month MOTD rounds up the months best goals and sometimes awards prizes for guessing the best goal.

So I would like to inaugurate a new contest here on the BLOG. If you can guess the goal of the month, selected by the MOTD pundits, you'll win a soccer/Sac United prize.

Rules:
To enter, simply leave a comment to this post with (1) the goal # (2) your first name (or nickname) so I know who it is. You can only vote once. This competition is open to the entire Man Utd family, players and parents. In case of a tie, the winner will be drawn from a hat.

The winner will be announced this weekend! So get your votes in.

So without further ado, I give you the EPL AUGUST GOAL OF THE MONTH!

Good Luck!

Great Shot = (1) Follow through (2) Land on The Striking Foot

Video Evidence

As someone once said, "The camera doesn't lie." Here is Craig Bellamy's goal from the Man Utd vs Man City game, one of the best goals scored last weekend.

If you can, I suggest putting it on full screen mode.

Especially watch the last super slow reply. It shows Bellamy swing all the way through the shot, using his whole body to accelerate his leg, following through and landing on his striking foot.

It's a very excellent goal. He even scored another in that game.

Too bad he came out on the losing side this time though huhhn....

Gotta love video evidence.

One For The GK's

I don't give enough love to GK's with all these video post.

So by popular demand... Here is video evidence of a GK preserving a game for their team. It comes courtesy of the Champions League this past week.

Panna! Goalkeeper vs. Defender

Here is Football Club Internazionale Milano's GK Julio Cesar* in a possession practice pulling a sweet panna on Italian National Team defender Marco Materazzi.

* Please keep in mind he is Brazilian.

5 Best Playmakers

Here is terrific list of the games best play makers.

The players who know where everyone is at all times, who know every angle, every type of pass & when to play it.

It is always a joy to watch a great playmaker at work.

Who would be in your top 5?

Show Off! Best Skill From Mid-Week Champions League

Marseille’s Mamadou Niang shows us how to beat two Italian defenders. Answer: With some skill.

Enjoy.

What it takes: Sac United Player Template

At Sac United, we strive to maintain our reputation for playing attacking, attractive soccer. This is at the heart of everything that we do and believe to be successful, all our players have to have the ability to dominate the 1v1 situation.

Success in 1v1 situations comes from a combination of four aspects of soccer: Physical Ability, Technical Skill, Tactical Awareness, & Mental Strength.

Through dedication, perseverance and time spent on your own these aspects can be molded into that of a top player.

Play & Watch soccer to gain tactical awareness. Spend backyard time so your dribble moves get sharp. Find a wall and smash 100 shots with right and 100 with your left then hit the grass and do some sprints. Compete at everything.

Practicing at home, on your own, builds the Mental strength you'll need to get to the top and stay there because you will confident in in every 1v1 situation.

One Club! One Love!

Practice Schedule Update

All training sessions are moving to Granite Regional Park.

The move is typical at this time of year because of the loss of light during the second session.

Training Schedule:
Monday: 5:30 - 7:00 @ Granite
Wednesday: 5:30 - 7:00 @ Granite Technical Training
Thursday: 5:30 - 7:00 @ Granite

How to Beat A Whole Team: Iaquinta & Gilardino vs. Bulgaria

ALL ONE TOUCH PASSES!

These two who help score Italy's second goal, Alberto Gilardino & Vincenzo Iaquinta, don't play on the same team during the season. They can combine this way because they both play & practice at a high level every week and know the game. If you know the game you can play with anyone.

An Absolutely Amazing Goal!

Let's Get Ready to ROCK!

I could watch the Manchini goal all day, everyday. It's that good.

Speed...

"Speed is often confused with insight. When I start running earlier than the others, I appear faster."

-- Johan Cruyff

Becoming a Student of the Game

In The Vision Of A Champion, Anson Dorrance talks about the importance of becoming a "student of the game."

You consistently hear the same refrain: watch the best soccer. But why? The only way you're going to play high-level soccer is by seeing it first, because you're not going to be able to do it until you understand it. A good coach can talk to you about it, but you need to see it demonstrated in order to imitate it when you play.

Click the "Read More" to find a couple ways to quickly become a student of the game.

U.S. National Team member Brandi Chastain plays soccer with an amazing level of sophistication. She play with a lot of subtlety and wonderful deception. She also understands the rhythm, of the game. She plays at a pace appropriate to the situation; that is, she knows when to speed up or slow down. She has these abilities because she is one of the best students of the game. Brandi is famous for her passionate interest in watching high-level soccer, and it shows in her playing.

Becoming a student of the game is one sure way to work on your soccer understanding, and will also impact on your soccer sense. This means watching, reading, and learning - in the same way you would with any other subject of interest or importance to you.

To study the game means to really watch a game. I'm not saying you have to dutifully watch all 90 minutes of a game, but you should build up your high-level soccer diet so you can have a critical eye - really search for aspects that will impact your development.

So now you now the why, but what about the HOW first...

There are all kinds of ways to watch soccer. One is to look at the artistry, that is, the flair and creativity. I think every true fan watches in this fashion. That's how most of us are drawn into the game, which is great way to view it.

When you watch a game, see what parts you like. Also, notice the players who are exciting to you. Take it a step further. Find your favorite players and make or buy videotapes(OR look up on YouTube -nk) of them playing, and learn their moves. Practice them in the backyard or your basement.

For me it was Diego Maradona, I remember seeing him play in the 1986 World Cup Final. He was left footed, like I was. He was the smallest player on the pitch, like I was. And nothing made him happier then dribbling or passing around players, and that's what I wanted to be as a soccer player.

Anson talks about a second deeper way to watch soccer...

A more sophisticated way to watch the game is for its rhythm. Notice how the players calm the game down if it's too frantic, or explode if a defender or defense is lulled or ball-watching. Then, you can fully appreciate that at its best, soccer is basically a game of surges and tranquilities, a rhythm of slow motion and acceleration. It consists of quick, explosive moves combined with slower action in which someone gets the ball, cleans it up, slows it down, recomposes, and then does something dynamic again. It is this change of pace that makes a player or a team unpredictable and hard to defend.

Why is rhythm important? Because a game without rhythm or someone sophisticated enough to control the flow turns into kickball or a track meet. A game with one predictable speed.

A savvy student of the game, one who has studied the game, understands its rhythms and how to create them. They know how to lull a defender with a shift of weight or how to slow up a frantic attack to get more players involved or how to slow up attackers in midfield by denying the right passing lanes. To learn these you have to seek out the highest level you can - that means the college game, MLS, TV soccer from England, Spain, Holland, Italy.

Another way to look at a game is in terms of shape. Shape is the positioning of the players, or, the attacking and defensive construct (in other words - watch away from the ball & look at players that play the positions you want to and watch the decisions they make -nk). Every team's shape can be different, and yet still be effective. Differing shapes is one of the elements of soccer's variety. Again, at lower levels you can see bad shape (e.g., players bunched into the center of the field). You want to study the game with good shape (e.g., players pushed up and spread wide while on attack), then emulate what you see.

You are a work in soccer progress. Learning the various aspects of the game will mold you. Make sure you model your soccer palette off the elite players. From that palette you can create your own soccer personality.

Man Utd 3 - 1 Atlas White

I felt this was a good result for the boys this weekend.

This team has the right attitude and they want to improve together. That is fantastic for a coach.

After some initial bumps, the whole midfield functioned very well after a quick tactical reminder at halftime. There was strength and confidence coming out of the entire team. We were not panicking when we were 1-0 down but responding in a strong way.

There were some predatory close range finishes by Jorden & Abel, while Sergio blasted in a long range effort from outside the 18. And there could have been more had our finishing been more precise. At the back, a strong performance from Edwin, Kenneth, Speedy, Julien, Turbo, Seamus & Max not only settled the team, but gave us some gutsy tackles to preserve the W.

See everyone on Monday.

Learn to do a Flip Throw-in

UEFA has a great video sight where you get tips from professional players. Here is a tip from Asta Arnadottir about how to get distance on throw-ins by doing a somersault. Check it out.

Other favorites :

Xavi (Barcelona's midfield maestro) on passing and control.
Robert Pires (Ex-Arsenal, Villareal winger) on wing play and taking players on

Each HowTo comes with great video examples to help see how it would work in a match.

Enjoy.

First Match: Sat 10:30 @ Cherry Island

Fall league has been posted.

Our first match is this Sat 10:30 @ Cherry Island #5 vs Atlas.

See you there at 9:30am.

Seven Goal Games From Last Weekend

There were TWO seven goal games in Europe's top leagues this weekend.

The first a belter between PSV Eindhoven & Ajax Amsterdam. Which can be seen HERE.

Further proving that the Dutch League is the place to go for attacking soccer.

The other comes from the English Premier League where the masters of the modern passing attack (and supposedly washed up with no hope of winning the league) put 6 goals past a hopeless Everton side, completing a poor week for US National Team Keeper Tim Howard who has let in 8 goals in 2 games in the last 4 days. Enjoy.

Everton v Arsenal

Defend This!

Check out the Skills.

Soccer on the Internet : ESPN360.com

ESPN has bought the rights to a bunch of soccer telecasts and is putting them up on ESPN360.com.

The best part is it's free from Comcast & Yahoo! DSL customers.

You can watch any game live or OnDemand from the many European Leagues which start in August -- all on your computer (as I write this post, I'm watching PSV Eindhoven vs FC Twente from today's Dutch League matches).

If you want to be the best, you should watch the best. And now you can.

TOURNAMENT NUTRITION SUGGESTIONS

SNACKS IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING GAMES – WITHIN 30 MINUTES AFTER THE EVENT

Chocolate milk (except those players that are lactose intolerant or specific vegetarians),
Water,
Sports Drink – Do not try a new sports drink at a tournament,
Peanut butter and honey sandwich – half sandwich on whole wheat bread,
Clif Bar / and or Energy Bits,
Cinnamon Raisin, Blueberry or Plain Bagels,
GOLEAN by Kashi Granola Cereal,
Yogurt,
Fresh Fruit: Bananas, oranges, grapes and apples,
Cheese and Crackers

RESTAURANT FOOD SUGGESTIONS

Sub Shop: Ask for the low fat subs – ham, chicken or turkey,
Grilled Chicken
Bean Burrito, low fat chips
Pasta: with red sauces, instead of white (alfredo sauce)
Smoothies

WHY CHOCOLATE MILK

Chocolate milk has an optimal ratio of carbohydrates to protein to help refuel tired muscles.

You are an athlete eat well consistently for peak performance.

After the game you are preparing your body for the next game.

Goals for the weekend.

Street Soccer

Panna: V., to pass the ball between an opponents legs with style.

Soccer is where you find it. These players have amazing skill with the ball because of countless hours enjoying soccer in their own neighborhoods.

If you want technique that will dominate a game.... Play all the time.

Recovery Strategies

The process of regeneration from a competitive match is the first step towards the
preparation for the next match.

During tournaments, these parameters will play a vital role in determining your performance
potential. The importance of adequately preparing yourself for games cannot be overstated.

The following aspect of your preparation will be crucial in relation to how successful we will
be:

Recovery session – After the game to assist you to return to a normal physical state
Stretching, icing sessions (for any knocks)
Pool sessions – properties of water help promote recovery (10‐15 minutes of movement
and not swimming laps or laying out in the sun)
Fluid intake – before and after each game
Food – Used immediately following games – fist 30 minutes most important

Following a game:
First 10 mins after a game – recovery of energy

Drink & eat carbohydrates and protein
Stretch while warm
Light dynamic movements for 5‐10 mins – cool down with Team

10 minutes after game – recover physically

Ice bath
Shower
Continue hydrating

Within the first hour after the game – continue to recover

Pool Recovery (if available) ‐ moving through water for 10‐15 minutes
Drink plenty of fluid
Have additional Carbohydrate foods
Use relaxing music or techniques to unwind

In the evening – continue to unwind

Hot shower
Continue to hydrate
Stretch

10 minutes before bed – switch off
I. Use relaxing skills – visualize, music
II. Get out of bed if you cannot sleep (In your room)

Next day – Self monitor ‐ recovery response
I. Color of urine (pee test) should be clear!
II. Additional stretching, and rehydration

Training Schedule Change

Hello Everyone,

There is a training schedule change for the U12B next week.

Because I will be out of town at a coaching clinic in Washington the boys will be training with Coach Jason Drury and the U13B. That mean they will be training at Granite on Tuesday & Thursday.

Practice schedule next week:

Tuesday: 5:30-7pm @ Granite ***
Thursday: 5:30-7pm @ Granite

Mitch,

Please pass the word to anyone who may need extra notification.

Let me know if you have any questions.

HowTo: Finish -- Drive through the ball

Here is a quick HowTo video showing some of the techniques involved in striking the ball. Hot off the presses.

The player videos are posted behind the "read more". Click the full post to view and let me know if you have any questions. These videos are to help players analyze their finishing technique.

Seamus

Passing Mastery

One of the best Passers in the game today is young Cesc Fabregas, the Barcelona product who has been running the show that is Arsenal since he was 17!!

Here is a display of his vision, touch, and passing technique. Especially watch for the disguise on some of his passes.

Optional Trainings :: July 13th, 15th

There will be additional training for those who want to stay in touch with the ball next week, Monday July 13th & Wednesday July 15th at Mangan Park from 5:30-7pm.

This training is for players who are in town and want extra training to stay sharp.

Monday: Moves, Turns, Tricks + 1v1

Training to grow the players arsenal of moves and attacking mind. Player's will achieve greater confidence & coordination with the ball at their feet attacking the goal.

Wednesday: Finishing

This training will emphasize the technical aspects of striking, bending, crossing and finishing the ball. Each player will get high repetitions in order to train their bodies to execute proper form on many shooting opportunities.

Hope to see you out there.

World's Best Trains in US

Check out this article over at 101 Great Goals.

Zinedine Zidane visited an Adidas Invitational Summer Camp in Vancouver, WA.

Looking as fresh and young as ever, Zizou turned up in Vancouver to help inspire the group of around 100 teenagers by playing alongside the teens in practices matches and showing that, despite his retirement, the former world player of the year still retains his footballing brain and skills.

And there is Video!

Here is a video list of the top goals from last year. It's time to get pumped up to play.

Trust your preparation, trust your skills, and let it flow!

More after the jump...

And are the English Premier League Goals of the Year:

And for all the Beckham fans - his best Freekick Goals

Practice this week

Monday: 5:30-7pm @ Mangan
Wednesday: 5:30-7pm @ Mangan

Sorry for the late notice.

Freestyle Ground Moves

Check out the ball control skills... I'm always impressed by how easy they make it look.

More after the jump...

And Here is a pretty good HowTo video:

Live Soccer Alert :: TV & Northern California

Upcoming Soccer Events on TV or in Northern California:

Wednesday, June 24th @ 11:30:

US MNT vs Spain -- ESPN

Sunday, July 19, 2009 @ 4:00 pm

Club America vs Inter Milan -- Stanford Stadium

Saturday, August 8th, 2009

Barcelona vs Chivas in San Francisco

15 Best

Please enjoy this video list of top 15 goals from the Champions League last year.

Somebody tell me how #5 & #4 aren't 1 & 2.?..!.?....

Placer Tournament

Dates: July 10-12, 2009 (Friday – Sunday)

After the team camp, we will be going to the Placer United Prestige Cup @ Cherry Island.

This will extend us one week into the Sac United Soccer Break, but we you'll still get two weeks off and have time to come back to get ready for our tournament, the Suntan Classic, in August.

Please let me know immediately if you can't attend so I can look for guest players.

Sac United Team Camp: June 29th - July 2nd

It's time for this years Sac United team camp.

Sunday June 29th - Thursday July 2nd.

Here is the full schedule.

The team camp is our chance to really improve on our soccer problems before the summer tournaments.

Make sure to get to all sessions and wear your Sac United Colors.

Evaluations Released

Check your emails. I will be sending links to your email accounts. You should receive one email confirming your account & one email telling you there is an evaluation ready.

Evaluation scale:

0 to 4.

1 - Base Comp Player Skill level
4 - Top player in California's Skill level

Please focus more on the comments then the numbers.

If you have any questions regarding the player evaluation please contact me.

No Games This Weekend

There was a possibility that we could have entered the Cal Cup this weekend, but we missed the window.

So enjoy the open weekend.

Spring Evals

Players & Parents,

Be watching your emails for your player evaluation.

I will be completing and sending them out for you to view/print-out from the web. I will also have a conference with each player at practice during the next two weeks.

Before you can view it, you must fill out a self-evaluation for my records.

Remember these evaluations are to be kept between the coaching staff and each player and their parents. Evaluations are to help with your individual development & personal goal-setting. They are not to be shared with other players.

Before there was Ronaldo, there was...

Ronaldo. He was the first of a new wave of soccer player who played with both skill and above everything speed. There's something to get you pumped up for tomorrows.

And he still is. Check it out after the jump...

How cool is that?

HowTo: Defend in Midfield

Here is a video for all the players who have aspirations to play anywhere in the middle of the park or any players wanting to be better at defending.

This is Darren Fletcher. He plays for Manchester United and is what could be called an unsung hero.

Watch this 2 minute clip of him and this teammates defend as a team. It's from the BBC Match of the Day program.

Check out how Darren and his teammates communicate (talk, point) and work with each other to mark and defend.

BTW - if you want to watch the whole Match Of The Day, let me know and I'll bring you a copy.

Focus & Discipline

From The Vision of a Champion:

In order to excel at the highest possible level you need to be focused and disciplined. That's because the competitive soccer world is so stressful. For example, athletics demands tremendous fitness... Can you drive yourself to get fit, and, after you are bent over in exhaustion from sprinting, can you spend an hour slamming a ball against the wall, or playing one v. one against your friends? Can you drive yourself with self-discipline when others are not there? No one is going to be constantly pushing you, insisting that you get fit or hone your skills. When it truly counts, you're on your own. Your margin of success is based on your inner drive. This focus and self-discipline is also a great element of your character.

Now let's get fired up.

The Art of the Cross

Crossing is sometimes a forgotten skill of attacking soccer in the United States.

An accurate cross can bypass the entire defense and create an easy scoring opportunity.

Here are the techniques of the many different types of crosses:

The Driven Cross:

Non kicking foot to the side of the ball
Use the instep
Contact through the middle of the ball // below the ball for more height
Cut across the ball
Head down and steady
Eyes on the ball

Cut Back Cross:

Non kicking foot to the side of the ball
Use the instep
Contact through the middle of the ball
Rotate your hips on making contact with the ball
Head down and steady
Eyes on the ball

The Inswinging or Outswinging Cross:

Non kicking foot to the side of AND behind the ball
Use knuckle of the big toe to make contact with the outside of the ball
Follow through with toe in the air
Head down and steady
Eyes on the ball

Here is a video to help all you visual learners put that into motion.

If your goal is to be a better crosser or a better winger, this is your best tool.

Homework for Thursday

The homework for Thursday is the dribble move the Dutch call Akka.

Here is a quick demo.

Make sure to work on all versions at home. Have fun.

Goal of the Year?

The Guardian has a great page up that lets readers rate the goal of the year.

Make sure to check out Cristiano Ronaldo's, Grafite's, & Zlatan Ibrahimovic's.

My choice is Yoann Gourcuff:

My favorite part, besides the incredible skill, is listening to the crowd react after seeing the

replay of what they just witnessed.

Make sure to stick with it till 0:50!!

All Content NK and SU Manchester United U12B