From the Bench - Coach's Report 11/9/09

Congratulations to all the players at Sundays Game against Loudon. This was another solid effort by this group of players. Here are some of the things that I saw from the bench:

(1) Annandale '98 Red girls played a composed game throughout the full 60 minutes (in an unnecesarily physical game). I think this showed a growth in self-confidence and level of maturity that was not present at the start of the Fall season.

(2) One of the skills that migrated from practice to this game was movement off the ball. There were some wonderful passing sequences that involved 3-4 players and required anticipating where to be for the next pass. (Not enough to score girls, but Rome was not built in a day either).

The first-touch was pretty good, and the use of the bottom-of-the-foot to control the ball on a bumpy surface and buy time by looking up (when one can feel the ball underfoot) was used more frequently than in past games.

(3) There was also a lot more anticipation of where the flow of the game was headed when the other team had possession. This is not a skill that we have practiced and shows how the girls have developed the confidence to adapt and learn on their own. In a recent game, they organized a wall to defend a free kick outside the penalty box. This was all on their own too.

(4) As always, tackling was solid. First-to-the-ball was consistently better in this game. The girls marked-up on their own initiative too.

In the 2nd half, the players tried poking the ball away from a player from the side, instead of facing up and trying to stop the (steamroller-type) player and the ball. Several girls tried it with good effect in the 2nd half. The girls also got to experiment with defending against elbows and pushing. (Unfortunately, this is a skill they will have to learn as they keep playing).

As always parents, thanks for your support over all the ups-and-downs of the season. The positive experience the girls have had is directly a result of your encouragement, support and trust.

Questions, comments and suggestions, plz e-mail or call or visit before/after.

Lance