Winter Break Work-out Ideas

I hope everyone is enjoying the winter break from soccer.

As everybody knows, this is an excellent time to relax and recharge for school & other soccer type activities.

But don't forget that we have a tournament soon after the we get back. For those players who want to stay sharp over the break, here are some individual work-out ideas that will only take 30-40 minutes out of your day.

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All of these sessions can be heavy or light, depending on how hard you want to push yourself. I would suggest building the intensity of the workout so by the end your going 100%.

Road Workout

You don't have to be a cross-country star, but for those who live by a HS track or a big park could benefit from a good run.

• 5 minute jog & stretch
• 20-30 minutes (optional 50 yard gear-sprints last 7 minutes: 1st gear=slow jog, 2nd gear=75%, 3rd gear=100%)

Core Work

• 50 bicycle sit-ups
• 1 minute hold-it (elbow and toes on ground, hold your body off the ground)
• 30 second elbow stabilizer both sides (one elbow and one side-foot on ground, free hand on hip, hold your body straight **bonus for beach style)

Ball Workout - dribbling

If you want an intense ball work-out but don't have a lot of space...

Find a area on relatively even grass, turf, dirt and mark off a 10 yard square with cones, soccer balls, extra shoes, old soccer uniform, etc..

• 5 minutes juggling in square (stretch as needed)
• 20 ball-boxes, 20 toe-touches, 20 sole-boxes (3 sets, no break in movement)
• 30 seconds sprinting with the ball (lots of change of directions)
• Juggle 5 times, knock the ball up over your head, bring the ball down with your feet and dribble to another part of the box (2 minutes)
• 20 push-out/push-ins, 20 scissors, 20 toe-touches (3 sets, no break in movement)
• 30 second sprints - lots of change of direction and lots of scissor tricks - w/ 30 seconds juggling rest (5 minutes)
• 20 ball-boxes, 20 toe-touches, 10 behind the legers (3 sets, no break in movement)
• 1 minute freestyle dribbling (be creative)
• 30 second sprints - 100% effort/be quick & clever - w/ 30 seconds juggling rest (2 minutes)
• Fan Sprints (5-10 sets) - (1) start at one corner, (2) sprint to another corner & back, (3) repeat #2 to another corner, (4) repeat #2 to the last corner. it should end up being a 30 yard sprint with lots of change of directions.

Core Work

• 1 minute hold-it (elbow and toes on ground, hold your body off the ground)
• 30 second elbow stabilizer both sides (one elbow and one side-foot on ground, free hand on hip, hold your body straight **bonus for beach style)

Ball Workout - Passing & First Touch

The only requirement for this workout is a wall you can pass against (school wall, high flat curb, side of a building, etc)

• 5 minutes juggling warmup (stretch as needed)
• two-touch passing inside of both feet (2 minutes)
• 1 yard/1 touch passes (1 minute each foot)
• 1 minute juggling rest
• two-touch passing with different foot combos - switch the ball and be creative [outside right control to inside right pass, inside left control to inside right pass, inside right control to outside right pass, behind the leg control right foot to pass left foot, etc] (2 minutes)
• juggle w/ wall touches
• head juggle w/ wall
• 1 yard speed test with both feet (how long does it take you to get 100 passes. See if you can beat it)
• If you have space - hit 25-50 long passes and work on your long passing technique and your control & reading balls in the air.

Core Work

• 1 minute hold-it (elbow and toes on ground, hold your body off the ground)
• # 30 second elbow stabilizer both sides (one elbow and one side-foot on ground, free hand on hip, hold your body straight **bonus for beach style)

Those are just some ideas. If you have any workouts you like feel free to post them in the comments for your teammates.

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World Player Of The Year

It's Little Lionel Messi.



His career story is a fascinating read. It is a testament to technique and developing a love of the game & the bonds it creates within a individual, a team, and a club.

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Assists... It is the Giving Season

To score goals you need a creator. And in the spirit of the season, each goal shows how sometimes it feels better to give then receive.

It also takes teamwork & an understanding built on technique, vision, creativity, and hours on the practice field.

'Tis the season.



Happy Holidays.

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GOTM November Winner

And the $25 gift certificate to Kombat OR Soccer City goes to....


Goal #4 - Cameron Jerome.

Congratulations Julia! Email to let me know your soccer store preference.

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Howto: Slide Tackle

Slide Tackling:
There is a debate on within the youth soccer community as to when to teach, or
even to teach, slide tackling. At many youth, recreation levels, slide tackling is
not permitted due to the risk of injury, both to the tackler, and the one being tackled. This is generally because slide tackling is not taught, or taught very little
and therefore the execution of this technique is poor, to say the least.

Since slide tackling is part of the game and sooner or later your kids are going to
try it, it is probably better if they are taught the right way to do it. Remember a slide tackle is not a first defending option. If you defend properly, position yourself well, anticipate the attackers movements then you will never have to leave your feet. That said...

The basics of slide tackling are as follows:

First off, there are many types of slide tackle (near-foot, hook-slide, slide-tackle trap). We're just going over the basics.

Watch The Ball
When an attacker is running at you with the ball, it's difficult not to concentrate on her body movements. Doing so, however, could cost you a tackle.

More than a few flashy forwards have juked a defender out of her socks while only nominally touching the ball. Such situations, however, can be avoided by keeping your eyes on the ball. If someone is trying to dribble by you and she's coming right at you, you've got to watch the ball. No matter where the attacker's body moves -- she can go right, she can go left -- the ball always sits still.

Don't Tackle Unless It's Necessary
The best place for a defender to be is on her feet, not on the ground, and so one should resist the temptation to leap at an opponent's ankles any time the opportunity presents itself. It's better to contain the forward and prevent her from penetrating. You should also try to work with your fellow defenders to close off the attack without direct confrontation.

If you are the last line of defense, it is particularly important to remain upright. If your slide-tackle fails, your opponent's path to the goal will be clear. Any time you dive in, there's a chance of you getting beat. Even if you do dive in and get the ball, it can always bounce or deflect off the attacker and get by you.

Wait For Your Opponent To Separate From The Ball
As long as your opponent has the ball at her feet, she's in control -- a slide tackle could be a poor choice. Wait for her to knock it ahead two or three feet.

If you tackle when it's at her feet she can knock it away from you or dribble by you. When she separates from the ball, you can cut in front of her without tackling. And that's perfect because you can keep playing. If you need to tackle, wait for her to separate from the ball, then hook her.

Timing is the crucial ingredient, both for safety and effectiveness. But the quality of the timing is elusive. The most important thing is to get your timing down. If you don't have the right timing, your opponent is going to run right by you. Developing timing requires constant practice, but because training sessions rarely emphasize tackling, games offer the best training ground. Kids always want to practice slide-tackling, but it is not really something you can do in practice. The more you do in a game, better you'll get at it.

Be Decisive
Every time a high level player tries to complete a tackle, she takes the attitude that she is going to get the ball and crush the forward. That's the way you have to think.

Mentality is important, especially at the highest level where the difference between success and failure can be confidence. Players can't hesitate, or they'll be beaten.

When you decide to go down, you have to go down. You can't think twice about it. If you go into a tackle halfway, you can get hurt. Decide 100 percent that you are going, then go.

Knowing when to go requires instinct built through experience, and it requires the ability to read the game.

Attack From An Angle
The best tackles come from an angle.

Coming in at an angle also allows the defender to strip an opponent from the ball
without tackling.

While racing alongside an opponent, wait for her to separate from the ball. Then step into her path, between her and the ball. Step right into her line. Now you've got the ball, and you can shield it. Chances are, she'll trip you or foul you because you've cut her off.

Tackling from behind isn't recommended. You're likely to get sent off. For every clean tackle from behind, there are four bad ones. Referees have been instructed for years to treat tackles from behind as violent conduct worthy of a red card. Don't Do It.

Slide-tackling from the front, with both feet, is another matter, and one referees rarely smile upon. Even if you get the ball, you'll get the player and usually a foul. It's dangerous don't do it.

Protect Yourself
The first law of slide-tackling concerns safety, and it begins with shinguards. Full guards may not be as comfortable as smaller models, but defenders don't really have a choice. Nor do they have a choice once the decision to tackle has been made. Don't take it easy! You must go all out.

Mechanics are important. Tacklers should keep their leg unlocked with a slight bend. Then when you get to the ball, extend your leg through it. Make sure you get the ball right on your shoelaces and swing your leg through it.

Give 'Em The Hook
The proper slide should make baseball managers proud -- it's a hook, on your side, with the extension of your leg through the ball. It's like a baseball slide. The only difference is you don't slide straight through. In soccer, you're running at an angle and sliding, hoping to land on your side. Then you try to swing your leg across and hook the ball.

It requires precision and resolution. Don't just put your foot out there, hoping the ball will hit you as your opponent trips over you. Make sure you swing through it.

Try to control it, clear it, or try to kick it away from the opponent.

Get The Ball
This is most important. If you don't get the ball. Your goalkeeper will likely be picking the ball out of the back of the net in a matter of moments. Make sure you get the ball. You can get the ball first and then go through the player. Or don't. Tackling doesn't require a defender to strip the ball from her opponent. Sometimes just getting in the way is enough. If an attacker is running down the wing, she's running full speed, and you know at that speed she can't cut it back. You know she is going to cross it. Sometimes if you stick out your leg, you're not going to block it. If you slide and lift your leg, you can block the pass.

Control Your Emotions
Professional fouls are part of the game, mere moves in a chess match. And although players can become frustrated and tempers can flare, one should never take it out on an opponent. It's important that you control your emotions. Never go out to hurt somebody because you're looking to be thrown out of the game, and that's stupid.

In many ways tackling is an instinctive play. But instincts can be developed. The most important factor to a successful tackle is to be determined.

Since you've read through all of that...

Here is some video evidence of a great tackler. Steven Gerrard -- Captain of Liverpool FC. Being a tough tackler is part of his soccer personality. It's amazing to watch how determined he is and how hard he works to make his tackles. He is a true natural.

Stick around till the end to see other parts of his soccer personality -- long range shooting & game winning goals.

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GOTM - Not to Late to Enter & Win!!!

Enter the GOTM and win $25 bucks @ Kombat or Soccer City!

This is open to all parents and players. All you have to do is pick the goal the BBC thinks is the best! That easy.

GO HERE TO ENTER.

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Being Clever: In and Around the Final Third

In this clip Arsenal's Andrei Arshavin gives a master-class in movement without the ball in the attacking 1/3.

Arshavin isn't the biggest forward you'll find - standing at just 5'6" - and in fact forward isn't his natural position (he's a winger).

But his intelligent movement off the ball and his decision-making with it gives him an edge on the defenders.

In the following clip, Arshavin's attacking play will be analyzed by Newcastle Legend Alan Shearer a player how knows all about creating opportunities in the attacking 1/3.

Watch Arshavin's decision making: when and were to move to get open, how he offers for the ball in clever spaces and when to be direct and when to hold the space (also look for the great link-up play between him and the #10 Cesc Fabregas).

Enjoy.



So clever.

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November GOTM Contest - Enter to Win!!!

Time for this months Goal Of The Month Contest. Enter to win by leaving a comment with your name & the goal #. You could win a $25 gift certificate to Kombat or Soccer City.

On to the Goals. It's a tough one this month. So many contenders.

** Update ** Now with comments for each goal to help you choose. Click READ MORE ** Update **



Pick Your Favorite. for extra credit include name suggestions for a baby girl!



HERE IS THE GOAL RUN-DOWN

(1) Tom Huddlestone - Tottenham - I often encourage players to set up their teammates for easy shots. This means playing the ball back on the ground into the run of your teammate so she can have a crack. This is a great example of that. Watch again as Jermain Defoe receives the long ball and holds off the defenders before setting up Tom Huddlestone with the mother-of-all shot invitations. On the ground - Check. Well weighted pass - check. Easy to hit because the pass was in front of the attackers run - check. Add all that up and you get a belter of a finish.

(2) Cesc Fabregas - Arsenal - I have highlighted Arsenals play before. But this goal is a little different. It only takes three Arsenal attackers (the #2 makes the under-lapping run down the line, the #9 with the movement and the layoff, and the #10 who starts and finishes it). My favorite part is how they stroll the ball into the net like they hardly tried. But maybe they were just tired because they each made end to end runs. Such class.

(3) Seyi Olafinyana - Hull City - He's a defensive mid which is why the defenders didn't think he could turn them that well. The finish is classy too as he bends the ball around TWO defenders and the GK.

(4) Cameron Jerome - Birmingham City - I saw this goal live and even after seeing it over and over, I still think it's amazing. The ball must have been 40 feet in the air. Jerome brings it down out the sky over his shoulder WHILE holding off a pesky muscular midget defender. Keeps going forward and with a guy hanging all over him sees the GK off his line and smack a 40 yard wonder goal. Wow.... That's vision, awareness, touch and guts all in one play.

(5) Florent Malouda - Chelsea - The defenders seem more concerned with tracking the forward running of his teammates then pressuring the ball to their own peril. If the net wasn't there to stop that rocket of a shot I think the ball would still be rising.

(6) Darren Fletcher - Man Utd - I definitely biased towards this goal as a Man Utd supporter. But to be fair it is an amazing goal with lots of great play. First it's a team goal started between the #5 & #11 - there interplay and good footwork makes the space for the cross. Then the #7 alertly heads the ball back hoping to set up a teammate. And then there is the finish. Since the ball is bouncing up, Fletcher has to turn his body, getting his right foot above the ball and strikes down and through (still landing on this shooting foot). If you pause the reply right when he strikes it you see his leg is parallel to the ground as he pivots and strikes. It is a inspirational soccer idea to a tough scoring chance. Absolutely top class.

(7) David Dunn - Blackburn - The build-up is quick. The running industrious. But what I like is the double hop Dunn does to set his feet. Watch again how he hops twice on his left foot to set his feet to shot with his right. Quick thinking and extreme agility.

(8) Jermain Defoe - Tottenham - A couple points about this great goal. (a) The super clever run by the #7 Aaron Lennon after being unceremoniously dumped to the ground after laying the ball off (you can see him dart in behind and encourage the ball at about 3:25) (b) the great movement by Defoe is just how you draw it up in training. He starts at the far post but reads that Lennon can only cut the ball back. So Defoe moves back and across the 6-yard box to meet the ball first time for an unstoppable volley. Classic #9 play. This is his hat-trick goal in a game he would go on to score FIVE.

(9) Lee Bowyer - Birmingham City - I like the dummy and the run that leads up to the goal better then I like the goal. For that movement alone it gets into the top 10. But the finish is very creative. Some players would choose to blast the ball into the back of the net in this situation. Bowyer shows us that there are plenty of inventive ways to score around the 18-yard box.

(10) Didier Drogba - Chelsea - Big Goal. Big Game. Big Game Player. This goal as clinical finishing down to a science. The #4 finds the #2 with an sweet little ball. The cross is measured and controlled, but the real genius is the finish from that position. Drogba turns the inside of his right foot towards the sky angling the ball to the far post out of the reach of GK.

You have til Sunday Dec. 13th.

Get your vote in.

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My Love of The Assist Continues

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.

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Stanford vs UCLA - ESPN360.com - Friday

It's time for Women's NCAA Div I soccer championship weekend.

Friday is the game I think should be the final... UCLA vs Stanford!

It'll be broadcast live on ESPN360.com on Friday @ 2:30 but will be available OnDemand whenever you get a chance to watch.

It's an excellent chance to catch the best soccer the NCAA has to offer, and see the stars of the next WNT.

And don't forget the final is on Sunday of ESPN360.com as well.

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Stanford vs Boston College - Friday @ 7pm WEBCAST

Stanford Women's Soccer is playing Boston College tonight. If you don't have a ticket or can't make it down to Stanford, NCAA.com is streaming the game FOR FREE. Click Here. (Or HERE and find "LIVE WEBCAST")

Enjoy.

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GOTM Winner - October

And the Winner is.......



Goal #8 - Chelsea doing their best EA FIFA 2010 impression. (My new favorite part about this goal is how Frank Lampard looks over his shoulder to see Drogba when the ball goes past him. That's all it took. It's such brilliance. Put it on full screen and look for the head-on-a-swivel action @ the 16 sec mark.)

The winner.... For the second time... Troy.

You get to choose. $25 at Kombat or Soccer City.

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No Practice Next Week

There will be no practice the week of November 23 (We still have Futsal on Sunday Nov 22nd). Sorry for the late notice.

We will resume training on November 30.

I would recommend players attempt to stay fit by hitting the park and spending time with the ball or doing some running on their own.

Have a wonderful holiday!

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GameNotes: 11/21 vs San Juan White

Sac United eXtreme 1 - 3 San Juan White:

Loses like this are tough to except.

I think the most difficult thing to take from Saturday's defeat against San Juan is that we were the better team and we lost the game. We were in front and had chances to score the second goal and got punished on three goals. It is beyond belief.

Overall I would like to keep the positives of the game for the girls. Our buildup play and passing from the backs to the midfield was enthusiastic, inventive & very effective. What we lacked today was the killer instincts in the final third: the soccer ideas, the creativity & the execution to get behind the D, carve open a chance and finish.

I think all three goals they scored were soft for us to concede. We as a team must continue to search for the mental strength to fight off these mistakes, not panic & see these games through to the victory.

On a positive note, our roster is regaining full strength. T & Inessa have begun the last phases of their recovery and should be back by our next matches with Gabby to follow shortly after.

Thanks for your continued support.

One Club! One Love!

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Easiest Way to Score: World Cup Qualifying Edition

The Cut-Back cross is the easiest way to score from open play in soccer.

Here is another example from today's World Cup 2010 Qualifying. Ireland were down after the first match last Saturday which they lost 0-1 in Ireland.

They needed an away goal in France to even it up and under the such pressure this is how they scored to even the series...



**Update**

But Ireland go out! France are through to WC 2010! All thanks to another cut-back cross (and not one but two handballs by Thierry Henry in the same play) Incredible!


It's a cruel game sometimes!

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GOTM

Get your GOTM votes in by this Saturday November 21 to be eligible for the $25 gift cert to Kombat Soccer.

Make sure to leave a COMMENT with your name & your favorite goal number.

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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

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Futsal this Sunday

Remember that this Sunday we have futsal at the Boys & Girls Club Gym.

Here is something to get you warmed up.



And here is a great example of a buildup goal. I the first few sessions we talked about the movement of the four players and that they weave and fill the space. Mobility, awareness and fluidity are the keys to success. Watch here as the Brazilians react to each other. If one makes a run forward to create space, another fills. If the flow of play moves to the right the players on the opposite side use their awareness and balance the attack.

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Street Soccer

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



Practice where you can.

**Update**

More Street Soccer Silliness. For all you Wayne Rooney Fans.

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Do You Practice at Home

Does it look like this?



Shin juggling, using the crossbar to juggle, lift-up tricks, aerial tricks & ground moves make for a confident footballer.

Get out and play!

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The Assist

Not half bad at football, this guy.

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

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October Goal of the Month Competition

GOTM time again. I think this month is pretty obvious... but what do I know I've been wrong everytime...



$25 Gift Cert to Kombat for the player or parent who gets it right.

Goal Roundup after the fold..



#1 - Andre Bikey picks up the ball in the mid, rides a challenge to burst forward into the attacking third and completes the goal with a great one-two and finish. Not bad for a central defender.

#2 - A classy team goal. Let's break it down (1) Long Diagonal ball (2) Chest pass to a willing midfield runner (3) Backheal one-two, talk about deception (4) great chip to the back post (5) and a brave header to seal the deal

#3 - Arsenal are so dangerous on the counter-attack. This goal comes from a corner kick... The other teams corner kick. Arsenal break with speed and timing, but what makes the goal is run of the center forward. When the left winger slows his run and takes a touch in-field, the #9 makes a darting diagonal run behind the defense. The run holds the defenders in place which creates the 2v1 on the far side and with two passes (so often a great goal is two passes away) the opposite winger is in with a classy inside the foot finish. Great Goal!

#4 - From the same game as #3. We talked some weeks ago with the girls about the value of dribbling across the top of the box to create chances. So often defenders are coached to deal with attackers who go North & South, but don't know what to do with players when they go East & West. Watch how the first defenders lays off, the second and third don't commit and the strike is impeccable. Another great sound of the game - thump the post and in!

#5 - Once again a counter-attack goal. Great control in midfield by Elliott. Watch again how the run from the central attacker this time creates the space for the shot.

#6 - Great positioning to pick the ball up in space and run at the defender. Excellent finish from outside the box as the defense sits back at their own peril.

#7 - Such composure. Watch as Deco pulls away from his marker to find space. The fake shot to floor the first defender is awesome but the calm finish is what makes it special. He looks in complete control from the moment he receives the ball.

#8 - This is the beautiful game. Chest pass by Deco. Mid-air backheel over the defense by Lampard. Cool side-foot finish Drogba. What can I say. That is Class.

#9 - A predators strike. Torres only sniffed the misplaced control. It's still in the air and he's able to set himself and rocket it in. Great reaction.

#10 - One touch to chest control. One touch to blister the ball in the upper corner.

I'll let you know how wins in a couple wins.

Make sure to vote.

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Live Women's College Soccer Alert - SUNDAY 11/8 @ 1PM

THE #1 RANKED STANFORD CARDINAL PLAY THEIR LAST HOME GAME OF THE SEASON SUNDAY NOVEMBER 8TH @ 1PM.

IT WILL BE BROADCAST ON COMCAST SPORTS NET! (but check your local listings)

Another option - although it would be a diehard one - would be to head straight there after our game finishes in San Ramon. Our game is about 45 minutes from the Stanford campus.

This will be a great game and a great way to finish off a busy soccer weekend.

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Juggle Month Results & Winners

All throughout October the girls 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.

Winners

Record High / Highest Total: Kayla 364/364
Honorable Mention: Sierra 233/324

Most Improved: Stacy 18 to 51 +183%
Honorable Mention: Julia +105%, Lindsey B. +84%, Bravo +73%, Kayla +50%

Record High Head Juggles: Kayla


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

Player	OG High	New High	High Dif	OG Total	New Total	Total Dif
Kayla	242	364	122	272	364	92
Sierra	172	233	61	248	324	76
LP	121	121	0	186	186	0
Claire	63	91	28	178	213	35
Alondra	51	69	18	265	265	0
Jo	42	61	19	124	124	0
Julia	36	74	38	150	200	50
Bravo	32	44	12	116	201	85
T	31	31	0	31	31	0
L. Bock	25	46	21	120	194	74
Gabby	22	22	0	135	135	0
Mo	21	35	14	184	191	7
Stacy	18	51	33	113	130	17
Maddy	18	30	12	147	195	48
Jaime	17	27	10	190	200	10
Francesca	11	17	6	142	151	9
Inessa	0		0	-		0

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Gamenotes: vs Reno Sagebrush

eXtreme family,

We were 4-0 up at halftime but I was disappointed with the way the half had went.

I thought the girls were missing an opportunity to work on some of the more advanced soccer ideas they would need for us to progress as soccer players and as a team.

To the girls credit, they came out in the second half and dominated with a much better brand of soccer and a much more positive attitude towards soccer improvements.

Lots a goals means beaucoup bucks for the goal jar. So thank you to Kayla & Sierra for each picking in 3 and Alondra for getting her first of the season (I think... we might have to ask the resident statisticians).

See everyone Monday Night! Lots to prepare for next weekend. A rematch with the Rage & a NorCal Cup match we have to win!

One Club! One Love!

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Skill of The Week: Rabona

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 3:33). There is great skill throughout the video, but check out my favorite (the player I used to emulate) Maradona leading the way with the most stylish Rabona.



Definitely something to practice in your next backyard session.

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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 eXtreme 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.

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No Training Monday Oct 26th

I'm canceling training tonight.

Give yourself a few days to rest and recharge and we'll train Wednesday & Thursday to prepare for Reno.

See everyone Wednesday.

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1-4-3-3 Setup w/ Responsibilities

Click to Enlarge

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Midfield Support

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.

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Juggle Score Update

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After Placer Pizza Get-Together :: Saturday 5-7pm

After the games Saturday, head to Round Table Pizza near Hughes Park.

View Larger Map

We got the back room from 5-7pm.

Hope to see you there and I'll make sure there are nutritious things for healthy athletes to scarf-down.

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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.

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

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GOTM Winner Sept

And the envelope.. I mean video please...



And the winner is...



Congratulations Maddy Cook! I will have the Prize for you tonight at Futsal.

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Tandem Chilean (Bicycle) Kick

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

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Juggle Score Update

Player	High	Total
Julia	36 / 74	150
Mo	21 /31	-
L. Bock	25 / 46	120
Alondra	51 / 69	265
Kayla	242 / 289	272
Gabby	22	135
Jo	42	124
Francesca	11	142
Jaime	17	190
Claire	63	178
T	31	-
Maddy	18	147
Sierra	172	248
Stacy	18 / 43	113

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GameNotes: Sac United 1 - 2 Manteca Arsenal

eXtreme Family,

A tough loss this weekend. In cup games you must prepare for an intense atmosphere but I think we were caught off guard by the level of physicality on such a postage stamp of a pitch.

I believe we had problems in the first half, especially to find our game. They stopped us from playing, they played a very good game - committed, aggressive, well organized.

The early goal was a testament to their pressure and our car-lag.

In the second half we had plenty of opportunities but we took one of them very well after a very good pass from Julia setting Sierra on her way (much like last weekend). After that we had many opportunities to score the equalizing goal. We were more imposing in the second half but Manteca always looked dangerous on set pieces & on the counter attacks.

While the referee didn't do us any favors by letting the game degrade into a physical battle, we have to be able to adjust our game to both the opponents, the field conditions & the officials.

On that tiny pitch, with opponents playing as aggressive as they were, we should have looked to quickly transition the ball out of pressure after winning it. Instead we too often relied on dribbling to solve our soccer problems. In the end this caused us problems in midfield & the final third, leading to a few bumps & bruises along the way. It is disappointing because we worked on SPEED OF PLAY over the last few weeks(supporting angles, one touch soccer, identifying open space), but were unable to use our skills to control more of the game (I also think the pitch played a part in that as well).

That said, I think the girls showed excellent spirit & unity in the second to claw one back and to create several chances. Keeping the pressure on until the last minute in spite of all the injuries.

Training Next Week:

No practice Monday! For those that are injured, rest and recover. For those fit enough to train, either hit the field/road for a personal session OR go to the U16G training Monday 7-8:30pm @ Granite

Wednesday: 7-8:30pm @ Granite - Possession: Speed of play, Playing out of pressure
Thursday : 7-8:30pm @ 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. ;)

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

THE PROOF.

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September GOTM Contest

**UPDATE** - You have still have time to enter and remember it's OK if someone already picked your favorite goal - If more than one person picks the GOTM the winner will be drawn from those who guessed right.

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 , Esmerelda

This contest is open to all eXtreme players & parents. I will also take any baby name suggestions...



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)

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Juggle Scores

Player	High	Total
Julia	36	150
Mo	21	-
L. Bock	25	120
Alondra	51	265
Kayla	242	272
Gabby	22	135
Jo	42	124
Francesca	11	142
Jaime	17	190
Claire	63	178
T	31	-
Maddy	18	147
Sierra	172	248
Stacy	18	113

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