Sunday, April 28, 2013

Pressure Makes Us: Abby Wambach

There's no question how much I love the US Women's National Team.  I feel like their game is so pure, meaning they are there to play and to do their best.  Always.  No antics.  No flopping.  No egos.  And although Carli Lloyd is my favorite player, I truly respect Abby Wambach.  She handles a tough loss with such dignity and pride it's almost more inspiring than winning.  She knows how to rally her team.  She even controls their emotions when she gets punched in the face.   She is the epitome of a true team player.  She shares the ball with her teammates, will run her guts out to make any pass or play work, will put her body at risk for a 50/50 ball, and will play any position on the field for the greater good of the team.

As a player, I always try to be that team player.  I'll play anywhere on the field, mostly because I know I'll find my chance to get in that attack and all I really want to be is a difference maker.  Wise words from Megan Rapinoe... "I go where the game tells me."  As a coach, I only wish parents and players are open minded to see it too.  Not glorify any one position, or look down upon another just because it's not the attention grabber or "lesser skilled" position.  For some reason everyone thinks if you play defense, you lose your skill, your confidence, all you do is kick the ball.  I see just the opposite.  Defenders learn early on the definition of a mistake, and the consequence one brings.  They become smarter faster.  They play a simpler game true, but cleaner and more precise.  My cousin played Center Back, and his coach at the time made a comment on when he would dribble the ball up the field, he would just hold his breath because you could tell something great was about to happen.  You learn to pick your opportunities to display that hidden skill, and when you get your chance, that's what everyone remembers.  That's the excitement this game needs.  Proud defenders.

"It's taking care of the small little things that make the whole succeed and move forward."
-Abby Wambach


Wednesday, April 24, 2013

GAME #3 STATS - FIRST TOUCH

One thing we really need to work on is our first touch.  It killed us in our third game vs. Blue Knights Premier.  Homework assignment... 2,000 total juggles per day.  Yeah, I'm not joking around.

Here are the stats for the Blue Knights Premier Game:

TEAM TOTALS

First Half Total Passes = 89
First Half Total Touches on Ball = 189
First Half Possession Percentage = 45%
Second Half Total Passes = 81
Second Half Total Passes = 345
Second Half Possession Percentage = 51%
Overall = 167/345 for 48% Possession.

We maintained our average of 46%. We need to clean up that first touch to increase our possession.

INDIVIDUAL TOTALS:

  • Marshall = 4/9 - 47%
  • Ty R = 8/20 - 40%
  • Blayze = 4/7 - 57%
  • Hunter = 18/52 - 34%
  • Nate = 23/33 - 69%
  • Jordan = 24/40 - 61%
  • Johan = 21/43 - 48%
  • Gage = 1/6 - 16%
  • Wes = 14/27 - 51%
  • Carter = 29/58 - 50%
  • Dawson = 8/20 - 40%
  • Ty S = 5/10 - 50%
  • Mason = 4/8 - 50%
I have to keep in mind that we played one of the top teams.  A 5-1 loss didn't reflect our game really.  It was 1-1 at the half, they scored their second midway through the second half.  Costly mistakes, lack of pressure was what resulted in their goals the second half.  I think I get caught up in our potential and realize that we have to be patient with the possession game.  It takes time to develop, and these boys are on the right track.  Again, cleaning up their first touch is step one to achieve the success we strive for.  


Thursday, April 18, 2013

FC BAYERN 02 PREMIER - GAME 1 & 2 STATS

Okay, I'm getting with the program again.  I'm really trying to bring awareness to everyone's game and make each player accountable for what they bring to the team.  The number one focus, of course, is possession percentages.  It's always a huge eye opener when you can actually see the numbers.  Here are the stats.

GAME #1 - FCB vs USA Alliance (W 1-0)

TEAM TOTALS

  • Total Passes = 82
  • Total Turnovers = 145
  • Total Touches = 227
  • Possession Percentage = 36%
INDIVIDUAL TOTALS
  • Marshall = 2/7 - 28%
  • Ty R = 4/8 - 50%
  • Blayze = 1/2 - 50%
  • Hunter = 13/36 - 36%
  • Nate = 10/24 - 41%
  • Jordan = 11/23 - 47%
  • Johan = 16/43 - 48%
  • Gage = 1/4 - 25%
  • Wesley = 12/30 - 40%
  • Carter = 8/20 - 40%
  • Dawson = 4/13 - 30%
GAME #2 - FCB vs Rangers (W 2-1)

TEAM TOTALS
  • Total Passes = 174
  • Total Turnovers = 136
  • Total Touches = 310
  • Possession Percentage = 56%
  • Improvement = 20%
  • Possession Average = 46%
INDIVIDUAL TOTALS
  • Marshall = 6/11 - 54%
  • Ty R = 7/11 - 63%
  • Blayze = 6/14 - 42%
  • Hunter = 22/47 - 46%
  • Nate = 20/39 - 51%
  • Jordan = 25/38 - 65%
  • Johan = 24/39 - 61%
  • Gage = 3/9 - 33%
  • Wesley = 19/33 - 57%
  • Carter = 21/32 - 65%
  • Dawson = 11/17 - 64%
  • Hayden = 4/9 - 44%
  • Mason = 6/11 - 54%
The team improved so much from Game 1 to Game 2, and that's what we're here to do... Improve.  We have another tough game coming up.  I hope the boys can keep the same focus, connect their passes, and continually increase their averages.  I couldn't be more proud of them right now.