Coach Cooke's Soccer Site

The offsides rule

2011-09-22T16:41:00.000-07:00

Offsides is a rule that prevents players from sitting near the other team's goal to receive a pass and score a goal while not having a defender in position to stop the shot.
It only applies in the opponent's half of the field.
There must be 2 defensive players between the offensive player and their goal when a pass from further upfield from the goal is kicked to be received by the offensive player. This is usually the goalie and a defender but if the goalie is upfield, there must be two defenders closer to the goal than the player being passed to.
Once the ball is kicked by a teammate, if they started in an onside position, they can run to the ball and play it even if they beat everyone to the ball and they are then closer to the goal than any of the defenders.
The ball counts as a defender. Thus the reason for taking the ball down near the goal line and passing it back to the middle away from the goalie.
Sometimes a line referee will signal an offside position without seeing if that player is involved in the play. The assistant referee is only supposed to signal the offsides if the player that was in an offside position is involved in the play. If the player that is offsides makes no attempt to play the ball, the offsides should not be called, but it is sometimes.
Being exactly even with the defender is not offsides. However, an arm of head or foot is enough to allow the assistant referee to call an offsides.

Follow up meeting Azzurri u 10 girls

2010-05-12T10:05:00.000-07:00

There will be a follow up meeting at the Cooke home at 1216 Highland Dr. Yuba City Calif. on May 15, 2010 from 3-4 p.m. to get better acquainted and to follow up on soccer homework.

Futbolito

2010-04-28T15:08:00.000-07:00

The Futbolito Schedule is out. San Jose is 6-19-10. cost $120.00 per 7 man team. Contact coach Cooke if you are interested.

Azzurri under 10 girls team meeting

2010-04-28T15:05:00.000-07:00

Coach Cooke is having a team meeting for his new under 10 girls azzurri team at his home on sunday May 2 from 1-4 p.m. Swimming is appropriate for all. All of the family is invited.

Tryouts

2010-03-18T10:23:00.000-07:00

Unbder 16 boys tryouts will finish Saturday March 20 beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the Riverbottoms Soccer Complex. Anyone interested in playing for a competitive club should show up with a white T Shirt, proper soccer equipment and water.

Diablo Cup

2010-03-18T10:04:00.000-07:00

The Azzurri Eagles, a u-15 boys team, played well in the Diablo Cup. They were defearted by a strong Diablo Team that won the tournament, and by Bay Oaks. They were successful in Sunday's game defeating BocaBoca 2-1. Players that improved substantially over the season include Marco Chavez, Alfredo Hernandez, Skyler Ripley, Jaime Ruiz, and Rafe Smith. Players that continued to work hard and continued their effective leadership through hard work include Milad Rahim, Hector Ramos, Nestor Morales, Frankie Avila, Collin Olmstead, and Thomas Mehler. Strong Goalie play and defensive play was contributed by Victor Alcantar and Jose Mendoza. Skillful play was also provided by Jonathan Trejo, Eduardo Ramirez, David Sherman, Fernando Lopez, Brandon Barriga, and Pedro Valencia.

Winter league

2010-01-24T15:45:00.000-08:00

Azzurri Eagles are playing in an under 16 Winter league. The boys are experiencing strong competition and should be improving individually and as a team. Next week, January 30, 2010 they play the 8 a.m. game and the 3:30 game at Yuba City High School all weather soccer field. they are still looking for their first win in this league.

They have been entered in the Diablo Cup the weekend of March 13-14, 2010 in Concord, California. Save the dates.

Practice continues on Tuesday evening on the John Steel Field from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Their other practice is Monday nights from 6 to 7:45 p.m. Coach reserves to add a make up practice but all players are advised to run outside of practice at least 3 miles a week.

Azzurri Eagles practice schedule

2009-12-02T08:15:00.000-08:00

Practice continues for all of coach Cooke's players to prepare for the winter league. Practices are being held on Tuesday nights 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday mornings, 10:00 a.m. to 12. All practices continue on the John Steel Field subject to moving onto a drier field. Practice will be held unless it is raining at the time practice begins. The under 15 team invites any of the under 16 players to compete for spots, particularly during the under 16 league games that will run 10 weeks beginning in January.

Final League Standing

2009-12-02T08:09:00.000-08:00

The Azzurri Eagles Class 3 finished second in their division, finishing strong in their last match closing out the season with a 5-1 win. They lost only to the first place team in their division and to Real Santa Rosa that moved up a division. With 8 league wins, they also participated in four tournaments, with a second place in one and a fourth place in another. Most importantly the boys made substantial improvements in their play and in their growth as young men.

Pumpkin kick results

2009-10-26T11:26:00.000-07:00

The Azzurri Eagles finished 4th in the u-16 boys Pumpkin Kick Tournament. While the boys showed improvement particularly in the second half against Real Santa Rosa, the most important benefit of the Tournament was the experience of what did work to control the game as opposed to what did not work.
When the team made a conscious effort to move the ball up with specific passes to specific players and to move up to support the attack, the Eagles looked like they could defeat Real Santa Rosa if they played again, as the Eagles dominated the 2nd half.
While we did not lose to Lincoln, the tie allowed Lincoln to go to the championship and caused the rematch with Real Santa Rosa.
The under 16 will look forward to the u-15 team joining practice as the high school fall season ends.

special practice

2009-09-25T09:37:00.000-07:00

Coach Cooke will hold a special practice for members of both Eagle teams Saturday September 26 at 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 and then will go play with the TOPS team on the Rich Talle field for about 1/2 an hour. This will also include information about the shoot out on Sunday and will include a discussion about funds needed to enter the Pumpkin Kick Tournament.

Knights of Columbus Soccer shootout for under 15 boys

2009-09-21T16:38:00.000-07:00

Members of both Azzurri Eagle teams that are not yet 15, are invited to register for a shootout (penalty kicks) with the district competition occurring on October 24, 2009 in Folsom. The winner of the local shootout will be eligible to compete in the district. The district winner will be eligible for the State tournament in San Luis Obispo in November. Because the Azzurri Eagles 3 is planning to play in the Pumpkin Kick Tournament and the district shootout conflicts, the Azzurri Eagle under 15 team members are encouraged to participate as they will not be participating in the Pumpkin Kick. The local tournament occurs on Sunday September 27 at St. Isadore Church soccer field with registration at 3 p.m. and shootout at 4 p.m.. The Knights of Columbus invite the participants and their families to hambergers and hotdogs and drinks at the shootout.

Results of first two games

2009-09-21T16:34:00.000-07:00

Azzurri Eagles 3 won on September 19, 2009 6-1, and won on September 20, 2009 2-1. The boys continue to play a strong defense and will strive to avoid any goals against them in the upcoming matches.

Practice Schedule October

2009-09-21T16:32:00.000-07:00

Beginning October 1, Thursday's practices will be moved to Fridays. The time will still start at 5:30 but will end at 7 p.m. The team will still practice on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in October.

First Regular Season Game

2009-09-10T20:43:00.000-07:00

Azzurri Eagles 3 are Meeting at the Buckland's home at 8:15 a.m. Saturday Sept 12,2009 to play their first regular season game at 10:30 a.m. The field is located at the Isador Cohen Elementary School. near Highway 50 and Watt Ave.. Sacramento.

Practice schedule

2009-08-24T17:14:00.000-07:00

August 25 and 27 and Sept 1 and 3 the team will practice 6-8 p.m.
Beginning next week: Sept 8 and 10 the team will practice 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and will keep that schedule for the rest of September. Saturday game schedule will be picked up this Wednesday and begins the Saturday after Labor Day.

Peach Classic Tournament

2009-08-24T17:09:00.000-07:00

The Azzurri Eagles class 3 under 16 boys team, that is ranked 37th in district VI, faced stiff competition in the Peach Classic Tournament. Against their first competitor, ranked 30th, they won 8-0. Against their second competitor, ranked 15th, they won 4-1. Against the team ranked 13th, they tied the first game 2-2 and lost the championship 1-2. Congratulations to the team for the 2nd place finish.

Fort Brag Tournament

2009-08-24T17:03:00.000-07:00

11 players travelled to Fort Brag for a class 3 tournament. The team won 2 games 2-0 and 1-0 lost one game 0-1 to the second place team and lost one game to the tournament champion yielding the fewest goals compared with other teams they played and the least goal differential. I can report that the players did a good job and deserved to play in the consolation game which went to a team in a different bracket with fewer points. The boys continue to gain valuable playing experience.

June 27, 2009 Azzurri Jamboree

2009-06-25T16:13:00.000-07:00

Both the under 16 team and the under 15 team have a game in the River Bottoms this Saturday at 11:30 a.m. Both teams plan to meet at the John Steel field for warm ups at 10:30 a.m.
Both teams including families are invited to come to Coach Cooke's home for a swim and potluck lunch. Please bring something to share.
The under 15 team has a second game at 4 p.m.
Last year's assistant coach Mallet Tuekpe is welcomed back and plans to be at these events.

Washoe Zephyr Tournament

2009-06-24T17:20:00.000-07:00

Coach Cooke benefitted most from the tournament seeing how the boys needed to improve to be more competitive. While the teams they played on Saturday gave them all they could handle and more, the Azzurri Eagles 3 team played much better on Sunday and were competitive in their effort. Congratulations to the boys that participated, as they will benefit from the competition. I know the boys will continue to improve and will be better able to be more competitive in upcoming tournaments.

Washoe Zephyr Tournament

2009-06-02T13:57:00.000-07:00

The under 16 team has been accepted into the Reno Tournament the weekend of June 13, 2009.
They will be allowed to have up to 5 guest players who will be invited from the u-15 team. Coach Cooke will have a meeting to go over the final details Thursday June 4, at the end of practice at 7:30 p.m.

Extra Credit Homework

2009-05-27T20:39:00.000-07:00

Inside of foot (lobatta) 25 forward, 25 in place, 25 going backward
Outside of foot 5 right hand complete circles 5 left hand complete circles, repeat 5 times
Stop with bottom of foot, and turn, repeat 15 times
Stop with step over and accelerate in opposite direction, repeat 15 times
Start with shovel start. repeat 25 times
Locomotion across the field x 5
Train wreck with 5 wrecks across the field x 5
Toe Taps in place x 25, repeat 5 times
Toe Taps forward x 25, repeat 5 times
Toe Taps backwards x 25, repeat 5 times
Rollovers right across the field, repeat 5 times
Rollovers left across the field, repeat 5 times
100 yards with 10 single or double scissors, repeat 5 times
100 yards with 10 big kick fakes, repeat 5 times
3 roll overs 1 step over and push out to get space to center (Mathews), repeat 25 times
Juggle chest thighs foot head 10 minutes goal to increase number of continuous touches
Players are encouranged to do homework to improve their soccer skills.
Do these skill at least 3 times per week.

Rogue Valley Tournament

2009-05-27T20:35:00.000-07:00

The Azzurri Eagles u 14 boys team did well in the Rogue Valley Tournament, the first tournament for the team as assembled. They scored 16 goals while only allowing 3. They took second losing only to a fine local team from Medford. the boys scored many of their goals late in the games showing they were able to finish the games with a strong effort.

Schedule of Events

2009-05-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

May 23-25 Rogue Valley Tournament u-15. No practice May 25.

Practice for everyone Tuesday May 26 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. No practice Thursday May 28.

Friday May 29 Goalie practice, river bottoms 6:00 to 7:30. Goalie Practices will continue on Friday evenings at the same time unless told otherwise.

Monday June 1, and Tuesday June 2, I need help covering practice. I will be out of state.

Practice will continue on Monday Tuesdays and Thursdays. I can now practice on Thursdays from 5:30 – 7:30. so all practices except goalie practice will be 5:30 – 7:30. during the summer. I will need help the last 2 weeks of July and the 1st week of August. I will be out of state.

Both teams are entered in the Reno Tournament. Awaiting confirmation for June 13, 14.

Butte County Wars: June 27 River bottoms times to be announced. Both teams?

Azzurri Cup by invitation July 17, 18. Class 1?

Seeding tournament Class 3 July 24, 25 u - 16

Applying for Fort Bragg tournament Aug 8, 9 (Class 3) u-16

Peach Classic Tournament August? (Class 3) u-16

Class 3 league begins weekend after Labor day, every Saturday except tournament weekends.

Applying for Vacaville United Shootout Sept 26, 27. U-16.

Pumpkin Kick October 24, 25 Class 3 U-16

District Cup Dec 5, 6 u-16

Class 1 tournament before class 1 league play Dec 12, 13? u-15

Association Cup? January 2010 u-16

League Play Class 1 u-15

State Cup March 2010 u-15

Practice Schedule for May 2009 u-15 and u-16 boys

2009-05-04T07:53:00.000-07:00

Practice Schedule for May 2009 is as follows:

Mondays and Tuesdays up to Memorial Day 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. No practice Memorial Day but the Tuesday after Memorial Day will be normal practice 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. May 26, 2009.

Thursday May 7, no practice. Coach meeting at Coach's house 6:30 p.m. There will be a practice Wednesday May 6, 5:30 -7:30 p.m. instead of Thursday May 7, 2009.

Practice will resume on Thursdays, beginning May 14, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. to the end of the month.

Phil Cooke 701-7681

Tryouts for competitive soccer

2009-02-03T20:11:00.000-08:00

Players who are 10 t0 13 by July 31, 2009 try-outs are March 7, 8, 14, 15.

______________________________________

Players who are 14 to 19 by July 31, 2009 Tryouts are March 21, 22, 28, 29.

Registration and Tryouts are held for the 2009 season at Riverfront Park, Wheeler Auto Soccer Complex, Marysville, California.

2009 Tryouts

2009-02-02T09:52:00.000-08:00

Tryouts for under 12 and 14 will be held on the 1st two weekends in March, 2009. Tryouts for under 16 and under 19 will be on the last two weekends in March, 2009. Clarification as to time and specific dates will be forthcoming after the third Wednesday of February.

The Azzurri Club will be conducting the tryouts with a selection committee to extend invitations to the players this year to try to build teams that can compete in the A division and for the District and Association Cup.

Depending on the talent pool and numbers of players, there may be an effort to have an age group that are all of similar age.

Association Cup 2009

2009-02-02T09:47:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the the Azzurri Eagles for getting to the Sweet 16 in the Association Cup. The Eagles lost to the winning team 1-0, the same score that the winning team beat the second place team by and the only other team to only give up one goal to the champion.

District Cup Results

2008-12-26T09:44:00.000-08:00

Azzurri Eagles took second place losing only to Lincoln 2-1 in the final. The Eagles won all of their preliminary games. and outshot and dominated Lincoln in the finals. Well done!

Practice Schedule for the Association Cup

2008-12-26T09:25:00.000-08:00

December 26, 2008, 3-5 p.m. River Bottoms; December 29, 2008, 3-5 p.m. River Bottoms;
January 5, 2009, 3-5 p.m. River Bottoms; January 6, 2009 3-5 p.m. River Bottoms; January 8, 3-5 p.m. River Bottoms.
Practice the following weeks will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays only, 4:30 to 6:30 either at Gray avenue or a High School depending on what is available as long as we continue to move on in the tournament.
Practice schedule cancelled for that day only if there is a steady hard rain at the time we are to begin practice.
You are a good team. Lets all try to become the best team in Northern California for our Class. If you make the effort to attend all the practices, that will be the foundation for that goal. If you work hard to make all of the other team members feel good about their contribution, that will be a strong building block. If you focus on what we are practicing during practice, that will be a significant factor in our working toward our goal.
You played very well in the District Cup. You are a very good team! Lets work together to be the best!

Association Cup

2008-12-26T08:35:00.000-08:00

Jan 10, 11, 2009 in Lemoore Soccer Complex, Lemoore, California. Thereafter, sweet sixteen and quarter finals at Morgan Hill, California the weekend of Jan 17, 18, 2009. Game times depend on our standings after the first weekend. Semifinals, January 24, 2009 in MTV on synthetic turf on Saturday at 11 a.m. and finals on Sunday January 25, 2009 at Mustang Cytomax upper at 2:30 p.m. If rainout, we will be moved to the following weekend, so reserve the next two weekends after the January 24, 25th weekend just in case.

Game times in Lemoore: Jan 10, 11:30 a.m. Jan 11, 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

District Cup Azzurri Eagles Schedule

2008-11-25T20:16:00.000-08:00

The first weekend of the District Cup for under 14 boys Goup B which includes the Eagles will be held at Wheeler Auto Soccer Complex at Riverfront Park December 6 and 7, 2008. The Eagles are the hosts for the opening weekend. Game times for the Eagles are as follows: Saturday December 6, Eagles vs. River City Raptors 8:30 a.m.; Eagles vs. Fair Oaks Flash 11:45 a.m.; Sunday December 7, Eagles vs. El Dorado Hills Heat 10:00 a.m.; Eagles vs. Land Park Thunder 1:15 p.m. Winner of the B group flight A will face the winner of B group Flight B, 6 p.m. Friday December 12 at Woodland CC.

Good finish to the regular season

2008-11-23T20:25:00.000-08:00

The Azzurri Eagles outscored their opponnents over the last three games 12-3 but gave up a game winner to Lincoln to lose only their fourth game of the season. (16-4-2) All losses have been by one goal. They finished their last game of the regular season with a 6-0 win. The team is now in preparation for the District Cup in the E-D division. (What is call the B group flight A) They may have an opportunity to overcome two of their opponents that are responsible for three out of their four losses if they continue to work hard and continue to play together as they may get to face both of them in the District Cup. They are planning a scrimmage against the Azzurri Strikers another fine local team, the team that beat them 1-0 in the Peach Classic Tournament Championship Game, Saturday after Thanksgiving at 12 noon in the River Bottoms. With continued hard work and trust in themselves and their teammates they could do well in the District Cup and earn a chance to win their division in the finals December 13 under the lights in Woodland.

The Azzurri Eagles are also registered for the Association Cup the North State class 3 Championship tournament beginning the second weekend in January.

Coach Cooke is the host coach for the first weekend of games in the District Cup for the E-D division and will need help from parents as field marshalls, and from referees to make the experience a good one for all. He is one of three local coaches hosting their opening weekend of District Cup competition.

2008-11-03T14:04:00.000-08:00

We have completed registration for The Azzurri Eagles in the Association Cup, the Northern California State Championship for class 3 teams. Subject to being postponed for weather, the dates to save are Jan 10-11 opening weekend, January 17-18 middle level playoffs, and semis and championships the weekend of January 24, 25, 2009. Based on past years, it is not uncommon to be postponed one or two weeks. I offered to host any portion of the tournament at Wheeler Auto Soccer Complex at Riverfront Park. The teams we play against will be drawn the middle of November and we may hear shortly thereafter when and who and where we will play. In order to do well we need to work on our league games the next three weekends. Then we need to work hard and play hard in the District Cup. So for now don't worry about the Association Cup, just save the dates!

2008-11-03T13:41:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the Azzurri Eagles under 14 boys on winning first place in the PUMPKIN KICK Tournament! You scored 14 goals while allowing none. Good Job! Well done!

Interested is seeing a Cal Stanford Women Soccer game?

2008-10-21T08:59:00.000-07:00

We have an opportunity to go to a Cal Stanford Women's Soccer Game at Cal, Saturday November 8 at 2 p.m. if I can change our game time in Sacramento. All team members get in free. Please tell me if the team would like to go.

Practice Schedule change

2008-10-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

Beginning November 2, 2008 we lost an hour of daylight. We will still practice during the week Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays but for only an hour and a half from 4:30p.m. to 6 p.m. beginning November 17, except on November 27 (Happy Thanksgiving) and on November 29, a Saturday when we will practice from 11 a.m. 2 p.m. We plan to Scrimmage the Strikers with the game to begin at 12 noon. We will practice Tuesday or Wednesday during the Thanksgiving holiday week depending on the weather forecast. Because practice is shortened, try to be on time dressed and ready to go. Please also arrange to have your ride to go home at 6 P.M. We have applied for other scrimmages and practice under the lights at time to be announced.

District Cup

2008-10-21T08:35:00.000-07:00

We have entered the District Cup to be played the weekend of December 6 and 7 and December 13. The location is yet to be determined but we have offered to host the group we are scheduled to play with. Please save the dates!!!

Pictures

2008-10-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

There may be a photographer available to take individual and or team photos today or Thursday. Please bring both uniforms to practice even if you do not want a picture.

Pumpkin Kick Tournament

2008-10-21T08:21:00.000-07:00

Orangevale Blaze vs. Azzurri Eagles Saturday Oct 25 10 a.m. Operating Engineers Field #8

Azzurri Eagles vs. Azzurri Scorpions Saturday Oct 25 2:30 p.m. Builders & Developers Field #7

Cal Rush Rangers vs. Azzurri Eagles Sunday Oct 26 9:00 a.m. Operating Engineers Field # 8

Consolation and Championship game time Sunday Oct 26 2:00 p.m.

Peach Harvest Classic Tournament

2008-08-18T13:52:00.000-07:00

The Azzurri Eagles played in the peach Harvest Classic Tournament August 16 andf 17, 2008.
The boys played well. Against the Davis Galaxy, Eagles won 3-2. Against the Sierra Gold Rangers the Eagles won 5-1. While missing a penalty kick and then giving up a penanty kick that was successful to the Vacaville extreme, the Eagles came back to win 2-1 hold off the extreme's heavy pressure at the end.
The Eagles lost to the Azzurri Strikers in the chanmpionship game 1-0 in a hard fought game. Congratulations to the Strikers. Congratulations to the Eagles for second place.
Players of the game recognitions went to Thomas Mehler, Alex Martinez, Jose Mendoza and Mariano Gallaga.
The Eagles also played well in their seeding tournament winning four and tying one. 2-1, 2-1, 2-1, 3-0, and 1-1. They were moved into the "E" bracket.
Practice schedule:
Practice will continue the next two weeks from 6-8 p.m. Monday Tuesday and Thursday but will begin at 5 and go to 7 beginning September 2, 2008 (no practice labor day).
Coach Cooke 8-18-08

CRYSTAL HUNTING

2008-07-08T16:09:00.000-07:00

Uniforms

2008-04-10T09:47:00.000-07:00

April 10, 2008

Azzurri team players can now go to our uniform supplier and get their uniforms sized.

Our supplier is Soccer City in Yuba City 637 Plumas Street. They are open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

When going in for sizing, identify the team you are playing for, the age group and coach so they can match up the orders with the teams. Eagle Players, please try to get in this month so we can get our uniforms ordered and start playing in tournaments as soon as they arrive.

Azzurri Eagles practice schedule

2008-03-21T08:49:00.000-07:00

Updated 4-08-08

Members of the Azzurri Eagles from 2007 and new members of the Azzurri Eagles met at Coach Cookes backyard field for a 3 on 3 tournament and barbeque with their families Sunday April 6, 2008 from 1-5. Parents and siblings participated in the tournament.

Practice for the 2008 team commenced April 7, 2008. Practices to be Monday and Tuesday nights 5:30 - 7:30 until May when we will also practice Thursday nights. Practice will be held on the Wheeler Auto #10 Soccer field Riverfront Park until the until the Steel Field is open again afrter reseeding is completed.

How to prepare for practice: Run 3 miles 3 times per week. Work on dribbling and faking skills with the ball while running. Do 100 juggles with the ball at least 3 times per week.

Team members are invited to play at Kingwood Park, Yuba City, on Wednesday evenings 6-6:30 show up time to dark, and Saturday mornings 10 a.m. show up time for a couple of hours. This is a fun voluntary opportunity.

AZZURRI SOCCER TRYOUTS AND SIGNUPS FOR 2008

2008-02-13T08:47:00.000-08:00

Updated March 21, 2008
Who: Boys & Girls
Ages 14-18 as of July 31, 2008

Dates: April 19, 20; 26, and 27, 2008

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. for registration
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for tryouts

Location: Riverfront Park Soccer Complex

The Azzurri Soccer Club offers competitive soccer within the state. Entering tournaments and playing on Saturdays with other competitve clubs, September - November, Class 3.

If there is enough interest in any one age group and we have willing sponsors and coaches, they will sponsor a Class 1 Competitive Team that may travel out of state and make may compete in the State Cup.

The Azzurri Soccer Club can connect players with tutors and with Olympic Development Teams for interested players.

2008-02-01T14:02:00.000-08:00

Notes from the 2008 CYSA Soccer Expo, Oakland, California.

There were useful field demonstrations that had immediate practical use in coaching kids. There was a presentation on working with goal keepers, a presentation on increasing kid’s reaction time and speed to the ball, a demonstration of useful warm-ups and helpful passing drills and a discussion and demonstration of using four fullbacks.

SPEED DRILLS FOR SOCCER

The following activities were included in the program on speed training as a warm up to get the kids speeding up their thinking and getting their bodies active. In a limited area everybody was “it” and had to tag everyone else on the back. Players were asked to go for a minute or up to three minutes at a time. They were asked to keep score. They could block the tag if they could. The idea was to get them running and using their upper body and eyes in an active and quick game. That game then changed to tagging on the back and the knee with special emphasis to avoid bonking heads by bending at the knees to get low to tag at the knee and again encouraging the players to block the tag if they could. While this game appeared to be organized chaos, the kids appeared to be active, be running, and stayed active and running in this game. Again, they were asked to keep score on the number of tags that were successful. The time limit was from one to three minutes depending upon how well they are doing. This game was then expanded to several players being in a limited area and players trying to dribble the ball through the area without getting tagged either on the back or the knee. If the players were able to go through a corner of the area, they would get one point; they could go all the way through the middle without getting tagged, they could get two points; if they were able to go through and tag one of the people in the middle on the back, they could get five points. If the ball was kicked out of the area by one of the players in the middle, they lost all their points and had to restart. That game was run for one to three minutes, changing up the number of players in the middle.

As we know, the points really don’t matter and it is just whatever the coach wants to do with it.

After the kids are warmed up there is, of course, a period of stretching. As part of the running the kids were then encouraged to begin running by leaning and using gravity and teaching the kids to run with their chest forward and leaning as they start to use gravity to save energy and to get a quicker start encouraging the players to use short fast arm strokes what he called, “alligator arms,”(pumping the arms forward and backward at elbow and fist moving forward and back quickly with short strides) and when they got up to speed using high fast arm strokes going from eye socket to hip pocket or cheek to cheek as it were. The development of the arm stroke can be incorporated in the agility ladder when having the kids run through the ladder getting their upper arm working with their lower bodies, the emphasis being getting the upper arms working with the lower body, allows them to move faster.

I would think a coach could experiment as to how fast they run in a 40-yard dash before doing the agility and speed training and then seeing if they increase their speed over a 40-yard dash with these techniques.

The use of the agility ladders was to have the kids go through them forwards, backwards, side to side, deciding how many steps they want in; whether they want cross over steps going through from side to side; they can be used for any practice of fakes but again the emphasis is getting the upper arms working with the lower body to increase quickness.

PASSING DRILLS

Passing drills were demonstrated with 4 players in a line and having the players immediately split off to opposite sides upon beginning of the pass so that they are no longer in line and they could pass backwards; they could pass through the middle in a z form; they could make a long pass, drop back to the middle and back to the beginning; they could do a z pass with a player on the end then running back and using a player to pass to on a give and go; they progress these passing drills into games of 6 on 2 and 5 on 3. Passing drills were also started with 2-touch and then moved to 1-touch, pace of the ball was hard and the players were required to trap the ball within a foot based upon the level of skill. It was easier for the older players to do that than the younger players but obviously those were the things they were working for.