New and DIFFERENT is good

For the Fall 2011 season our U10 Shockers will play under the Newtown system out of Johns Creek.

What is both unusual, and rather exciting (I think) is that Newtown defies Georgia Soccer philosophies and has U10 playing 11v11 – as opposed to the standard 6v6 “more touches” format.

We have fifteen players. Several find themselves playing soccer for the first time. And, many are not yet sure what to make of their enthusiastic coach (but our legacy cheer: “WE ARE SHOCKERS” gets them moving in the right direction every time). And, to be certain, our early practices offer great promise.

Emma Jo and BFF Mary Elizabeth are quite pleased with their alarmingly pink kits, a Shockers first, to be sure.

Our first match is Saturday September 17th, with a team picture certainly to follow.

Coach Brian

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We Wanted The Ball

Behold our Mighty and Ferocious U10 Shockers Nation!

I feel so good after the match this past weekend (I told Jason Dell, Dennis Covington and Joanne that I felt like we had just won World Cup). Most of the families have athletic histories with siblings. So, you understand what it means when a team like ours “turns the corner”. And, for me that is a key reason why I love to coach.

JBS U10 Shockers Nation 7 vs. JBS U10 Cyclones 0

 The kids actually reward me when they pull it together.

The first time we played the JBS U10 Cyclones we they beat us decisively at 3-0 despite our athleticism and dominating their side of the pitch. I am keenly aware that team has been together for several years and average a full year older than our squad. So, our performance this past Saturday was astounding and gratifying. The improvement both in simple play, but field vision and positioning was impressive. Every single one of our players has improved since the beginning of the season. Not only are we reinforcing solid citizenship and being good sports, but our ability to play as individuals and as a team is ahead of the U10 soccer-play curve.

Key improvements realized themselves in our one and two touch control and passing. Also, “crashing the goal” after a shot. And, of course taking those critical shots on goal. Once a player gets a taste of that you will notice a dramatic change in their style-of-play – and joy. One of the really cool elements of our rising play was the fact that we had four different scorers. And, two of the players could have had “hat-tricks” (three goals) if I had not put them in the goal.

By the way… Even though it slows our collective scoring process, and possibly frustrates goal-minded players, I will continue to rotate Keepers (goalies). Who would have guessed that Mary Elizabeth would have the instincts to fall on a ball to protect it from an opposing Forward (but, I won’t strand her in the net)?

Coach Brian

the give-and-go

Last night at my U10 Shockers soccer practice I had a small turn-out. Tuesdays are “extra” practice for the little ones.

This gave me an option to work very closely with the team and I decided to try and work on some fairly advanced “give-and-go” drills.

“Think simple about giving the ball to a teammate and then running up pitch and calling for them to pass it back. Give-and-Go, Give-and-Go.”

To both my astonishment and delight, and that of one of the more experienced mothers, we pulled it off. The girls knew thay’d done well, and we all felt great about practice.

So, seeing my keeper roll the ball to an outlet player that deftly passed the ball to my little Emma Jo who then set up the “go-pass” was inspiring and deeply satisfying – both as a coach and a Dad.

I can’t wait for the match this Saturday.

Coach Brian

coaching and daddying

Haley Anne wandered into my home office a short while ago. She’s been down with flu.

She has been invited to play indoor soccer for JBS. She wanted to let me know she would do it even though it might interfere with getting ready for her first big eighth grade dance.

She leaned against a wall and looked at me.

I think she is so pretty, and I’m always so proud of her.

“Wow Dad… Its just really hitting me. I’ve been a Shocker since I was nine years old. I can’t believe it’s over”.

My stomach hurts. But, my heart knows she’ll be fine and do great under a new banner.

Coach Brian

not just words… or deeds

Emma, One of our players, hurt her arm during practice over a week ago.

I think about her each day and look forward to when she can rejoin the team.

I exchanged emails with her mother this afternoon and wrapped that up with something I believe we, as Shocker Nation, understand in terms of what can bind us to the common objective of making our daughters straight and true citizens as well as mighty champions:

“We may often win together. But, we always pull together.”

We draw our inspiration from the fun and simple elements of a game – as well as any challenge.

Coach Brian

…sad little Kittens

I had some sad little kittens (decidedly not mighty tigers) on my hands this evening after practice and a short scrimmage.

We did pretty good with some drills early on.  But, we had a tough time holding our ground against a sister Fusion squad in a scrimmage.

Afterwards I told them the only way they could EVER disappoint me was if they did not give it their best.

That’s what happened this evening.

Poor communication.  And, we were out of position a lot.

On the other hand – they are probably still sore after the long weekend tournament.  I probably should have let them just relax and “leg it” out this evening.

Note to Mallory’s Mom…  Mallory has a sore ankle.  Lets make sure we are using ice.

I won’t be able to make practice Thursday. I have a business engagement.

So, please let the girls know all they need to do is pay attention with coach Chris, and do their best at practice.  All drills; no scrimmage.  We have almost two weeks before our first match.  We will be fine – and, ready!

Coach Brian

the Difference

Thinking through the tournament this past weekend, it struck me that every player made a difference.

They – each one of them, are unique, and bring something special to our team.

For me, perhaps the most gratifying part of being a coach amongst young citizens is having a small part in realizing something of their great and ultimate potential.

Coach Brian