Special or Unique ?

What makes a person special?

I suppose we are all special to those who love us, as are those we love. But as individuals what makes us special? Does anything make us special?

Jose Mourinho was the so called "special one" because of his man management skills at Chelsea and other Clubs. But man management is a skill that Martin O'Neill has, Alex Ferguson, Rafa Benitez, and King Kenny. So that skill isn't special, it is unique. They all have their own way of man management, field management, time management and practice management. These are their unique traits. So what makes them special.

This article from Scotland gives an example of "special"

HE’S best known as King Kenny … but this week a TV documentary will reveal Kind Kenny.
It will show how Kenny Dalglish’s charity work stretches to the Outer Hebrides.
Gaelic channel BBC Alba’s King Kenny – Sgeulachd Dalglish (Dalglish’s Story) on Wednesday night looks back at the life of the former Celtic, Liverpool and Scotland striker.
But it also highlights his charity work with his wife Marina in the Western Isles.
In January, Dalglish, 60, became manager of his beloved Liverpool for the second time.
Having recovered from breast cancer, Marina devotes her time to fundraising. She and Kenny have been helping the Bethesda Hospice in Stornoway since 2004.
Manager Carol Somerville said: “You only have to mention his name and people light up.
“When there is a patient well enough, we ask if they want to meet him – and they do.
“Even just having a photo taken – memories are so important for the families and this is another for them.
“But he doesn’t think of himself as a celebrity. When you mention the word, he turns round and says, ‘Who?’”
The programme also hears how Kenny has continued to comfort relatives of the Liverpool fans who died in the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, during his first term as manager.

Alex Ferguson is no different;

Fergie praised for charity work

MARTIN WILLIAMS

SIR Alex Ferguson was acclaimed by a charity yesterday for helping them to start building a new drop-in centre in his beloved Govan.
The Preshal Trust, founded by reformed alcoholic May Nicholson, has managed to raise £400,000 of the £500,000 it needs to knock down its present centre to provide a new complex purpose built to support disadvantaged adults in Govan.
Ms Nicholson said that without the Manchester United manager’s strong support they would not have managed to raise the amount of money they have.
Ms Nicholson said: “Sir Alex is a humble man. He does more for us than what he will say. He’s the patron and we are trying to build a new building here. But I can tell you that without his help and support, the things he does behind the scenes that he won’t talk about, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
The Manchester United manager paid tribute to Ms Nicholson’s fortitude as he paid an informal visit to meet dozens of the users of the centre and members of the trust.
He revealed he got involved after Ms Nicholson wrote to him several years ago with a desperate plea for support.
“She was at the bottom of her life, absolutely,” he told The Herald.
“But some people find determination whether through friends or through Christianity, through community they find a way out and survive.
“By surviving she has given herself a purpose.”

Not only are they unique in the world of football, they also, through their profile, and influence, do something more for the world. Be it breast cancer, muscular dystrophy, MS, the Preshal Trust, they are trying to do something that leaves a better world, not just a better soccer world.

So why do I bring this up?

The other day a saw a young man who was afflicted with, I suspect, cerebral palsy. He was with his mother. I know this because in his somewhat difficult speech manner he called her mom. He was adopted. Why, because he and his mother came from clearly different racial backgrounds. I don't know much about the young man, but I know his mother is "special", because she chose this young man to be her son, notwithstanding all of his physical infirmities and communication challenges. He is her son. She has chosen to make this persons life better and hopefully leave a better world behind for him and us.

I reflected on this over the last several days and determined that I need to give something back in addition to coaching. We are all unique and potentially valuable assets to our players and to our Clubs, but what about other activities. These choices are personal, is it the Special Olympics, where a number of developmentally delayed athletes play soccer, is it working with disadvantaged youth who have never been exposed to soccer, or some other group or cause that needs the support and effort of coaches, players and fans like ourselves. We can leave better players, squads and Clubs. That makes us unique from the world around us, we need to find the means to be "special" like that mother, and those who are leaving a better world for those who need a hand up.

You Never Walk Alone

Hal White

Life is life....

This summer my squad suffered two unusual injuries. The most unusual was a fall off of a trampoline resulting in a broken wrist. The second one was when I got elbowed by one of my keepers during training resulting in three broken ribs. Now this winter season the same keeper played out and caught a cleat and sprained her ankle, one of our forwards jumped from a treehouse window and sprained her ankle, and lastly, another forward overstrained her thigh while on a 20 Km run. All of this is to say injury threats are everywhere lurking behind the next curb, or step or treehouse. All the players can do is seek to avoid obvious risk taking activity (like jumping from a tree house or using a trampoline), and we as coaches can attempt to limit risk to injury by incorporating appropriate fitness training and warm up routines. The best warm up and fitness routine out there is the FIFA 11+. I have attempted to incorporate in our team sessions in the summer, but, in retrospect, not enough time was dedicated to it. In the limited winter season it is becoming more difficult to dedicate sufficient time to the warm up process. That being said, a number of the stretches can be done by the player on her own. This is important to remember. The player has a personal responsibility to protect and maintain their fitness levels, we as coaches are responsible to educate, motivate and remind the players as to why they must stretch and strengthen.

This is the FIFA 11+ link, with descriptive videos. You should try them yourselves, remember strength and flexibility is earned, not gifted.


http://f-marc.com/11plus/exercises/


And remember, sometimes life just takes over, and you'll get injured anyway. Get well soon Rory!!




Cambridge United's Rory McAuley injured at birthday party

McAuley has played 15 Blue Square Bet Premier games this term

Cambridge United defender Rory McAuley could face surgery after injuring his knee at his nephew's birthday party.

McAuley, 22, has suspected cartilage damage after falling while playing with the three-year-old on Sunday.

"It is a freak accident. It is too swollen to be assessed properly at the moment," manager Jez George told.

"He will be seeing the specialist again on Monday and has no chance for Darlington on Saturday."

The versatile defender endured a similar setback ahead of the 2010-11 campaign, when he spent six weeks on the sidelines following surgery on the same knee.

McAuley can consider himself unlucky with injuries, after missing the start of the current campaign when he punctured his calf on a nail during training.

George can turn to Michael Wylde for defensive cover, although the former Tamworth man has been playing with a groin problem and requires surgery of his own.

Hal White and progeny

It's OK to be proud once and a while. These two (Man U and Chelsea fans) faced off against each other in a league game here recently. I had to mind my language, and support both. A father of goalkeepers keeps dentists and physios on business!!!

Hal White and Progeny!!

Manchester United (left)_________________Chelsea FC (right) 

Girls, remember

YNWA!!

Hal White

Golden Goal - New Training Method (Electroshock football/soccer with Eng...

Insanity; Soccer, training and poor results

What in God's name happened today. Fulham 1 Liverpool 0. Not right. No way no how. Full marks to Fulham, they pulled off a good win at home. Liverpool, well they didn't get their seventh win away from home. BUT, they are losing games they should win, or be more competitive, and worse, tying teams that should be beaten (Sorry Swansea and Norwich, I like you but....).

So why insanity?  This drives me crazy that's why, and although I am not playing for or coaching Liverpool, I expect better. Why? Because I am crazy? Yes, in part, but actually because I keep expecting the team to improve much more than they have to date. They have the coaching staff, the manager, the proper ownership and the players necessary to be in the top four.

Einstein defined insanity this way,


Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.


For me it is expecting this from my team, makes me insane, I have to live in hope that the same things are not being done and the team will make it past Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal. They must have a plan.

But what about closer to home? What about the squad I coach? What is going on there? How are they training?

I have a passion for small sided game training (SSG's). I try to use them whenever I can to reinforce passing and movement techniques, as well fitness. Over the last several years I have achieved some successes both with teams and individual players, resulting in some minor silverware and some players being elevated to a higher level of competition. Pretty good.

This season, using the same formula that has worked in the past, in conjunction with some very able technical training provided by the Club, my teams and players are not getting the results, and not as many players are improving.

Is it me?

I think it is ( at least in part). The training has worked in the past, and worked well, but it is not working now, or at least as well as it did before. Why is that? Am I too complacent in my techniques and abilities, am I not keeping up to speed with my knowledge and training? This is very hard to answer honestly, but as a coach I have to look long and hard at what I am doing and how I deliver it. If it isn't working, I either have to find a way to make it work, or start from scratch.

As a person, we can become too comfortable with what has worked in the past, with a belief that it will always work. We always like to be comfortable, but we as coaches need to challenge ourselves as well. If we challenge ourselves by learning new sessions, or drills or SSG's we will be able to challenge our players on the training ground. We cannot allow ourselves to believe that just because it worked once, that it will always work. Sometimes we have to tinker with success, to make it more successful.

Is it the team?

Here is the tougher question. I do not like to blame players for their failures. My instincts are to look at myself and determine where I have failed them (nice old Catholic stuff there!!). But that is too pat, too simple. Players have to take responsibility for their actions and also be responsible for the consequences of their actions. 

Why is this? 

Let's be sensible and remember that there are only so many things that can be coached, and several drills can have multiple technical and tactical components. I have one favourite drill that I can use for dribbling, passing, turns, feints and defending, depending upon how I tweak it and run it. So with all the thousands of drills and technical sessions and SSG's, they all really work towards similar objectives. At some point the players must find the ways to maximize the results to be derived from a drill. The coaches provide direction, suggestions for improvement, and insert variations to maximize the benefits of the technique sought to be improved. But the player is the one who must work to get the most out of every drill they are participating in. Even Adams, Kuyt, Henderson, Gerrard, Maxi, Reina and others do the very basic drills at the maximum limit so they can be better the next time they play. If not they don't improve, and Fulham will beat them 3-0. 

I said to my team tonight at the start of training, "If you like losing, keep doing what you are doing. Don't work any harder, don't pay attention, don't push your team mates, talk when you should be listening, watch the boys training on the other pitch, don't push yourself to the point of exhaustion, and you will continue to be right where you belong. Losing."

This is the madness, the players need to change themselves, push themselves and challenge themselves if they expect to improve and beat their opponents. If they expect to it by just being the way they are, they are insane. 

Ultimately it is the player who is responsible for the success of their individual improvement. They need to squeeze every last bit of benefit from their training and push themselves to the limit at training every single time. If they don't, they are responsible for the consequences of their inactions.

YNWA

Hal White

John Terry Frozen By Saurez

It is clear from this photo that Terry is losing his speed. He is almost frozen in time.

Tackling a bigger problem.

Actually tackling is the problem. Somehow there is a belief in many parts of soccer parentage and amongst their offspring that soccer is a non-contact sport. If that was the case then tackling, slide, block or poke would only be an intellectual exercise, and something just thought of by soccer philosophers, "if only there was some way to get the ball off of the foot of that striker? Maybe if we had some technique that would block a shot, or take the ball off of their foot, and appendage that would do it. If only...."

The video below is the above  philosophy put into action

So after all of the to'ing and fro'ing, what is tackling all about? It is about tackling a bigger problem. Interrupting the attack of an individual player in possession of a soccer ball (you can't tackle a player without a ball as that is a major foul and is much frowned upon).

Tackling takes three major forms, and all three forms require physical contact, and commitment on the part of the player.

The three types of tackles are:

1. The poke tackle

2. The block tackle

3. The slide tackle.

The first two tackles are relatively simple, but require patience, poise, balance and timing. They also require determination.

This Week

THE POKE TACKLE

This is what it says, the defender looks for an opportunity to poke the ball away from the player with the ball, usually someone who is dribbling.

I will break it down as though the defender is in front of the attacker, and is between the attacker and the net.

1.Firstly he must slow the attacker down by jockeying. He must get close, but not too close, (arms length), and keep his eye on the ball. The defenders weight must be on his toes and one foot must be forward. The defender should be turned slightly and not square on to the defender as it is easier for the attacker to get around the defender, or "nut meg" the defender by playing the ball between his legs.

2. Watch the ball, stay on your toes, wait, wait, wait, and then lunge forward and with your front foot POKE the ball away. A long way away if possible. This requires that the defender commits to a hard challenge on the ball and possibly collide with the attacker.

The collision is fine so long as the ball is contacted first, but the poke must be strong enough to disrupt the attacker. I recommend that the defender then try to take possession of the ball and ultimately go on the attack.

A simple session to develop this skill is to set up a 15 x 15 grid and inside have six players, four with a ball each and two without. Have those  in possession dribble and those without poke tackle the ball off their feet. To be a proper tackle, the ball must leave the grid (this encourages stronger pokes!). Have a competition and see which group of two clears the most balls from the grid. Using a square gives the players an opportunity to jockey as well as tackle from the side. The session also encourages dribbling and shielding on the part of the dribbler. If you think a "losing" squad needs to do a forfeit, have them do push or press ups as upper body strength is always in fashion for defending and shielding.

Now a moment of Liverpool promotion--------Stevie G!!!!!

Next week, the block tackle, and more Liverpool greatness

Cantona vs Sunderland 1996

I am no fan of Eric Cantona the Man Utd legend, but this pass and move/run is terrific. He gets past at least four defenders and they are all staring at their own net. Fantastic.

Ka-Booom!!!

Not every game is a good one. Sometimes the games aren't even pretty good. And some games are pretty darned awful. I coached that game and that team today.

My team got shelled today. Six -nil. That was a pretty fair result. We had 15 shots, eight on target, one crossbar, but we were lucky to get away with only six goals against. For my players it was a tough pill to swallow as the game progressed. Several asked questions about what to do and we tried to help, but it was today, too little, too late from this coach. 

From my perspective, I am in pretty good company this year, Kenny Dalglish, 4-1 loss to Tottenham, Arsene Wenger, 8-2 loss to Manchester United, and Sir Alex Ferguson, 6-1 to Manchester City. Notwithstanding these illustrious compatriots, I do not want to be in there company on this occasion. How do I get away?

Psychoanalysis.

1. How did you ( the coach) prepare? Did it show on the field?

2. What went right? This is important to identify, even if it is only that the players all brought water bottles. Commend them for this and move on to the next question, because what they got right you shouldn't have to prepare them for again.

3. What went wrong? Identify each aspect, is it team shape, defence, attitude, attacking, fitness, or a combination of any or all. This is where the coach earns their keep. The coach must identify the issues and develop a training and a game response to those issues.

4. Don't be proud. Seek help and input from fellow coaches and see what suggestions they may have for training. For instance, I had one coach today ask me why I had a certain player in one position and not another. My answer was it was a position I knew she was comfortable with. His point, she may have more impact in a different position. And he may be right.

5. Get on with it. Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and King Kenny have all lost big. And what did they do? They prepared for the next game. That is the job, help the team develop, make them improve, and get them ready for the next game.

What am I going to do?

Sulk for a while, figure out what went right, what went wrong, and prepare.

Ka-BOOOOOM

You Never Walk Alone

Hal White 

Pepe Reina or Total Goalkeeping

I love Reina. He is one true constant for Liverpool the last four seasons. No major injuries, a remarkable save percentage, a stunning kick, and a very high pass completion record. And a goal keeper. Give the lack of injury record he has to Gerrard, Carra or the now departed Torres, what could have been ? But, as my late father used to say " if my aunt had wheels she'd be a bus".

So just what is Reina? He isn't a bus, but he plays as big as one, he isn't Saurez, but he dribbles like him, he isn't a sweeper, but defends like one, he isn't Luka Modric, but he can pass like him, and he isn't John Elway, but he acts like an NFL Quarterback in any event. What is he? Perhaps the best representation of the "modern" goal keeper in the English Premier League because of all he is able and required to do. He is for want of a better expression the "total goalkeeper".

Total Goalkeeping

So why "total goalkeeping"? Because today's goalkeeper needs to be able to participate in all aspects of the game, much like the Dutch "Total Football" concept of 40 years ago.

I began to think about this after reading an article in 4-4-2 magazine regarding the pass back rule and what changes it created to the game and what restrictions, and opportunities it gave to goalkeepers. No longer were they able to pick up a pass back and hold on to it, they were required to become more engaged and versatile players. If the ball came back, they had to make a decision about what to do. Pass, dribble, or clear. This is done in the context of what else is going on on the field of play. They had to become aware. Just launching it upfield wouldn't cut it anymore. Launching it upfield just made the keeper a "Scud" missile launcher. The pass back rule required the keeper to become a "smart bomb".

Now Reina, and others like him (Van der Sar, Casillas, Valdez, Neuer, Cech) need a wide skill set to perform in todays game. After size, which cannot be trained, what are the traits we are looking for in the "Total Goalkeeper"?

I list the following for your consideration:

1. Good first touch. The player needs to have the ability to receive a pass, and take a positive touch with the ball to the advantage of the team and in response to what is going on in front of him.

2. Able to pass long or short, by hand or foot, and accurately

3. Responsible, mature and accountable

4. Athletic, good core strength, and agile

5, Independent and confident in their ability to stop any shot (self confidence)

6. Can direct other players in attack and defence

7. Trains well and participates in all aspects of training

8. Has a strong tactical sense of the game

9. Is willing to take penalty shots. They don't have to, but they have to have the fortitude and dedication to their team to do it if required. I always have my keepers train in both taking and saving penalties.

10. Brave

Some of these are character traits, others are physical. Not all players will have the same skills or qualities in equal amounts, but the good keeper seek to improve the skills where she is weakest. My experience has been that they are weakest with their touch and passing. I believe this comes from the initial training they receive as keepers as shot stoppers only. Human pylons, that drop kick only. So, as a result, every practice I involve them in passing, receiving and movement, shooting, and juggling. When I involve them in scrimmages, usually 5 asides, I do not allow drop kick as I want them to pass off the ground, or throw the ball. I encourage them to play the game, as much as possible, as any other player on the squad. They have to be as complete a footballer as they can, or as I say it a "Total Goalkeeper".

KEEPER SESSION

This is a really simple game. It requires two full nets, a supply of balls, two keepers and 10 or so cones. Use the net on the goal line and place the other net on the 18 yard line facing the first net. Extend the boundaries of the six yard box to the 18 yard box using the cones. Also place several cones for a "half-line" in the pitch. The keepers go in their nets, and one keeper throws, or shoots at the other keeper's net trying to score. The other keeper tries to save the shot, and as quickly as possible tries to score in the other net. The only restriction is that the keeper stays in her own half. Each keeper needs to be aware of scoring opportunities, they must be ready to stop shots as quickly as possible, and all the while make tactical and technical decisions to effectively play the game. The first player to 10 wins the game.

Thanks, I'm glad somebody else reads this....

Since my first official post in January 2011, I have had over 1000 page views. To be fair I mail the links to some of my friends who out of politeness read my postings. On the other hand I have had numerous page views from around the world. Including Malta, Tonga, Russia, India, ThIland, Germany, the UK and Ireland to name some. It is flattering, but not so deep down I know that some if not most of these views are as a result of the vagaries of the Internet and various search engines. Even so thank you as these views encourage me to improve my content and my writing.

YNWA

Hal White

Oliver Kahn and Canizares 2001 , Why Goalkeepers are a breed apart

A secret....And caring for your cleats

A little known fact. I have played a lot of soccer, and I played it at a very competitive level for over 20 years. But, when I was 34, playing in a league with numerous 20 year olds, I sustained the last of numerous injuries to my ankles, i hung up my boots, concentrated on my job, my infant children, and fine food and occasional, well more than occasional, fine wine and good friends. I reminisced about the games I played in the past. laughed about missed goals, a concussion or two, a broken nose, trips to tournaments with friends and the medals won and lost. Sometimes, I even dreamed of a game where I made a run down the left flank, the length of the field, beating several of my opponents, and crossing the ball where one of the finest strikers I ever played with or watched play, smashed it in the back of the net. I can still see that run if I close my eyes right now, but when I dream it, I am 17 again, with a full head of hair, and a 30 inch waist.

But age 34 was when I stopped playing. I began coaching seriously when I was 39 and I haven't looked back since. I haven't played a competitive game in 12 years. Five asides, some "kick ball", helping out in a 20 minute inter squad match, that's been about it.

Then I got "the call". An over 45 league was operating and the squad needed players, and I was to be one of those players. Why? I don't know, but it didn't and doesn't matter.

Tonight I played , and I learned several really important things. I'm not 17 any more, hell, I'm not even 34, but it is green grass and a ball. The ball still rolls, it flys, I can still pass, my game touch and speed are dreadful, and I suspect I am sweating more bacon grease than perspiration, but it was the same game, and I felt just as happy as I did when I was 17. To be part of a team, to get some exercise, and to just play this game. I learned again it can be hard work (harder for me than it used to be!), but that the joy exceeds the effort. I remembered why the game is so great to play, why it is the best game in the world, and why all it requires is some green grass and a ball. It truly is a great day to be alive.

The Boots


This is not about selling a brand, or style of boots, it is about boot maintenance. Sure I could go on and on about my joy of buying a pair of Nikes because my team mate bought the last pair of boots in my size that I wanted, and they are darned good boots, but all boots have pluses and minuses. But they all need care.

Hal's rules of boot care

1. Clean the boots after they have dried off. Don't let mud stay on until the next game. Let it dry and clean it off!

2. After the game, rain or shine, stuff your boots with newspaper to dry them out. This also eliminates unpleasant odours. Yes, your feet stink.

3. Check your "studs". Make sure they still exist. Don't play on nubs, this will lead to injury. Also check for any loose bits on the soles of your cleats to prevent injury to your opponents.

4. If you have leather cleats/boots consider using an appropriate leather cleaner and moisturizer. These things are expensive, and you need to keep them in working order for more than one season

5. Always pack extra laces. Seriously. Don't be the idiot who can't tie his shoe because of a broken lace.

I'm going to bed, it's late. I am hoping to dream about that run I made 29 years ago.

Without all the wheezing I did today.

YNWA

Hal White

I'm Not Your Mother!! Or preparing the player for life.

This title may seem harsh, because as a coach I "mother", protect, encourage and support my players at every opportunity. They are my responsibility, they are the ones my Club assigned to me to train to make them better players. In turn I take that role very seriously, and as a bonus I try to make them better persons.

Now I know that many of you would hope that I would make them Liverpool supporters, but as noble as that is, I want them to learn to play the game, love the game and support whatever team they want, except Stoke (check earlier posts). But what I really want them to do is to learn responsibility. Towards a team, both on and off the field, and outside of the game as well. To this end I have both a small, but important task, I assign my players, and a game related matter that I use to develop responsibility.

The Small Thing

Now, this hearkens back to my title. How many times have we, as coaches (or parents heard) " I can't find my cleats, my shinguards, where are my socks, and where did you put my jersey?"  My answer has always been "Not my responsibility, those are yours." Harsh, not really. As a parent my job is to make sure that they have the appropriate equipment, and to get them to training and games on time. The player is responsible to maintain their equipment, and have it ready for the next session or game. Simple. Yes. Is it accomplished, well only about 75% of the time, which is about a 50% improvement over the past.

How have I accomplished this? With Hal White's simple pre-session, pre-game night before preparation routine. At the start of every season my players are given their game, they are to acquire their training gear, pro-wrap (hair stuff I coach girls), shin guards, shoes, and socks. The instruction is simple. Pack all of the equipment necessary for the next session or game the night before, ideally right after supper so if anything needs to be washed or cleaned it can be done, and still packed on time. All of my players are fortunate enough to have Club back packs, but of course any type of kit bag will do. The PLAYERS are to do this, not the parents. This is a small, but vital step in developing personal and team (collective) responsibility for a larger purpose. Now when a player fails to pack their cleats (how does this happen), shinguards, socks, training shirt, what is the response? I ask them why they didn't notice this last night after supper. I have yet to receive an answer other than "I forgot".

I have several remedies; spare and particularly pungent shinguards, the pinnie (training bib) of shame, or worst of all, go home and do not return until you are prepared to play or train. The spare shinguards are a lesson not often forgotten and the shinguard failure is rarely repeated.

The Six Second Game

I quite like this very simple scrimmage. It is to all purposes a very standard five aside small sided game. Two nets, two keepers, 25 x 40 pitch and four outfield players. They pass and move, and look to shoot and score. Here is the twist. If a player loses possession of the ball, in any fashion; tackle, missed pass, missed shot, bad touch etc, they must get the ball back within six seconds ( if the keeper saves the shot it does not count as lost possession).  If they don't get the ball back, the opposing team gets a point. Now, if you really want to push it, if they get the ball back, after losing it, the other team has six seconds to get it back.

So what does this accomplish?

Personal responsibility: The player learns to take charge of their own mistakes whenever possible.

Playing under pressure: The coach must count out loud the six second count down. This places pressure on both squads. One trying to regain pressure, the other trying to maintain it.

The power of pressing. This game encourages players to "press" on the player with the ball trying to force a mistake to gain possession.

Maintaining Possession. By keeping the ball, the players learn the value of possession by earning points.

Maintaining Possession, Part II. The players learn the cost of losing possession and in turn learn to press the opponent as quickly as possible to get the ball back. This leads to smarter passing, better shielding and less wasted shots.

First team to seven points wins. The losing team does a forfeit.

Does any of this make the player a better person? Well only time will really tell, but if my kids, and my players learn to bag their bags for the day, or prepare for an exam at least one day ahead of time, well that is progress and one less headache for this parent/coach and maybe a few others out there as well.

I'm back, I have lots more to write.

YNWA

Hal White

Tryouts : The Pain and the Pain (a repeat)

Tryouts: The Pain and the pain.

I will skip the obvious conclusion that there is pleasure in being selected for a team. A player puts herself out for assessment, plays their hardest, shows their qualities and makes a squad. High risk, high reward and great joy.

But what about everyone else, players and coaches alike? 

I will start with coaches.

Coaches:

It is important to remember one thing about coaches. They are first and foremost human. This very important quality tells you that they take no pleasure in sitting in a form of judgement over fellow human beings. Court room judges will often state to the gallery that sitting in judgement of ones fellow person is the hardest job of all, even in judgement of criminals. 

Who are coaches assessing? Typically young persons, with all their strengths and frailties, their friends children,  players they have known over the years that they want to succeed, friends of their own children, maybe even players they may have coached in the past. If you look closely at this list their is no on one here that they would personally want to fail.

Coaches are typically parents, who are involved with their Club and community, have a high interest in the success of all young people and are persons who want to develop success. So, the very nature of the tryout process is antithetical to the coaches persona, they are being asked to “fail” a player, when their essential purpose is to develop success.

The other challenge facing coaches is, for want of a better expression, acquiring “inventory” to create a squad. This has many contributing factors including the nature of the system the coach wants to place on the field, 5-3-2, 4-4-2, 3-5-2, 4-3-3. Each of these systems requires greater or lesser numbers of fullbacks, midfielders, or strikers etc, and complimentary skill sets for these positions.

If the system requires 4 starting fullbacks and 3 reserves and only 8 fullbacks tryout, only one player will need to be cut. A very tough call. If the squad requires 3 midfielders with three subs and 15 players show up, the tough decisions are multiplied and and the disappointment increased as well.  

The coaches challenge is to fill an inventory of the best 18-20 players, and as a consequence disappoint at  least that many players (or more), their parents and in some instances their team mates. 

The Players

Here is where the ball hits the post. So close, but no goal. What is the player? The player, as a player, is inventory, a potential physical asset to a team. But that is such a small part of the person (note NOT player). The tryout and possible selection is a very BIG thing at this instant in time, and because it is so big and because of the tension, the ego, the developing and maturing personality (remember hormonal teenagers) and personal investment placed into this by the player, its importance is magnified beyond all recognition.

The pain of not being selected is enormous and their is very little the coach can do to assuage it. But it is important to let the players know why the selections were made the way they were, that they weren’t personal, not withstanding how personal it feels, and to provide the player with the technical and tactical feedback necessary to go forward and to try again in the future. The player needs to know this isn’t the end it is just another step in the journey. It only ends if they quit.

Parents

As parents we feel pain if our child feels pain. Our response is to defend our child and lash out at the attacker. Why wouldn’t we? They cause him pain, I am going to fix that right now. This feels right, but it isn’t always the right thing to do. The first thing to do is comfort the player, let them know, at the very worst, that this a right now thing, and has no bearing on their future play or opportunities. Remember that Clubs and coaches want these players to continue to play and improve.

Another very important thing to do is to wait before you call coaches and Technical assessors after the tryout, wait at least 24 hours, and if you are still boiling mad, wait longer. Why? No one presents or hears arguments very well if they are still angry. 

Perspective, do you have it? Remember who you were watching at tryouts? Two players, three, four? Most parents usually watch their own. The coaches,they have to watch, AND assess as many players as there are present. Does the parent have a complete perspective? Probably not.

Conclusion

It feels like the end of the world, but it isn’t. It is just another step in character building, it is part of life, and I would suggest that more is learned from this challenge than in making the squad. It is an opportunity to grow.

Many years ago I called a client and advised him that his proposal had been rejected and that it would go no further. It was a significant business loss for him. He said to me "If this is the worst thing that happens to me today, well that's not so bad". He just picked up, moved forward and developed other business initiatives. He knew from experience of years that he would lose some , win some, lose and win again. He had his family, his health, and he still had his game which was his business. He knew that one failure, although painful and costly, was not the end of his world.

Not making the team is not failure it is part of the developmental process. Not continuing with the game because of a personal setback. That is failure.

WALK ON 

YNWA

Hal White

Soccer Strategy Small Sided Game Showing Defending Tactics - Part 3

Looking for hope and Defending as a Unit

Today Liverpool pursuit Stoke 22 to 4, and lost 1-0.what bitter solace can we Liverpool fans take from this sand what concerns should our opponents have?

Cast your mind back, when was the last time Liverpool had 22 goal attempts in a game, regardless of the result, and without Steven Gerrard. Last year, and the year before there was no way possible for Liverpool to do this when they were down a goal. Heads would have gone down, they would have defended in depth, and attempted goals only on the counter attack.

Today they did it differently, at the Brittania Stadium, against the largest and one of the best defensive teams in the league. The didn't score , but maybe a different call in the box at either end,or a little more patience over tha ball, and it is 1-1 or maybe even a win. They were playing like a team, not afraid to attack

So a loss is a loss is a loss, but the next big challenge is Tottenham, and our defense cannot get split like poor old Wolves did yesterday. They cannot get turned, and they must defend as a unit. So how do we prepare?

DEFENDING AS A UNIT


This is a relatively straight forward training exercise using three defenders and 5 attackers, each group with restrictions.

The first image shows the set up.

Player 1 plays the ball into #3 or #2, and remains in a support position, and cannot go past the edge of the circle. #2 and #3 can only play within the orange zone.. Players  4 and 5 can only play in the outside "channels" outside the orange lines. Red 8,9 and 10 must defend as a unit. 11 is in nets. In fig.1 8 should move towards #3 and 9 and 10 should support #8  on an angle, as in Fig.2 below.

As the drill progresses, the ball should get to the wings, as shown in Fig 3 and Fig 4 (by way of a cross), and the defenders adjust in response to the location of the ball acccordingly.

Fig3.

Here player 8 pushes out to number 4, without crossing the line, and 9 and 10 provide cover and balance  in case the pass goes across.

Fig. 4

Here blue has switched the field and 8,9, and 10 push across, so 10 can pressure #5, with 8 and 9 providing cover and balance.

The key elements are discipline by the defenders, communication by the defenders, and shape of the defenders. Be patient and direct with the players interrupt, re-position players, change body shape (for example the "cover" should be in a diagonal line off of the pressure player). This will take several go throughs before they get the hang of it, but when they do it will become very frustrating for the attackers. 

Make sure that the defenders communicate loudly and clearly as it will make their jobs a lot easier. Praise effective communication. Also make sure to re-inforce the issue of body position of all three defenders so as to maximize their ability to view all attackers (don't block yourself out, don't be too square to the ball, don't get turned etc) and to provide maximum cover to the net.

Walk On 

Hal White

Liverpool v. Stoke 2nd Half

I hate Stoke.

First 11 minutes .... boring

56:30... King Kenny has a nice tie!!

C'mom c'mon........Nice CROSS and a goal kick

58:30  Rory Delap dries the ball and throws it 400 metres.....

Whitehead goes down like a shot pigeon.....

SHOOT   SHOOT SHOOT SHOOT SHOOT.......

Save save save save.....

Are you kidding me

On whose side is the God of Shooting....

Liverpool starting to get some space.

Huth, a stolid blockhead is going off....

We need size and anger.......Craig Bellamy?

Well we got the anger part


Kuyt's off, Henderson's off....

Bellamy and Carroll on....

This could be weird,,,

Hopefully Andy's of the Newcastle Brown....

Skrtel "Hey I know, I will pass it to the guy on the other team"

Downing lined up for header and arghhhhhhhhh

A ball goes over Crouches head?

Did someone hit Reina in the head?

18 minutes to go.....

God we are fast.... and ineffective...

That was a foul!!!!!!

My neighbour has told me to quiet down!!

Here comes the rain again......

It's Saurez whoa---oh, he missed again..... ohhhhhohhh no!

Corner ? yes of course it was.....

Agger aim for the moon, but shoot a lot lower

Skrtel off replaced by...oh of course Glen Johnson....?!?!?????

Why aren't we scoring, anyone anyone......

7 minutes to go

Missed cross, Downing wastes corner,,,,,,nooooooooooooo

Liverpool 17 shots. Stoke 4 shots.

Salvage a tie.....please

Stoke is playing 8-1-1

19-4

two minutes to go.

Have pulled out my prayer beads

Liverpool's man of the match?

Craig Bellamy.

Five minutes extra

Hand Balllllllllllllllllllll!!! No of course not.

Who hates us today? Bring on the BEACH BALL

I need Zantac

It's Saurez whoa---oh, he missed again..... ohhhhhohhh no!

20-4


It is soooooooo over.............

I am going to cut the grass

I HATE STOKE  

Minute By Minute

Remember when I said I fear Stoke,,,,,

Here are my play by play comments

Late start for me ....had to drop kids off......

18 minutes in....

Jamie Carragher has my pace which is none.....

Last man back, no question...penalty..... and GOAL.....

I hate Stoke.

Jamie, I love you but I can neither understand what you say or why you are still a starter. Kenny?

8 good minutes of pressure.


It's Saurez whoa---oh, he missed again..... ohhhhhohhh no!

30 minutes in their end too much passing this time

Somehow Skrtel is the physical and intellectual titan of Liverpool's back four. Oh my.

Throw in. Delap....oh god oh god oh god......thank God....

back to the other end, and Skrtel just misses....

Is it just me or should all 6'2" of Andy Carroll be playing?


38:30  hand ball, Enrique SHUT UP!!!!! And a yellow card. Blockhead.


Enrique down the left,,,yes wing backs attack, attack, great cross and blown corner.....

Is the grass slow, or is it us?

It's Saurez whoa---oh, he missed again..... ohhhhhohhh no!

43 minutes, Stoke corner.......and Skrtel saves the moment!!


OUCH!!! When Delap gets you it counts. Get up Luis.

Free kick, two extra minutes, Charlie to the right, to the right, and and and it goes left......

46:30, has an ice hockey game started?

Will there be a whistle?

Guess not.

Half Time.

Going for a half time stroll.

Remembrance of Pitches Past or Looking Back at Your Season

Sorry Mr. Proust, but sometimes things happen and you seem to explain it all away, especially when you wrote

"The sight of the little madeleine had recalled nothing to my mind before I tasted it. And all from my cup of tea".


So from a cup of tea and a cookie he remembered his past. As coaches, and as Liverpool fans we need to be a little more current on our review of the previous season.


Let's look at Liverpool 2010-2011. And we will start small. August 2010, 3 games, 1 win, 1 loss, 1 draw. Two goals for, 4 against.


The specifics are as follows:

Aug 15	FT	Liverpool	1-1	Arsenal	44,722	Premier League
Aug 23	FT	Manchester City	3-0	Liverpool	47,087	Premier League
Aug 29	FT	Liverpool	1-0	West Bromwich Albion	41,194	Premier League

This season, 2 wins, no losses, and 1 draw. The specifics:

Aug 13	FT	Liverpool	1-1	Sunderland	45,018	Premier League
Aug 20	FT	Arsenal	0-2	Liverpool	60,090	Premier League
Aug 27	FT	Liverpool	3-1	Bolton Wanderers	44,725	Premier League

Everything is great, right?


I think so, but don't bet on a top four finish just yet. 


The positives


The squad has scored six goals versus two, and has two wins and no losses in three games, and two goals against versus four. Also, and I think important, an away victory, albeit against a weakened Arsenal. The squad appears to be cohesive, playing as a team, in the Liverpool way.  
There is pace, passing and spirit, things largely absent for the last two years. We are not in Europe stretching our resources. 


All of this is good.BUT.....


Now comes Stoke, the giants of the EPL,  their average height, way taller than Saurez, Kuyt and Adam, Way taller. In fact they may be the tallest nin basketball team in the world.


Now if Liverpool can salvage a tie, or god be praised, a win, then maybe the top four can be achieved. 


I can remember that day, against Stoke, when that beach ball doomed the season, and we lost. Luck had left us, and didn't come back for a very long time.  These are the teams we have to beat, the Stokes, Wolves, Rovers and Boltons of the leagues, and this has been our weakness. Beating the bigs and losing to the smalls, This has not been Chelsea or Manchester's issue. This has been our problem. Liverpool needs to play more consistently against all opponents before they can or deserve to be a top four team. Stoke is where they can begin.


Come on lads, win bug or win ugly, just win!!!


Walk On


Hal White