Its Game Time!!

Hey Team,

Another exciting week of practices behind us and a game fast approaching.  Finally our first game to be held at BHS on the turf Sunday April 6th at 1:30pm.  Please be ready and geared up by 1pm.  We can find a spot off turf to go over positions and warm up our goalies.

I can't wait to see you guys out there demonstrating your skills!

Remember we talked about communication and we talked about field position, (as well as a great many other things).  If you're open then let the man with possession know it!  Shout the commands "open" or "here's your help" or "I've got your help".
Lets not yell out the name of the person carrying the ball.  Just shouting the name doesn't give him the information that he needs to make a quick decision.
Playing your position and making yourself open gives you the best opportunity to get a touch and make a play.  And eventually we can develop a number of voice commands that will deliver information in a way that we will all know exactly whats going on at the same time!!

As far as positioning is concerned, you have been on one hand taught to "play your man".
But I have been trying to show you how to play your position.
Both concepts are right and there is not really a contradiction here.
If they (the opposing team) have the ball, than cover your man!
If we (U13 team white) have the ball, than play your position and get open and get vocal!

One last thing... AVOID THE SWARM!!!  No matter who has the possession of the ball it never takes the whole team to take the ball at once.
When you see all the Attack and defense piled up in a heated scrum trying to regain possession you need not join in the battle.
What you need to do is get yourself in a position to be open for a pass, or prepared to ride the opposing team and clear the attack!

A few terms that you here all the time but may not know the meanings of;

CLEAR- Getting the ball away from an attack and out of your defensive zone.
RIDE- Cover a defensive player, don't let them clear. 
MAN BALL- Back to communication.  Two players go for a loose or ground ball. One player calls "I've got ball" the other "I've got man".  One picks up the ball while the other defends the scoop by pushing of opposing "man" team players.

I gotta get going for now team, I can't wait to see you on sunday.

BHS has a varsity home game today Friday, April 4 at 4pm.  Try and make it if you can.

Parents please check out the need of BYL for parent volunteers for home games.  There has been an e-mail sent and BYL board member Nancy Oneil. She is looking for your support!  

For All Your Hard Work,
THANK YOU.

Coach Josh