Game 2

A very fired up Sharks team looked strong today in a 9-1 win against the Yellowjackets.

The Sharks worked well as a unit with some excellent passing and good position play. Luke, Liam, Sophia, and Jake provided great goalkeeping behind a defensive effort that kept us in control of the ball for most of the game. Our new players, Cameron and Amber, jumped in and instantly became important pieces of the team.

A balanced offensive attack was highlighted by multiple goals in each quarter. We looked like a real team on offense, spreading the field and passing to open players. Grace, Jake, Sophie, Amber and others hustled to win balls and keep pressure on the other team's defense. Goals were scored by Matthew, Nate (2), Jake (2), Luke, Amber, and Sophie (2).

Week 2 Practice - set plays

Tonight we welcomed another new player, and are happy to have Amber as a part of the Sharks!

We worked on set plays (throw-ins, kickoffs, goal kicks, corner kicks), stressing where each position is to be for those important plays.

Throw-in

Occurs when the ball goes out of bounds on the sideline. The ball is thrown in with both hands from behind the head. In order to be a legal throw both the player's feet must remain out of bounds and on the ground. We practiced the mechanics of throws, learning how to take a step into the throw (to get more power) but keeping the toe of the back foot on the ground. Unless there is a substitution there is no need to wait to throw the ball in.

When we have a throw-in, typically one of the defensive players will take the throw so the wing can move forward down the sideline. The center should also be available as a target ahead of the throw but more toward the middle of the field.

Kickoff

Occurs at the beginning of each quarter (alternating which team starts with the ball) and after a goal. The player taking the kick must play the ball forward and it must be touched by another player before he or she can touch it again (ie., you cannot just start dribbling off of the kickoff). All players must start on their own side of the field, and all opposing players must remain outside of the center circle until the ball is kicked. Players must wait until the referee blows the whistle before kicking the ball off.

When we have a kickoff we have two plays to choose from.

1. The center and one wing come together at the ball, with the other wing out wide. The wing touches the ball forward to the center, who controls the ball and either passes it ahead wide to one of the wings or dribbles forward. We will use this if we are playing against an opponent who is less aggressive in challenging the ball.
2. The center takes the kick with both wings wide. The center will attempt to play the ball forward at an angle toward the corner of the field (in the space between the opposing wings and defense). Our wings will run forward to try to win the ball.

When defending a kickoff the center plays directly ahead of the ball, and each wing should be between the circle and the sideline, back about 10 yards from the midfield line. Defenders should be about midway between midfield and our goal line.

Goal Kicks

Occur when the ball goes out of bounds beyond the goal line after being last touched by the offensive team. The ball is placed at the corner of the goal box and put back into play by an offensive player. The ball must leave the penalty box before any other player may touch it.

When we have a goal kick one of our defenders will take the kick so the goalie can remain in position in goal. Wings should be out wide and the center should be forward toward midfield, depending on how far our player is able to kick. The other defender should be in the center of the field near the top of the penalty box. The player taking the kick should try to place the ball toward the outside of the field, NOT into the middle of the field or across our goal.

When defending a goal kick our offensive players should position themselves so they have an opportunity to win the ball on the kick. Our defensive players should be as far forward as the opposing player closest to our own goal.

Corner Kicks

Occur when the ball goes out of bounds past the goal line after being last touched by a defending player. The offense places the ball in the corner of the field (on the side of the goal on which the ball went out of bounds) and may kick the ball back into play.

When we have a corner kick typically the wing on that side will take the kick. The center should be near the goal box as far towards the center of the goal as possible (depending on how far our player can kick). The opposite wing should be just outside of the far goal post, near the top of the penalty box. The defender on the side of the kick should be outside of the penalty box, in between the goal and the sideline. The opposite defender should remain back in the middle of the field.

When defending a corner kick, the defender on the side of the kick should stand right next to the near goal post. The goalkeeper should remain in the center of the goal. The far side defender should be in the middle of the penalty box, covering an opposing player. All three of our offensive players should come back to help cover opposing players.

Week 2 Practice - defense

Tonight we welcomed a new player to the Sharks. We're happy to have Cameron on the team!

We worked on defensive principles tonight. In general we have the potential to be a very good defensive team. The formation that we play and where we place our players means that from time to time we can be vulnerable to quick counter-attacks where we will only have one defender back. This means that our players need to be confident that they can stop the offense even if they are on their own. These defensive principles apply everywhere on the field - any time the other team gets the ball we are playing defense!

There are three concepts that we worked on tonight that will help us in getting defensive stops: Cover, Contain, Challenge.

Cover

When the other team is on offense, especially when they have free kicks or throw-ins, those defenders who are not on the ball are to cover other opposing players. When covering, we want to be between the opposing player and our goal. We can challenge the ball when it comes, but if you are between the other player and the goal even if they get the ball you will be in a good position to defend them.

Contain

As long as we have a defender between the offense and our goal, they cannot take shots or score. Containing is just maintaining a good defensive position, in between the offensive player and the goal. As they move you move with them until you have an opportunity to challenge the ball. If you are the last defender back you can contain the offensive attack until help arrives from your teammates.

Challenge

Whenever we have a to make a play on the ball, either to take it away from an opposing player or to win a free ball, we want to attack it fearlessly. You have to be careful in timing your challenge, especially if you are the last defender, so you do not get beat. Once you commit to the challenge don't be afraid of the other players - be aggressive and run right through the ball. Always play to make contact with the ball not with other players; be strong but don't get called for pushing or other fouls.

Our goal on defense is to challenge the ball as far forward on the field as we can. That is why we push our defenders up near or beyond midfield when we are on offense. First, we can stop their offense before they even get started. Second, if the opposing player does get past us we have lots of time to catch up to them and get back in a good defensive position.

Game 1

The Sharks started the season off with a bang, netting an 8-2 victory over the blue team.

We were helped by goals from Grace, Nate (2), Jake, Matthew, Sophie, and Luke (2); and by some excellent goalkeeping by Sophia, Luke, Liam, and Matthew. We also had other shots on goal from Jake, Sophie, and Isabella.

Everyone played well together, learning their positions and hustling after the ball. Great game!

Welcome!

Welcome to the EYSO 2009-2010 season! This year the house division has combined a couple age groups, so our team contains U8, U9, and U10 players.

League information is available at euclidsoccer.com.

Looking forward to a great year!