©copyright 2008 Bud Mahas Construction
Churchill game (with J.V.)
Churchill Pictures below
Because this contains pictues, it is too big for some memories, so it is split into two pages. (See page 2)
But first . . .'
Team Applause
While some of the team scored, a goal is usually the end of a long string of efforts made by many team members on the field. We would like to highlight exceptional play by our team members.It begins with a defense that kept the ball on the opponent's side of the field by big kicks and supporting each other. This includes getting back to guard the goal when the goalie is out of the box on a save.
A team member came up and said "I like the way Courtney (S.) supported me." Courtney S. got to the ball quickly and diverted it away from opponents.
Rachel P closed very quickly on her players, and even got a header in her role as right (wing) defender.
Congrats to Kristie W, who stepped into a starting role as center defender. Its a big responsibility!. But she made some big kicks up over the opponent's defense, which really helped shift momentum.
Tiffany C. got a note by her name as doing some great shielding of the ball as she did a takeover from her opponent.
Kristin E made some great runs to advance the ball down the side and pull the defense toward her, then changed the point of attack with a big kick.
Christine H made two big assists that went as crosses. When she got hurt, she inspired the team by recovering to return to the game.
Courtney N constantly was pressuring the goalie by making runs to the goal as the ball moved into the attacking third. This ultimately resulted in a goal scored by her, but just as helpful was the times she pulled opponents away from her other teammates with the ball as she would make her threatening runs without the ball.
Nikki T has been working on her volleys, because both goals came from first touch volleys into the goal, if memory serves. One was offside, but we would rather have the try than worrying about offside.
Ali V was impressive as Attacking Midfielder, distributing the ball to the Right and Left (Wing) Midfielders, and taking several good shots on goal herself. Did the Right and Left (wing) defenders come up into the Midfield Wing slots as the Midfielder's moved up to attacking positions in slots at the goal?
Jessica S. liked her new combination role of switching between forward and midfielder. It is hard to remember two roles, the forward who does the late crosses from the corner, and the wing, who moves into the slot the forward just vacated to get to the corners. Both give each other Wall passes.
Grace G. ranged the offense and the defense in her role as holding mid. Some nice combination play to teammates, moving the ball to the outside, defending the inside, a great header, taking the ball out of the air without it touching the ground, and, of course, the goal. Right now, we're still analyzing the film to see if Nikki got her foot on this shot to give us insurance. Either way, the score hold for all the team, right?
Marissa R. blocked some shots-on-goal. There are two ways to win a game, by scoring more than opponents, or by not allowing opponents to score. Good supporting defense and a goalie can seal off the goal.
Keanna C came in to make a big forward kick to change the point of attack. We begin to rely on her more and more to play roles in varsity
McKenna T. put a big kick up over the opponent's defense, which changes game momentum.
Morgan used her speed to get to the ball before an opponent. Often, all you have to be is one-half step ahead of your opponent to beat to a 50-50 ball.
Carli B. has great instinct for making a run to the goal without being knocked off the ball. She draws multiple defenders, which creates a good opportunity for a cross to an open player.
Ella B. becomes our Churchill super-sub of the game, playing multiple roles (attacking midfielder on White, Center Defender on Red), which can be difficult, and needs questions to be asked, and quick adjustment.
Sara S. is not afraid to bump, and attempted to get in front of her opponent as the opponent shielded her. Sometimes the only way to do this is to get in close behind the opponent, hook her under the arm and swing your leg around in front of her, as Evergreen players frequently did to us. (See green Evergreen girl's position in Evergreen pic #2)
Come back later, as there may still be additional notes on our other teammembers, as time allows.
#1)Moving to the ball quickly. Don't wait for the ball to come to you. Check to the ball.
#2)Ali beats her player to the ball. Having a half step on the opponent is all that is needed. But even if she was a step behind, and the Churchill opponent was in front, she would keep pursuing to keep pressure on the ball.
#3)Ali could tap the ball with her lead foot, rather than waiting to kick with her back foot. I think that's what she did.
#4)Courtney is receiving the ball while keeping her back to the opponent to shield. Jessica waits in support. Jessica's options are, once she sees Courtney in control, is to move to open space, calling for the ball, or run right by Courtney for an overlap or a take-over (a take-over is where Courtney can give Jessica the ball as she goes by, or Courtney faking the take-over and turning toward the goal with the ball for a pass or shot).
#5)Teammates must create options. Lets imagine some.
Grace is the outlet option (support, or 2nd attacker) for Nikki. Jessica could move to open space, separating herself from Courtney, (currently right to the side of her almost hidden behind the blue Churchill player. Or Courtney could move wide to edge of the field, calling for the ball, which would spread the defense and give Nikki a good change in point of attack.
#6)Grace has a half-step on her blue opponet (Lindsay Elliot, a great battler, and fast). Note blue player's hand position, ready to try to hook, but on the wrong side to gain leverage.
#7)Great attention from the sidelines. That attention pays off when called on to perform.
#8)We won this game because we got into advantageous position first. Jessica got action on ball first. Nikki times her run into a good position, not wanting the player in front of her to hide her from receiving the ball.
#9)Kristin keeps her eye on the ball, and closes quickly to play the ball even as it hits the touch-line. Well done. We play even out-of-bound balls until the referee blows the whistle.
#10)No idea what is happening here, if it is not a preparation for a throw-in.
If it is a throw-in, Kristin is hustling to get into position to mark a player.
#11)Nikki illustrates how to challenge. She is mixing with the other player's legs, right up against her. The other player is thus pressured to make errors in her play.
#12)Kristy makes huge kicks because of her preparation (leg way behind her) and her follow-through. Look at this high follow-through!
This, combined with getting to the ball quickly, can dominate an area.
#13)We have multiple squads. When our starting (blue) squad is having trouble getting to the goal, our white squad is in ready to enter the field. Your coach want's to compliment all here on their attention to what is happening on the field. This team is becoming stronger with each day.
#14)As Nikki battles to win the ball, can anyone see Christine moving in the background? She is moving, not standing.
Movement (particularly smart movement) away from the ball is as important or more important that movement on the ball, as it creates options. On attack, it spreads the opponent's defense. Movement when defending delays, destroys, and confuses opponents.
Also in the bigger picture, note Mr. Keely watching intently in the background. We get a lot of support from our Admin and teachers.
#15) To take a volley out of the air takes total focus and quickness.
#16)An arm in the air sigals a kick coming
#17)
Eyes glued to the ball assures the kick is hit well.
#18)First to the ball. Quick feet, even if just to tap it away.
#19) Nifty shielding away from pressure
#20)Down but not out
#21)Please let me do well in this game
#22)Get right next to the player and take it over. Courtney in background moves to open space.
#23) Get to the ball first! Good first touch gets a good kick.
Does practicing the leap help?
What are these managers saying? Sending plays into the game? Hi, number 20? Don't take my picture?
There are some hidden influences that are factors in this game.
How great is it that we can learn from experience?
28 girls listening makes it so the coaches can get everyone going the right direction.
Coaches listen too! Players can analyse what is going on on the field and report to coaches to help adjust.
What helps keep possession and control on the ball? Knees flexed, eye on the ball. Now, quick feet will get to the ball first.
What gives this throw below the power? Step into a throw-in. Arms over the head, and drawn way back for extra push. Both feet on the ground keeps the referee happy.
A header shot on goal? Defenders cannot get to a headed ball, which makes it the most deadly form of shot attempt.
Grace creates big personal space to thwart defenders. She leans forward to get good balance and speed as she moves the ball.
Gathering the ball VERY quickly and returning it to the field before the opponents get organized.
Getting right into the opponent's feet to challenge; the safest place to be. In such position a ball cannot rise to hit the challenging player.
