Classics Eagles "The Back of the Net" Newsletter (01/28/2020)

THE BACK OF THE NET

Classics Eagles Director Message:

There is a growing "blindspot" in a player's technical development based on the primary focus of training players do with their team or on their own. This creates a gap in the player's overall technical ability and limits their effectiveness and confidence on the soccer field in all situations. Let's ask ourselves one question: "How good are players at dealing with the ball when it is comes to them in the air?"

WINTER TRAINING ACTIVITY #9

Each week through the winter we will be posting a home training activity for kids to try on their own. These are designed to allow players to practice at home through the winter with limited space, time and equipment. These are simple and effective ways to work on critical skills used frequently in the game.

In this activity, the players will try to keep their balance by standing on one leg and moving the ball around the body without putting their foot down. This type of work with the ball will help a player improve their balance and control of the ball. Many players struggle with these movements due to not being able to stay balanced and keep the ball under control.

When dribbling, passing, receiving, and finishing, balance and body control is very important, so this activity will help many areas of a player's game. Try these movements for 30 seconds at a time and see how quick you can move the ball without falling over or losing control.

Balance Development & Winning?

As a coach, I consistently read articles and hear coaches talk about a legitimate need to balance development and winning with their teams. It makes as much sense as a teacher defending a need to balance a child learning and getting high test scores in the classroom. We want kids to learn and have success whether on a test or in a game, but there is not a need for a balance between the two. There needs to be a strong focus on just one! Read more!

Sleep on It: The Importance of Proper Sleep Hygiene

We've all felt the temporary effects of not getting enough sleep, such as fatigue, lethargy and irritability. However, the impact of a bad night's sleep or worse, a pattern of poor sleep hygiene, can have an even greater impact on cognitive performance, as well as physical and mental health. This is especially true of busy student athletes, who require their bodies to perform at peak performance levels. Check out the list below to see all the functions impacted by sleep:

Cognitive Performance