2 v 2 - It's a Good One

Well, we met half of our new girls at this practice and should meet the rest at the next one. They were real enthusiastic. If the other new girls are equally enthused, we're in for a really fun season. One of the new dads offerred to pay for uniforms, but I told him Breakaway Fashions was sponsoring the team uniforms, so he didn't have to worry about it. I'm sure the new girls will be quite surprised when they see they get to wear a uniform designed for girls.

There is a world of learning opportunity with the 2 v 2 game. I'm thinking, that if I simplify it a bit more, it will generate more successes which will lead to an even better learning experience.

• I like starting with a throw-in. The girls definitely need some reps on where to throw it so it's automatic in the game. (i.e. throw it up the sideline)
• I like the throw going into the corner. Getting the ball in the corner is a situation that comes up a lot in the games. We rarely center it up much less have someone waiting at the top of the box ready to receive it, so this will be a good time to learn that.
• The thrower will move onto the field in a cover position. She should move with the ball as the near-side wing passes it to the center.

Now what's been happening is the pressure arrives too quickly for the offensive player, or she is waiting too long. Admittedly, this is how it will happen in the game, but I think I want to simplify it at this point to get them used to the situation. I'm thinking we'll just have a 4 player rotation:

• A thrower,
• A receiver/passer (near-wing),
• A receiver/shooter (center), and
• A goal keeper.
• No defender for now.

No dribbling, just 2 touch soccer. Give them 3 tries and then rotate. This will give the girls lots of touches on the ball in something that can be extrapolated to game-like conditions. If we have 10 players at the next practice, we'll add the 5th as the far-side wing who will crash the goal when the center player takes her shot. We can have this going on each end of the field. If it gets too easy, we can move the 5th player to play an "easy" defender.

Lots of touches in game like conditions. We'll see how this one goes.