The U10 Mutiny - First Practice

Kennedy's soccer team, the U10 Mutiny, had its first real practice this past Saturday. I say real, because we practiced Thursday, but only for about 30 minutes (it was super cold and a little bit rainy).

So, Saturday was not rainy, at least. It was a little cold. And a tad bit muddy.

I (Michael) am coaching the team. My first foray into coaching soccer; I was an assistant for Natalie's U6 team last spring. Of course, U6 coaching basically consists of a) tying shoe laces, and b) pointing them toward the correct goal every now and then. U10 is different. So, this season, I'm focusing on developing better technical skills primarily, and we'll do some basic tactical skills.

See, I've learned the lingo. In soccer, there are two categories of skills.

• Technical. I define these as what you do with the ball by yourself, or almost by yourself. Dribble, pass, shoot, throw-in, things like that.
  
• Tactical. This would be things like, learning positions on the field, expectations for each position (forward, midfield, back, keeper; left, right, center), finding open space, triangles and diamonds, types of attacks and defense, etc. 

Anyway, back to Kennedy's team. They are twelve very fun girls. If individual creativity is essential to soccer, and I think it is, then we have plenty of it. So, I'm looking forward to my first year as head coach of a girls soccer team.

This Tuesday's practice was a different story. It rained all day Monday and Tuesday, and let up just in time for practice. Take into account that our field is low and flat. No drainage. Basically, we practiced in 1 inch of standing water. Some places had grass and others didn't (mud). The girls had fun anyway, even if the balls didn't roll very well.

There was supposed to be practice today, but I cancelled it. Practicing in mud is fun, but you can only do so much with it. Saturday might be better. We'll see.

Game schedules are due out this weekend for both Kennedy and Natalie. I'll post those here, and you're welcome to visit us and see a great game!