Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Soccer Drills?!?!?!

So, Congratulations to Zeke! He and Rona are getting married this august in the good old mighty Yukon. I will give my left nostril to get there if I have to.
Some other news(and this will seem rather ridiculous): I am now the assistant coach for Elkford's U-16 soccer team. I was asked on Monday, and then yesterday afternoon, I had to lead the first practice of the year by myself. (Well, actually, the players definitely helped me out and seemed rather supportive) They have been playing together their whole lives and have taken the gold medal for the region for about the last 6 years or so. Anyways, the head coach was on his work shift and couldn't make it so he instructed that we should be starting with lots of running. This was a little bit of a relief because I have no idea what I'm doing; I haven't played organized soccer since I was in grade 2 (was it a mistake for me to have told them that?).
Anyways, most of my soccer experience has been watching the great David MacGregor show us all how it's done on the field, and CBC indoor soccer, and before that, my cousin Zac playing for UCFV. Of course, when I brag about that to these youth, they seem to give me looks of either not being impressed, or not understanding (maybe both). Anyways, Zac, with all his coaching experience, just told me to just roll a ball out onto the field and tell them to kick each other. Apparently, he desires his coaching secrets to remain as secrets. Hopefully, MacGregor will give me some tips.
Well, I survived the practice. If anything, I think I was too easy on them. Even though two girls decided to pack up and leave. They didn't even say anything before leaving but it was right when I sent everyone for 2 more laps. I felt like maybe I was being to hard on everyone at that point but the rest of the team didn't seem to think so. It's not like I was really barking orders anyways; all my instructions were more like suggestions. Besides that, I think my drills might have been rather lame, or at least not gone off super well. (I had found a few on the internet that morning) At least I was able to put some of MacGregor's teaching on taking shots to good use and help some of the players put some stink on the ball without it going over the crossbar, fence, and the side of the mountain. See Dave, you are already the secret coach for this team and you didn't even know it. Now, you better give me some more tips just to save your reputation. And Zac, if you read this, how about a few more tips too? Anyone else got some good advice? At least for our next practice this week, the head coach will be there too.

3 comments:

Joshua Schroeder said...

I suggest watching Kicking and Screaming for some soccer coaching tips.

Liz said...

Or "Ladybugs" with Rodney Dangerfield...always a classic :)
Feel like I haven't talked to you in months Matt!!
So great to hear how involved you are and still have time to visit the Big C.
Hope all is well for you!
Cheers!

bcmatt said...

Thanks guys. I did see those movies but it has been awhile. Of course, this team is much better (and older) than the teams in those movies. But, you know, I'm sure I can glean how to keep practices fun. Liz, I hope you are well as well. I'm doing alright.