Going to the UK!

01 September 2013

I played 90 mins in a cup match on Sunday as right back. Learning properly when the right time is to go forward and attack. We dominated the match and got rewarded with a penalty late in the 2nd half to make it 1-0. My highlight is when it was nearly full time, the other team were on the counter, a player was steaming through the box and crossed it to a player 10m to his left who could just score the tap in. However, I got the goal saving touch that stopped him from getting his shot in.

In terms of positive news, next Monday I will be going over to England to participate in a trials match at Forest Green Rovers. Apparently, I’ll also be meeting a guy in London called Rasmus Ankerson, the author of the “Goldmine Effect”. Jordan at Create.it set this up for me. Not sure what for yet, hopefully the details come clearer soon.

 

Goal Journal Updates

Long term goals
Play professionally by October 2013
Short term goals
1. improve my confidence on:
  • 1-on-1’s
  • Receiving with back to ball
    & become a more valuable player by..
  • Looking for more ways I can get on the ball

– Getting better at 1-on-1’s, and find that I have a key advantage as I can shoot with both feet well and so the defender doesn’t know which direction I’ll go. Also learning not to stop or slow down as I’m approaching the defender.
– Getting on the ball more by positioning oneself on edge of box for 1 touch, shot.
– Making inside runs, you can get on the ball so much more as I found in training this week.
– Coach pointed out to me whilst playing, don’t be static, move & move. I think he was right and just maybe the answer to getting on the ball more.
– Receive ball on touchline, rather than in the middle.
4/8/13 – Confidence definitely improving in one on ones as I practice them more and more with the out of contract guys.
12/8 – going inside more as a winger to make those cross field runs, I do get more touches on the ball that way.
25/8 – go inside, but don’t crowd other peoples space.
1/8/13 – trying to make more actions. Really trying to turn on that confidence.

2. make a real habit of scanning alot
General comment: Improving, and I really want to shine more out of tight positions. Getting better, but so difficult to make this a habit. Still making sure I’m purposely scanning in personal trainings and club training drills.

3. Ongoing – Find out what makes great players, great. What separates the “great” from the “good”.

Setting up a new category for this.
4. Defend better,

I think I have achieved this goal! New goal: Create more wow moments! 
a. communication
b. knowing who should be marking who.
As a right winger I don’t think I really have problems defending. Communication also improving.
– watch for preferred foot of the player
11/8 – sandwich the attackers on opposition throw ins.
1/9 – goal achieved!

 

5. Build LinkedIn network
4/8/13 – Doing this actively and making good gains.
31/8 – need to build more actively.
accomplished: be stronger off the ball, quicker plays, don’t let attackers run inside, play long ball forward instead of risky passback, be more explosive, plan better, defend better

NEXT WEEK

Plan

Next week
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Evening – Training with JOS & 75x first touch, dribble inside and finish in goal. Left/Right foot alternate.
Wednesday:  Training C and Workout B
Thursday: Evening – Training with JOS
Friday: Training @ Damsko
Saturday: Training A
Sunday: Game Day

Comments

  1. Ali Saluk says:
    06 Sep 2013 at 11:33 am

    Is 15 too late?

    Reply (2)

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In 2009, I was an average soccer player with a dream. I started this blog to document my journey from local underdog to getting offered over $100,000 in soccer scholarships, a contract to play professionally and the experience of playing in Europe.
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