Reply To: Game Intelligence / Decision Training

[hockeygod]

I was gone this weekend to watch one of The Colombian's U16 (1997's) female soccer teams play in an indoor provincial tournament. They achieved the silver medal; winning 7 games in a row leading up to and including the tournament games. They lost the gold medal game 3-1. John's team was down to 10 players and a goalie (they started with 14 players – blasted injuries!) The team that beat them was one year older (1996's) and their increased strength, speed, skill and tactical play showed. That team has played together for four years while John's team (core of 8 players) has been together for 16 months. Still, they competed very hard. They need to refine their skills and play more confident. (The opponents scored to make it 1-0 34 seconds into the game!)

I made lots of notes and stats and will share some thoughts on these as well as the play in the games I saw. I kept track of possession time in one game and then consecutive passes in two games. I didn't make any judgements about the decisions – like Stewart B. did with the Dinos when Tom was working with them… I want to determine Stewart's system to see if I can quantify games with that system. Tom, do you have a form or guidance for me in that regard? I will share my findings later this week when I get more time.

Indoor soccer is very close to hockey – played in a rink of similar dimensions, change on the fly, 5 players and a goalie, three lines marking the ice, etc. There were some different rules though… In fact, it would be cool to try playing a game of ice hockey with some of these rules!

John was very impressive with his calm demeanor on the bench. I couldn't believe some of the other coaches – absolutely losing it at their own players and the refs! You could see from the players' body language that they weren't too happy about their coaches' performance!

John asked me into the dressing room and team meetings so I got to watch how he conducts himself. Not too many people have enough confidence in themselves to do this – but we have worked with each other for almost ten years and we share a very similar philosophy. It is always nice to be able to see other coaches in action; especially behind the scenes. Lots of good stuff. It was a great weekend of PD!

Dean
M.Ed (Coaching)
Ch.P.C. (Chartered Professional Coach)
Game Intelligence Training
"Great education depends on great teaching."