Thursday, May 31, 2007

USMNT Practice


The Men's National team is practicing in California, preparing for Saturday's game against China. The log of Tuesday's practice can be seen here
I just wanted to copy a few items and see if you recognize this practice.
"10:04 a.m. – Head coach Bob Bradley brings the guys together in the center circle and is talking about what they’ll be doing today and what he’s looking for from today’s practice....After the quick pep talk, trainer Anthony Slater leads the guys in a light jog around the field.
10:10 a.m. – After the run, the guys get in a circle to stretch, led by Andrew in the middle of the circle. Interestingly, Sorber and Peter are also stretching. Possibly playing today? Guess we’ll see.
10:14 a.m. – We finally get into the meat of the practice. The 16 field players are broken up into two groups of eight. One is taking part in a passing/trapping drill. Basically the guys run with in a square, always moving in a counter-clockwise direction, taking a touch and giving it back...
10:31 a.m. – Players using almost an entire half for the next drill where there are four two-by-two foot boxes in each corner. The teams of eight can score points by completing a pass into one of the boxes ... Bob telling the guys good so far, but there needs to be more talking. Umm…Nowak can definitely still play as he gets in good spots and sprays perfectly placed balls with one and two touches. He hits a great one-time ball to Jonathan Spector in the corner and puts it at 3-3. Another yellow score, then Marsh responds to for blue and a 4-4 tie.
10:38 a.m. – Bob blows his whistle after about seven minutes to talk through a couple points about moving without the ball and spacing.
10:51 a.m. – Both goals are pulled up to the 18-yard lines and it looks like they’re going to play 9v9 ...
11:45 a.m. – Guys move on to a strictly shooting drill now, with Sorber playing them a ball straight on from the endline. Lined up about 20 yards out, guys are attempting to take two touches, one to settle, the second to strike on goal...."

My point is that practice is practice no matter what level you are competing on. It is all about fundamentals.

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