U-17 WNT assistant coach Mike Dickey posts another journal entry from the World Cup in New Zealand. This addition of CoachesNet Insider examines how the team prepared prior to their quarterfinal match against Korea Republic on Nov. 9. The U.S. plays Germany on Nov.13 at QEII Park in Christchurch in the semifinals. Fans can follow the match live on ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker.
Thursday, Nov. 6
Today was a recovery practice for those that played against France on Nov. 5 in the team’s final group game. Players who did not play participated in a harder practice.
- The team began practice with passing, juggling, and dribbling on half of the field.
- Every player started in the center circle with a ball.
- Switch to juggling one foot at a time while moving.
- Switch to thigh juggling one thigh at a time while moving.
- Switch to head juggling while moving.
- Switch to dribbling exercise which includes (ball drags, cut backs and toe touches on ball).
- Dynamic stretch.
- 4v4 in 30 by 30 grid.
- Possession game for players that did not play in France game.
- Limit 3 touches.
- The ten players that did play in the game stood on the outside of the grid and were limited to one touch. The outside players could only play ball to players inside of the grid.
- Finishing exercises with players that did not play in the game. All 3 Goalkeepers took part.
- Free shooting warm-up at 75% power.
- Look to finesse balls from around the 18 yard box.
- 3v2 plus Goalkeeper – begin 35 yards out.
- Shots from outside of the 18.
- Central player takes the shot.
- 3v2 plus Goalkeeper begin inside the penalty box.
- Penetration on the dribble and look for shot close to goal.
- Encourage team to hold ball as long as possible before shot is taken.
- 7v7 with big goals on half field.
- First team to 7 goals wins the game.
- Recovery session for players who played 60-90 minutes.
- Practice ended with a cool down and static stretch.
Goalkeeping
- Getting feet and body set to prepare for service from a variety of angles.
Friday, Nov. 7
- The team began practice with players splitting into pairs for passing on half of the field.
- The focus was on quality and precision passing with correct weight and accuracy.
- 1 touch juggling in pairs.
- 1v1 using 2 cones and a ball.
- Work on lateral movement with the ball and lateral movement without a ball.
- Emphasis on defensive footwork.
- 2v1 possession in small grid.
- Unlimited touch.
- Shielding, dribbling, turning and combination play.
- Groups of 4 in diamond shape.
- Play short passes on the ground.
- Recipient turns and switches the point of attack to player on opposite side.
- 4-goal game.
- Half field.
- 2 touch in defensive half.
- Unlimited touch in attacking half.
- Shadow play – Half field.
- Work on attacking movement to prepare for South Korea.
- 5v5 with full size goals.
- 30yd long by 44yd wide field.
- 4 teams play 5 minute games.
- Practice ended with a cool down and static stretch.
Goalkeeping
- Worked on dealing with a direct style of play (catching and punching balls).
- Worked on catching crosses in a crowd.
Saturday, Nov. 8 - Day before game
- The team began practice with players splitting into pairs for passing on half of the field.
- The focus was on quality and precision passing with correct weight and accuracy.
- 5 minute jog followed by dynamic stretch.
- Groups of 3 working on passing and turning.
Defenders and Midfielders
- 3v1.
- Addressed defensive assignments for South Korea game.
Forwards/Attacking Midfielders/Goalkeepers
Finishing exercises from outside the 18.
- Facing goal (2 touches).
- Balls played from the goal line to outside the 18.
- Facing goal (2 touches).
- Balls played from the side of the 18 to outside the 18.
- Ground passes and lifted pass.
- Back to goal (2 touches).
- Balls played outside the 18.
Possession exercise with all field players plus 2 neutral players
- 2 touches.
- 10 consecutive passes is a point.
- Practice ended with a cool down and static stretch.
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