2010 Fall Ball…

Monday night featured evaluations of our incoming and transfer players.

Last week I spoke at length about utilizing a player’s high school as the first indicator of their talent level prior to seeing them on the field.

In 90% of the cases we were correct. There were a few surprises both good and bad. But I think if I went into evaluations blindly it would have taken up too much time trying to start from scratch. This way we had about ten guys we absolutely wanted to have before practice began. Tonight, we were able to spend time focusing on the players we weren’t sure about which means they got more time to impress or not. Long story short, I think it was the best way to determine the talent given the allotted time.

The West Genny drill was the crown jewel of the evening. Stick work comes to the forefront for the offense. We showed them how we wanted the drill to be run on offense and they either did that or they didn’t. Which is another way of saying they either put themselves in a position to score every time or they didn’t.

There was an equal number of dip and dunks on to door step as there were crease cranks on the door step. Had to close my eyes a few times when said crease crank found a goalie’s body part instead of the back of the net. But hey, that’s their journey. I didn’t ask anyone to play that ridiculous position. Patience will be significantly less should that shooting technique surface during official practice.

West Genny in action. It's a fast drill. Impossible to get a clear photo off of a phone.

Some poles could handle in transition while some had never crossed the mid line in their life let alone put a shot cage.

They goalies saw a lot of rubber throughout the evening as we only stopped for one water break. They made some impressive one on one saves. I’ll have to give them a closer look tonight. Last year, the team carried three goalies, but I expect we will go with four, possibly, five this year.

We ran the West Genny drill for about 40 minutes. I explained what I wanted to see before the drill started and again halfway through. During the second half of the drill, I promised myself I wasn’t going to coach. I just wanted to watch and see who was coachable, i.e. who had the rare ability to listen. I struggled through the first few minutes of the drill before I came to terms with the fact that I needed to be quiet and just let them play. It was their job to listen to the instructions I had given moments prior. Doing the things the correct way but making a mistake is not the same as doing things incorrectly and making a mistake or even worse succeeding. I had reduced my communication to a whistle blast by the end of the drill and was generally pleased with their response as well as my own ability to shut up when it was absolutely necessary.

I expect there will be a little bit more coaching tonight as we have to set the roster by tomorrow.  We have to find out who can get better and contribute during practice. If you’re a bubble player who receives an extra bit of knowledge from the coaching staff, it will be in your best interest to utilize it during the next run.

At the conclusion of the evening, one player came up to the coaches and said, “I remembered why I hated playing so much senior year. So, I won’t be coming back tomorrow.” Appreciate the honesty, but…

On to the next one.

Several key incoming players couldn’t make it last night’s practice because of class commitments. I’m looking forward to seeing if they can contribute at the level I anticipate. If our success rate of predicting talent based off of high school background is as good as it was last night, we should have some nice additions joining us tonight.

I mixed in three returning players during West Genny to further gauge the talent level of the new guys and get a quick scout of those particular athletes. It was interesting to see them react because while I asked the returners to bring their gear, I don’t think they expected to play. I certainly don’t think only three expected to play while the others watched and occasionally jeered from the sideline. Tonight, all of the returners join the incoming guys and we’ll have a better idea of our depth chart heading into Thursday’s first practice.

Details

-Transportation proved to be much ado about nothing. Likely generated by my anxiety more than anything. Credit to the returners for taking care of that bit of business. While the idea of so many kids having to drive unnerves me a touch, it is a good bonding experience for the players. I think halfway through fall ball, I will require the drivers to change routes so another batch of friendships can be formed.

-This afternoon I am contacting each of the new guys from last night to offer some words of encouragement. Maybe a tip or two for tonight. Obviously, no one can change their shooting mechanics in a few hours but at least if I see them trying to listen…who knows. Could be the difference between the travel roster and the practice squad.

-I also need to contact the new guys and remind them that should they attend evaluations tonight we are considering it a commitment to the team for the entire year.

-Last night I had a long conversation with Elevation regarding the differences between the CPX-R and the Pro 7. My mind was already made up but it was interesting to hear “the sales pitch” on the R. I’m also getting ready to pull the trigger on our gloves as we have to get those ordered up by the 28th of this month for December delivery.

All Matte Everything

The evolution of black.

Thug life. - Red, Pineapple Express

Cold blooded.

And now the Hokies.

That decal must have cost $1400. It changes colors. Right or wrong.

Or it’s just black.

Is their lacrosse team calling Warrior right now?

Follower or trend setter.

Didn’t care for the pattern on the numbers.

Looks like something from Akira. And, game changing anime doesn’t belong on the football field.

IU Soccer. It’s kind of a big deal.

The Hoosiers defeated #5 UCLA 5-1 on Sunday and offer the fans a quick bounce back after a double overtime loss to Cal.

Can’t wait for the Notre Dame game at the beginning of October. Might be a little tricky to get a seat since apparently people care to watch quality soccer in Bloomingville.

The girls’ team is home Friday. Could be fun.

Sports Country

Bigger blood bath this weekend:

Alabama vs. Penn State

or

Miami vs. Ohio State

______________

Brighter future:

Leinhart in Houston

or

Davis in North Carolina

Notes

Princeton’s goalie is competing on America’s Next Top Model

Grove City video update

MLL All Star Game returns to Boston. Smart. Boston or Denver for all major events.

NHL 2011 drops at midnight

Is North Carolina basketball next? Please, say yes