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Dorka Szocs P.E.

Grade 9 Soccer Unit Grade 9 Video Analysis

November 14, 2011

Question 1- Scene 1 Describe and explain three ways to improve dribbling technique by watching the performance of a beginning soccer player. Make reference to what they did wrong and how to improve: The key focus in dribbling is control. This is an important skill all soccer players must learn to master - in this video, the player has various aspects to improve on. One of them is keeping his head up throughout the entire dribbling technique. This is important because a player dribbles in order to move the ball offensively or defensively - to do so, the player must look out for his surroundings and move the ball along the field. Once the player has their head up, he can focus on placing the ball somewhere specific (and finding passing or shooting opportunities). Another improvement would be to keep the ball close to the player handling it - in the video, the player simply kicks into the ball, and therefore places it too far in front of him. In this case, the ball can easily be taken away from him (seeing as there is so much space given for the opponents). If the ball is closer to the player, it gives him the chance to have a wide range of opportunities (dribbling, passing, shooting), and also protects the ball from the opponents. With the ball closer to the player handling it, he can shield the ball by using his body as the shield - this is done by turning his back to the opponent, then passing/breaking for an open spot. Another way to improve his dribbling technique would be the position of his body. It is more effective to keep his back quite straight (and not bend over, covering the ball), having his shoulders and waist in one line. This way the player can have better control of the ball and move more freely, as well as have the possibility to look around and follow through properly when leaving contact with the ball.

Question 2- Scene 2 Describe and explain three ways to improve chest control by watching the performance of a beginner soccer player. Make reference to what they did wrong and how to improve. Another significant skill is the ability to trap the ball - this is when a soccer player receives the ball with a part of their body: in this case, it is the chest. The player in the video needs to improve on various features; one of them is moving towards the ball. An important thing to remember is that the player should go towards the ball instead of waiting for it to get to him. When the ball is in the air, the player should get in front of it and square to the incoming ball. In the video, the person bends forwards because he cant reach the ball properly - this is why he has to move in front of it quickly and receive it well. Another feature is that once the player has moved towards the ball, he should pull his check back quickly from the waist as soon as he reaches the moment of impact with the ball. The player should have the feeling of properly grasping the ball, which allows for a good control after the impact. A third improvement would be keeping the arms out - in the video, the player has the arms stuck to his body, which results in

a stiff movement towards the ball. It is useful to have the arms out to prevent a lack of balance when coming in contact with the ball (this is especially important with a ball coming at a high speed). In conclusion, all of these improvements are essential and would result in a better control of the ball in terms of stopping it and keeping it near the body (within distance to control it).

Question 3- Scene 3 Describe and explain three ways to improve thigh control by watching the performance of a beginner soccer player. Make reference to what they did wrong and how to improve. Thigh control is another way of trapping the ball when it is too low for the chest to receive. One of the way to improve thigh control (for the soccer player in the video) would be to get in front of the ball, just like when trapping the ball with other parts of the body. If a player moves towards the ball - and not vice versa - it is easier for him to come towards it and receive it, controlling it the way he wants to efficiently. Another area for improvement is the impact of the thigh with the ball - as the ball is coming towards the player, he should raise his knee a slightly bit and meet the ball with his thigh (not knee). The mistake the player in the video made was that he raised his knee above 90 degrees, which was too high - because of this, the ball didnt stop, but made contact and was pushed away in the air (far from the player). Also, the final process of trapping would be to immediately drop the knee after the impact with the ball - if this happens, the ball momentarily sticks to the thigh, and thus falls on the ground, rolling to the feet of the player. With these 3 areas of focus it is easier to stop the ball coming from down low, yet still in the air. Question 4- Scene 4 & 5 Compare the performance of a beginner against that of a high level performer. In relation to heading technique, explain what went well with the better player (red shirt) and what the other player (yellow shirt) should do to improve. There is a clear difference between the way the better player (red shirt) and the other player handled the header. The player in the yellow shirt is stiff and rigid, and does not move towards the ball; as the ball is going towards him, he lowers his head, and makes contact with the ball using the top of his head. The player in the red shirt does the complete opposite, which is the correct method. He relaxes his muscles a bit more, and moves around, allowing him space and the flexibility to move towards the ball. As the ball is going towards him, he jumps up to meet the ball with his forehead, and not the top of his head. By hitting the ball with the forehead, there is less pain, but also gives a better ability to control the ball and header it in the direction the player wants to place it. He also applies a strong force to the header, which allows for him to follow through and header the ball up in the air.

Question 5. Describe and explain two specific ways to communicate effectively with team mates in a game of soccer. You may want to explain a common phrase used or a situation when you need communication and then how you actually do it.

There are multiple communication phrases on the soccer field, terms used in many situations (depending on whatever needs to take place). One of the important terms is line this has various other forms, such as side line or even down the line, and are specifically used when a player wants a teammate to pass/kick the ball towards the nearest line. This is highly significant since the ball is sent to an open space and not a particular person, which allows for the player to run towards the ball and gain good control of it. Also, if the player is controlling the ball along the side lines, there is more space and thus more opportunities for him to move around the field, rather than placing it in the center of the field where there is a good chance for the opponents to take the ball. This term is especially used for players who send the ball to right/left midfielders who dribble it along the side and then pass to a teammate near the opponents goal. Another important term used is cross - this is shouted when a player wants a teammate to pass the ball in the other, however in the opposite side of the field. This is usually used when the players are close to the opponents goal, creating scoring opportunities since balls in the air are harder for the goalie to defend. Clearly, both terms are used in different situations, yet are equally as important on the soccer field and develop a strong system of communication between players.

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