Drury Panthers, Ryan Swan, GLVC & Regional Coach of the Year 2009
Barcelona vs Real Madrid is available under the Replay tab on ESPN3.com until Monday
TV Schedule – all games Live on Fox Soccer Channel
U-17 MNT vs Korea Republic, Wednesday Dec. 1, 6:00 pm
U-17 MNT vs Brazil, Friday Dec. 3, 6:00 pm
U-17 MNT vs Turkey, Sunday Dec. 5, 6:00 pm
2010 Development Academy Winter Showcase and Nike International Friendlies
Players should watch for the technical ability of the athletes on show, particularly their ability to settle the ball and the range of their passes. I am always impressed with the communication between the players and their awareness of where the open spaces are and where their opponents are. If I may resort back to my Barcelona comment; one of the reasons that Xavi is arguably the best player in the world right now, is his ability for find and create space in the center of the field. This is developed through intelligent movement and anticipating where the ball and his opponent will move. This sounds very simple but the vast majority of youth players are so focused on the ball, that they neglect to think about their opponents. Watch the youth national players and I am confident that you will see them constantly checking over their shoulder as they check for the ball (particularly the central midfielders).
Beyond watching the games for the technical and tactical aspects, I will watch purely for the joy of watching quality soccer. Watching the USA match up against Brazil’s free moving style, Korea’s explosive speed and
ball movement, and Turkey’s………(em, I’ve got no idea what to expect from Turkey), is an exciting prospect for me (and hopefully all US soccer fans). Finally, knowing that the next Ronaldinho, Donovan, Kaka, Dempsey, Park, Sukur etc could be on the field, heightens the appeal. I encourage all soccer fans to tune in and watch these games.
Look for me amongst the fans, I will be the guy in the Drury University gear!
Ryan Swan
Head Men’s Soccer Coach, Drury University Panthers
Visit our camp web site at: www.drurysocceracademy.com
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Great post! The best players are the ones that do the most without the ball, that receive the ball already knowing what their options are and always take their first touch away from pressure. The technical skills are required but the thought process sets them apart. Anecdotally, I here that during practice at Barcelona, if Xavi loses the ball his team mates clap! It probably goes without saying that they don’t clap much.