| His name is Ben...Coincidence? |
A little late getting this report out...but now I know why. Had I published it before the final of the FA Cup someone would have put two and two together. The goal “Ben” scored off of Tedd’s corner kick was vaguely reminiscent of the game winner “Ben” Watson scored last night for Wigan to win the FA Cup, their first ever in 81 years. And just like Wigan, the Orangemen struggle near the bottom of the table...but we still play with considerable heart.
Last week we play Don’s Arlington Team. We provided Arlington with Karl as a sub...thanks Karl for stepping up to give Don a blow. We also provided Arlington with a Keeper....last week we provided them with Chris...who oddly had the game of his life. Keeping us to one goal...and making many saves...too numerous to count. Also, his distribution of the ball was tremendous....with his signature ¾ field punts out of the back.
I’m giving Orangemen-man-O-da-match honors to Ben for his spectacular goal last week. But overall it's great playing on the same team with a guy like him - super skilled, extremely hard working, always positive and encouraging. He was throwing his whole body into challenges Saturday against a team with a number of good and physical players. It was poetic justice that his hard work was rewarded with a beautiful goal (by any standard) - also great that Ted set him up with an excellent corner kick. Ted put 3 other corner kicks in the exact same position and we weren't able to convert.
On the down side last week we had a dispute between two players...I have spoken with both players and I think the issue is resolved. Everybody makes mistakes on the pitch...and when someone yells at someone else for being selfish with the ball, or making a bad decision, or screwing up the play by making a hash of the pass, etc. It’s up to the manager to provide the criticism or make the correction. We don’t want a team full of coaches. So here’s my philosophy on coaching and making criticisms.
1) If it’s the wrong decision, poorly executed, you will receive criticism from me. Most of what we see in this category are players not passing. Basically, it’s always the wrong decision not to pass. And if you discover that the pass is a bad idea, 9 times out of 10 it’s because you’ve hung on to the ball for too long and your passing options were eliminated. On a positive note, our passing has improved considerably.
2) If it’s a selfish decision, you better turn it into the right decision by scoring. Or you will receive criticism from me. If you don’t score and there was someone is scoring position, it is acceptable for the player in scoring position to say something...within the realm of reason. Then the matter is dropped.
3) If it’s the right decision, poorly executed, there is no negative criticism. Positive reinforcement that it was the right idea. And maybe some encouragement to practice a similar pass, shot, trap during the week or when warming up. On rare occasions I might rib someone I consider to be an exceptional player for something exceptionally bad...if there is something funny about it.
4) If you are out of position...there should be no criticism...just an admonishment to get back in position. If you continue to play out of position it’s time for you to be substituted.
5) If your’re playing too physically, I will talk to you, but that typically builds over time.
6) If you talking back to the ref, offering him criticism, I will talk to you immediately. I’m still the only one who gets to talk with the ref.
We can talk to each other...and make corrections. I’m not trying to eliminate the collective team pressure on any player. Just keep it within reason. Also, I’m not immune from any of this...so please call me out if I’m guilty of any of the points above. Then it’s dropped.
OK..enjoy Mother’s Day. The write up from last night is coming shortly.
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