Fremont YSC, Player Profile: Goalkeepers

We Have The Ball:

  • Good with their feet.

Why?

  1. Keepers are usually the players who start the attack or re-start. (From a goal kick or from a pass-back).
  2. Need to be comfortable with their feet while under pressure from a defender. (If a defender is charging at them, do they simply kick it out of bounds, or do they push their 1st touch into open space so that they can play out?)
  • Good distribution with hands and feet.

Why?

Having good distribution is key when playing in the Keeper position. Different types of distribution from a Keeper are:

  1. With the ball on the ground, using their feet. (Short, long, driven, lofted).
  2. Punting the ball from their hands. (Side strike, driven, lofted).
  3. Throwing the ball out with their hands. (Rolling the ball to a player’s feet, overhanded throw for a more driven ball, or a lofted ball to cover more ground).

It is important for a Keeper to have good distribution, because they are the players who are closest to the goal, and if their distribution isn’t successful, then it will be harder for the team to get forward in attack. Also, it adds to the overall team’s confidence when a Keeper can use their feet. A lot of times when players don’t trust their keeper using their feet, you will see them opt out of making a pass back to the keeper, and just kick it out of bounds, giving away the possession.


They Have The Ball:

  • Shot stopper.

Why?

  1. It is important for Keepers to be a good shot stopper, because they are only player on the field who can safely secure a shot on goal, without having it rebound off their body. As keepers are able to use their hands.
  2. Being a good shot stopper is all about setting your feet, on your toes, knees bent, chest over toes, shuffling from side to side, and keeping your eye on the ball.
  3. Be able to cushion the ball inside your gloves, with your hands in front of you and never over your head.
  4. Getting your body behind the ball / shot. This way, if the ball slips past your gloves, your body is behind it, which will keep the ball out of the net.
  • Commands the space between the defensive unit and our goal.

Why?

  1. The space in behind the defensive unit is crucial, because that is the space most attacking players want to play the ball in, as it is the most dangerous space.
  2. For example, when the ball is in our attacking half, the Keeper moves forward with the defensive unit, so that the space behind them is manageable, to where they can easily play a ball out with their feet if a through ball gets sent over the top, or through a seem. Thus transitioning from Defending to Attacking higher up the field.
  • Organization of the defensive unit.

Why?

  1. Being vocal, letting defenders know when to slide, step, press and drop.
  2. Organizing the weak sided player to tuck in and slide over towards the center of the field, to also make sure that player keeps their hips open so that the defender can see the entire field in front of them.
  3. Give good and positive instruction. Keepers do not “Yell” at their defenders. They instruct them to positions and areas of the field that are best seen from the Keeper position. (As the Keeper has a great view of the field and of what is going on).

Being a Fremont YSC Goalkeeper:

  • Good with your feet
  • Good distribution
  • Starting point of counter attack
  • Shot stopper
  • Commands space between defensive unit and goal
  • Organization of defensive unit

Soccer at Home, No Better Way to Play

No matter when in the season, or the circumstance, playing at home either on your own or with friends at the park, is a great way to develop your playing ability.

Using the player elements as your reference to giving yourself direction on how to practice on your own, pick up a ball, head outside, and spend time working on the areas you want to develop. Refer to your player profile on what areas you’d like to improve on, and create your own practices.

Player Profiles – https://www.fremontyouthsoccer.com/player-development-forms/

Player Elements – https://www.fremontyouthsoccer.com/playing-identity-of-the-club/

While creating your own sessions is great, sports should be fun, and this shouldn’t feel like ‘homework’, as soon as it becomes ‘work’, we’re losing the passion and reason for why we started. We started for the love of the game, the passion that comes with soccer culture, the social interaction of being with friends and meeting new people. Use this time to get together with friends, find an open space, be it the street or a park, and have a kick around. All you need is a ball, 1v1, 2v3, 5v5, no matter the numbers, you’ll have a great time and will improve your game.

Soccer on the Sofa

Looking for some time around the TV with the family while we’re indoors and away from the fields. Here is a list of films to get stuck in to as suggested by our board. Pull up a chair, fill up on popcorn, and enjoy some family time with soccer.

  1. The Big Green –  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112499/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
  2. Kicking and Screaming – https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0384642/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
  3. Early Man – https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4701724/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
  4. Offside – https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0499537/?ref_=vp_back
  5. The Game of Their Lives – https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0354595/?ref_=ttls_li_tt
  6. Victory – https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083284/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
  7. Believe – https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2009606/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_42
  8. Bend it Like Beckham – https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0286499/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
  9. Dare to Dream – https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1146435/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
  10. Pelé: Birth of a Legend –  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0995868/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

When Life Gives You Lemons, Play FIFA 20

While we are away from the practice fields, and unable to physically practice, one of the most enjoyable way to learn more about soccer is by playing FIFA.

We have created a Fremont YSC playing league through Xbox and FIFA 20, to learn more about your favorite players, and stay social by playing against other players and even some of the coaching staff.

Steps to join the online league:

  1. Turn Xbox on and go to home screen (normally shows automatically)
  2. Click on icon on the top left of home screen
  3. Sign in to Xbox Live
  4. Tap the LB button on controller and to the “people” page
  5. Click on “find someone”
  6. Search for gamertag “GoaGladiator87”, this is Coach Gavin Carvalho’s gamertag.
  7. Once added, you will then be added by Gavin Carvalho to the Fremont YSC online FIFA League

Like everything else, all good in moderation, but remember, nothing beats playing the real thing.


We now have FIFA added to mobile devices. With great thanks to Vaishak (05BBE), Vaishak has added a club league to mobile devices for you to play and compete against each other from your phone. To join the league search for ‘FYSC‘ as the league to join.

Any questions on this league, please contact Eric, [email protected]

COVID – 19

While we are not qualified physicians, nor experts in disease control, we hope the following information we have from research and received guidance, will help as a resource to stay safe during this time.

Health & Safety Reminders

  • Practice “social distancing” to the degree possible, meaning six feet from one another.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60%-95% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Individuals with chronic health issues and/or individuals experiencing severe symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.
  • Consult with your healthcare provider if you or your household members are at high risk for COVID-19 complications.

Persons at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should stay home and away from crowded social gatherings as much as possible. These types of gatherings include, but are not limited to parades, conferences, sporting events, and concerts where large numbers of people are within arm’s length of one another. Those considered at higher risk include:

  • People over 60 years of age. The risk increases significantly thereafter and escalates with age, with persons over age 80 in the highest risk category.
  • People, regardless of age, with underlying health conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or chronic lung diseases like COPD, as well as those with severely weakened immune systems.

Keep up to date locally with information from the following organizations –

 

Coronavirus Update

This afternoon we received an update from both US Club Soccer and NorCal Premier, with guidelines for the Conv-19 outbreak.

As per the guidelines please see as follows –

  • Local clubs to make their own decision on practices based on their county guidelines.
  • NorCal Premier will be suspending all competitions until March 31st.

As an organization we are under the 1000-person threshold for canceling mass gatherings of people, and all events are outdoors. We will be monitoring both Alameda County guidelines, and the policies set by the school district through their communication with county superintendents. Please see the following link – https://www.fremont.k12.ca.us/pf4/cms2/news_themed_display?id=1579858471843

The following are the measures being taken by Fremont YSC, and we ask for your co-operation –

  • Practices and programs will continue as normal
    • Parents, please remain in your cars and do not gather at the playing location during practices.
    • When picking up your child, if your child is younger and needs guidance back to the car, please come and pick up your child, but do not hang around to create any gatherings.
  • Take the following preventative measures –
    • No handshakes, hi fives or huddles at practices.
    • Do not share any drinking containers.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
      • If a player is feeling sick, please keep them at home, and do not send to practice until back to full health.
      • If any player or immediate family member is tested as positive for Coronavirus, please contact the club ASAP.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
    • Stay home when you are sick.
    • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

We understand everyone will have a different approach to how they want to combat and prevent the virus, and while we feel it is still safe to continue as per the guidelines from local districts and the county, if you do not feel comfortable attending a practice or session, then please stay home and return to practices when you are comfortable.

We will continue to monitor the situation and will keep up to date with the Fremont Unified School District guidelines.

Week 30 Review and Game Reference

The following contains information about the weeks practice. The email will outline the sessions that have been completed and what the players worked on. We have a player centric, proactive curriculum which ensures the players will cover all the necessary mechanics, skill work, and give players a chance to be decision makers and creative players. Through the long-term development from U8 to U19, the players will pass through different stages and priorities as outlined in the program welcome meeting.

While during practice the players will be given the tools they need, if an individual wants to push on with playing at a higher level and performing to the best of their ability, practicing at home will always give them that extra edge, and we can’t encourage enough for those with passion for the sports to practice in their own time. This also avoids unnecessary over-training of structured practices continuously throughout the week.


ADP Training Pool, U8 and Competitive Ages

  • Passing 3

Players working in pairs, moving around the playing area passing between gates. Competitions and conditions placed upon the practice to encourage intensity of the session, and challenges to the players, while still allowing freedom of the player to make mistakes and decisions. Opponents added for transition from technique to skill acquisition where the action of the pass is now in a game related activity.

  • Small Sided Games, Free Play

Free play is vitally important, and more of this is needed in youth sports. https://www.soccertoday.com/platini-soaf-let-youth-players-be-kids-they-are-not-pros-yet/ This gives empowerment to the individual player to perform with creative actions and to use the game situation to problem solve, not relying on the instructions from external sources outside of the games context.


Fundamental Learning Stage

Mesocycle – Defending

Game Day Reference –  Defending in 1v1 Situations

11’s to 08’s Competitive Teams

  • Pressure as 1st Defender

In a 1v1 situation, the player defending works on the approach to engage with the attacker in possession of the ball. Players are taught how to press by the speed of approach, the body shape on approach, and the adjustment to slowing down to affect the possessors space in possession of the ball. As players get older or have a greater understanding, the introduction of a second attacker changes the situation where the defender must now press at an angle and change body positioning based on the spaces.

  • SSG 1

A game with multiple scoring options. Small sided games allows for the player to be in a game situation, while experiencing different game scenarios through the constraints and conditions placed on the game. This optimizes the players cognitive and socio-affective structure.

  • Thursdays Free Play

Free play is vitally important, and more of this is needed in youth sports. https://www.soccertoday.com/platini-soaf-let-youth-players-be-kids-they-are-not-pros-yet/ This gives empowerment to the individual player to perform with creative actions and to use the game situation to problem solve, not relying on the instructions from external sources outside of the games context.


Specific Learning Stage

Mesocycle – WE, Switching Point of Attack

Game Day Reference – Switching play to find 1v1 in wide corridors

07’s to 05’s

  • Physiological Development – Shooting 2

A physiological conditioning session where high repetition of sprints, and progressing into speed endurance, to match the needs of a position specific to wide corridors where players need to attack advanced spaces at speed and recover upon losing possession of the ball. The technical session is around shooting, where the game structure conditions players to find open spaces of co-operation, away from the possessor of the ball, but where the target is to shoot when opportunity is available.

  • Player Movement and Body Shape

A possession session where players movement and body positioning adjusts depending on the position and direction of the ball, and supporting players. At younger age or level of ability, the priority is to get player adjusting body shape to open their body to the field on their first touch for a positive touch in to space. As players develop, the player movement of disguising the pass, moving in to the pass and allowing it to roll, and movement to see as much of the field as possible to take in as much useful information as the player can. Playing concept of before, during, and after, to optimize the players perception of the on field situation, the decision making of the action to be taken once in possession, and building on from the play once the pass has been completed.

  • Thursdays Free Play

Free play is vitally important, and more of this is needed in youth sports. https://www.soccertoday.com/platini-soaf-let-youth-players-be-kids-they-are-not-pros-yet/ This gives empowerment to the individual player to perform with creative actions and to use the game situation to problem solve, not relying on the instructions from external sources outside of the games context.


Performance Learning Stage

Mesocycle – Pre-Season

Game Day Reference – N/A

04’s and Older

  • Physiological Conditioning – Injury Prevention & Core Activation

A circuit of exercises to engage the core through hip hinge movements, and glute activation. A low intensity and low impact session for recovery purposes and re-entry in to the week of practice. A significant amount of time allotted to stretching, loosening up the posterior chain, and hip-flexor muscles.

04 and 02 age groups practice small sided rondos, in a low impact session for managing intensity following the weekend games.

  • Physiological Development – Agility through Passing

A movement activity with the ball, in small groups where opening up the playing area, and moving off from the direction of the pass provides a practices where players game related agility is optimized. Players body positioning to receive the pass open to the next pass, and the body movement to disguise the next pass. In the moment of the action the ‘stop action reflex’ is challenges from the crossing movement of other players within the playing area, again forcing players to react and change direction at speed to maintain possession of the ball.

  • Preseason Scrimmage

Age groups combine to play in scrimmages against each other, both playing age up and age down, with the priority of match day fitness, with the 11v11 perfectly replicating the demands of a match day. The physiological differences in age allow for players to be under pressure in both attack and defending principles where they cannot rely on their physical make-up but must rely on their speed of thought to overcome the disadvantage of physical size.


Every session is structured to facilitate all four pillars of the players development, and to include challenges, targets, and competition to get players to push themselves further. We are a program that heavily focuses on the players individual development, and not to get caught up in the race for trophies and excessive travel to unnecessary tournaments. If you ever have any questions about the Fremont YSC philosophy, and the proactive curriculum, we are always available to answer.

Breakdown of mechanics in technique – https://www.fremontyouthsoccer.com/technical-tactical/

Fremont YSC Playing Identity – https://www.fremontyouthsoccer.com/playing-identity-of-the-club/

Coronavirus – NorCal Memorandum

To all club members, please take the time to carefully read through the following information provided by NorCal Premier.

With the recent cases of the COVID-19 virus in California, we wish to communicate to all NorCal member clubs, teams, players, coaches, game officials & families about best practices to protect everyone at soccer events. We encourage everyone to follow the recommended guidelines from the California Department of Public Health to protect themselves and those around them from any virus including respiratory viruses like COVID-19. To help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, please follow these important tips:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, like in this video from the CDC. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • All adults and children should stay home when sick. Share this video with your children and loved ones to teach them to cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Individuals with chronic health issues and/or individuals experiencing severe symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.
  • California Department of Public Health does not recommend the use of face masks for general prevention and says that hand-washing provides better protection from infectious diseases.

At this time, NorCal competitions & events will continue as scheduled. We will continue to monitor the situation, and update if there are any changes to this plan. In addition to the CDC & California Department of Public Health recommendations, please see the recommendations below for NorCal games & practices in order for us all to protect ourselves and those around us.

  • Players or parents feeling ill should not attend NorCal soccer matches or practices
  • No handshakes, high fives, fist pumps, chest bumps, huddles, group celebrations, etc.
  • No pre or post game handshakes between players, coaches & officials – teams should continue to show good sportsmanship by clapping or cheering for the opposition team
  • Drinks bottles should NOT be shared
  • NPL Games – home team should NOT provide water jugs for communal usage, each player should bring their own drinks bottle
  • Referees only should sign the game card – there should be a verbal acknowledgement from coaches that the information is correct so that the referee may sign
  • If you bring food or drinks to games, please ensure that you discard of any items yourself
  • All players & teams are advised to carry & use hand sanitizer