Coyotes Get Ready to Rumble in Game #2

As game time for week #2 swiftly approaches, Team Coyote took to the practice fields last night and had a good workout. 

The team concentrated on power shots and midfield defense, as that seemed to be the biggest problem in the loss in week #1.  With the Coyotes taking some 13 shots on goal last week, and none of them finding the net, the problem was not a lack of offense, but a lack of zip on the ball when shot at goal. 

In last night's drills, the 'Yotes also practiced teamwork and passing.  It is a difficult concept to get through to younger kids, but the team seemed to be picking up the idea.  We will keep working on that throughout the season at every practice.

The young Coyotes eagerly took in last night's lessons as they prepared for the upcoming game.  Hopefully, that will translate into some passing and assists offensively along with more zip on the shots on goal, and stronger, stingier defense at the midfield position.

As I was preparing to write this blog, I came across an article on "Soccer Mom's"...being the best you can be.  Following is an excerpt from that article on what you, as parents, can do to help your young Coyote develop the skills that will make him/her a better soccer player:

Here is a true statement: Kids learn by doing.
Why is the US soccer program behind many other countries? Because kids in the other countries grow up with a soccer ball. They play it, live it, and breath it every day. Kids in the US grow up with - yes, you guessed it, a baseball. Perhaps a bit oversimplified but you get the picture.
It is critical that kids (and soccer moms ) get to play with a soccer ball as much as possible.
To Do List:
Buy a soccer ball . One soccer ball (minimum) is a REQUIREMENT around the house at all times. NOT AN OPTION! Read about how to buy a soccer ball.

Play soccer with him/her.  Just 10-20 minutes every other day of passing the ball back and forth and dribbling will greatly improve their ability to pass, receive, and control the ball - and you might become an all-star soccer mom!
Buy some orange practice cones so they can practice dribbling skills in the yard. If you can't afford the cones (4 for about $4), be a creative soccer mom and use whatever you have around the house to use as markers. The cones have a multitude of purposes. Use them to mark a boundary, as goal posts, or to make a square or circle. If you're short on ideas or just need fresh ones, there are many excellent books and videos for the soccer mom or parent that make great references.  Hint - the local "Wal-Mart" or similar store normally stocks these cones.
Make or buy a small soccer goal for the yard . This makes the fun factor go WAY up! Size doesn't matter .  As a soccer mom or dad you should do what makes sense for your situation and yard size. A soccer goal is often a kid magnet for the neighborhood, friends, and teammates. Have fun with it!

You can read the entire article here:  http://www.soccer-for-parents.com/soccer-mom.html

The site is full of good information!

A parent asked me last night what they could do to help prepare her Coyote for the upcoming game.  If you will just get out and play with the child for a few minutes between now and Saturday, having the child pass the ball to you and taking POWER shots at a goal you create...that would re-inforce what we did in practice last night and help the Coyote to develop into a better player.  There are tons of resources on the 'net full of information as well!

So, overall, a good practice last night...the hour flew by!  I wish we would have had another hour or so, but we prepared as much as possible with the alloted time.  See you all on Saturday...game time 11:00 am, Field #6....be there by 10:45 ready to go!

GO COYOTES

Coyotes Play Well in Opening Season Loss

Team Coyote took to the fields on opening day full of hope and expectations, but ended up on the short end of a 4-0 game against a tough, well coached, seasoned team.

The game was actually closer than the final score indicated, with the Coyotes playing with plenty of heart and determination. Offensively, the 'Yotes had a total of 13 shots on goal, but just lacked the zip on the ball to get it passed the opposing goalie.  Defensively, after a tentative start, the Coyote goalies began to respond and had a total of 11 saves on goal.

The Coyotes took the opening kickoff and marched down field with the first opportunity at a shot on goal, which was blocked by the other goalie.  The other team rebounded and went downfield and got one past the Coyote goalie on the other end to go up 1-0.  That is the way the first quarter ended.

As the second quarter got underway, the other team battled a Coyote team that kept trying to find the goal, only to have all their shots blocked.  The other team added two more goals in the 2nd quarter to go up 3-0 at halftime.

Despite the heat of the day, the young Coyotes stiffened defensively in the second half, while continuing to pressure the other team by driving the ball downfield time after time but just coming up short on shots on goal.  Credit is due to the opposing goalies...they did a great job in keeping the Coyote shots out of the goal.  By the end of the 3rd quarter, with the Coyote defense stiffening, the score was 4-0, and that is where it would stay as the 'Yotes defense shut them out in the 4th quarter.

The 4th quarter saw Callie and Rebekah playing the Striker position continually breaking away and driving downfield taking shots...all of which were blocked or came up just short.  In the 4th period alone, Callie had 3 shots on goal and Rebekah had 3 as well.  Defensively, Matthew had 4 saves on goal in the goalie position in the 4th quarter alone!

All of the Coyotes played hard and deserve credit!

The Goalies

•  Kendal        1 save
•  Nick            3 saves
•  Savannah    3 saves
•  Matthew     4 saves

The Strikers (or Forwards)

• Cole           3 shots on goal
• Rebekah     4 shots on goal
• Matthew     1 shot on goal
• Callie          3 shots on goal
• Savannah    1 shot on goal
• Tyler           1 shot on goal

Jonas and Jack contributed in the Midfielder position by helping out the Strikers and the goalie. 

This coach is pleased with the effort of our team, and I see lots of positive points in our play.  I think we need to work on power kicks and the midfield defensive position, but I see lots of potential in our play.  I don't doubt we will be competive out there and give every team we play a run for the money.  So, despite the loss, yesterday's game was a learning experience for Team Coyote..and I think the team did quite well for the 1st time out at the U6 level against a well coached, tough, seasoned team.  Great job, Coyotes!  I am proud of you all!  We have plenty of room to improve, but we I think you all can hold your heads high!  You played hard, and you played well!

Here is the Gummibear Soccer song and video by request..enjoy!:

Coyotes Face Tough Challenge in Week #1

With the first two practices under their belts, Team Coyote gears up to face a tough, seasoned, well coached team this coming Saturday in week #1.  It will be a challenge for the young Coyotes in their first game in the U-6 brackets, but judging from the enthusiasm and fire that Coaches Art and Joseph have noted during practices, the 'Yotes should be up to the challenge.

The Coyotes look pretty good in the Goalie position, and there is plenty of aggressiveness in the Forward positions.  With the addition of a Mid-fielder...a tough position to play and to learn, the team prepared as much as they could with only two practices.  The Midfield position is tough because that player must be alert and play both offense and defense in helping the Goalie defensively and the Forwards offensively.

The first game of the season is sure to be a learning session for the young 'Yotes, but the experience will only help them for the remainder of the season.  Look for there to be some confusion and some mistakes defensively...but do not count out the Coyotes, as they display plenty of speed, firepower, and aggressivness on the offensive side of the ball.

If the team goes out there, HAS FUN, and relaxes and just plays the game, they will do just fine.  (Remember Rule #1)

The Coyotes will be wearing new jerseys this Fall...a champagne and black combination.  The lighter colored jersey should help keep the team from overheating so much in the late summer sun.  I think the uniforms look pretty sharp!

Team parent, Sara, will be printing up a roster with the players names and jersey numbers so all the parents will know which Coyotes are on the field.  She also handed out game schedules and snack schedules for the season at practice last night.  If you did not get your schedules, please see Sara.

With 3 days to go to kick off the season, the Coyotes are ready to get out there and play some soccer!  I look forward to a good game...and look forward to having fun!  Go get 'em Coyotes....let them know what Coyote soccer is all about!  You are all Coyote All-Stars!

Welcome Back Coyotes!

 As the hot, lazy days of summer slowly give way to the cooler, crisper days of the fall, a familiar sound is beginning to be heard over the hollows of Heartland fields.

Yes, it is the sound of Coach Art and Coach Joseph calling in Team Coyote for another Fall Season of soccer!  Let the games begin!

Many changes await the Coyotes as they take to the field for the upcoming season:  First, Team Coyote has graduated from the ranks of U-5 and into the U-6 category.  Second, the team adds two more teammates..from 8 to 10.  Thirdly, the 'Yotes will be learning more "position" play this season with the addition of a Goalie.  Finally, and probably most importantly, Team Coyote welcomes 4 new players to the roster:

Callie-Grace
Savannah
Matthew
and Tyler!

Also, returning to the roster after a brief absence (presumably a hunting expedition) is Jack!

Can we get a Coyote Call here?  Welcome to all our new and returning Coyote players!

Coach Art welcomes a new Coyote

Returning from last season are :  Rebekah, Kendal, Cole, Nick, and Jonas.

Welcome back to all our Coyotes!  As the saying goes, "Let's get ready to Rrrrrrummmmmbbblllllleeee!!!!" . Coyote Soccer has returned to Heartland fields, and Coach Joseph and I look forward to getting the season underway, and to meeting our new players and parents...and, of course, greeting our returning players and parents as well!

As we kick off the new season, a reminder of the rules for Team Coyote.  Rule #1:  Have FUN!  Rule #2:  Always be a GOOD SPORT!, and Rule #3:  Don't confuse the Old Coyote!

Our practices will be the same as last season:  Tuesday nights at 5:45p.m. beginning this week.  Please have your Coyotes on the field on time, complete with shin guards, a size 3 ball, and PLENTY of water to keep hydrated!  Remember that the girls are not allowed to wear any jewelry (earrings etc).

I hope you all like the "new look" of the blog.  I tried to spruce it up a bit and add a different color scheme.  I have also adopted a new Team Logo...feel free to comment and offer suggestions (at any time, to any of the posts)!  As usual, I will try to keep the blog updated at least once a week, unless I am buried with other work.  Enjoy!

I look forward to seeing you all again and thank you for allowing me the opportunity to coach your child another season!  Let's have fun, have a good season, and.......

GO COYOTES!!!

Coyotes Feast on Ducks

Team Coyote ended the Spring season against Team Ducks on Saturday at Heartland fields. You might say they ended it with a "bang", as the Coyotes looked like they were on a duck hunt, and were taking no prisoners!

The game started out even enough, with both teams exchanging goals throughout the first quarter.  But, by the end of the 1st quarter, the 'Yotes were up by one, 3-2.  As the second quarter got underway, the Coyotes began to find their stride and started to dominate the Ducks offensively and defensively, building on their slim lead to go up by 5 at halftime, 7-2.

Several Coyotes found the nets in the first half:  Rebekah, Cole, Gavin and Akil all put the rock in the goal for Team Coyote as the team began to dominate the Ducks. 

It was the final game of the season, and the Coyotes were hungry for a win, after suffering 4 straight losses.  The Coyotes looked sharp and fresh as they ran up and down the field, keeping the Ducks having to play "catch up", and frustrating the Ducks by blocking shots and challenging and winning the ball on several occasions.

The second half saw the Coyotes pull away from the hapless Ducks, as the 'Yotes were having their way with the ball, the tempo of the game, and the defensive effort to stop any attempts by the Ducks to make a comeback. Devin joined the list of Coyotes finding the goal in the second half, while Nick and Jonas provided a defensive wall for the team throughout the game.  The Coyotes were demonstrating offensive as well as defensive fireworks as they feasted on Roast Duck....a proper fare for the end of the season dinner.

By the time the final whistle blew, the Coyotes were on top of a huge victory by a score of 11-4, evening their overall season record to 5-5.  Overall (in two seasons...Fall and Spring), the U-5 Team Coyote has amassed a record of 10-9-1.  Not bad...considering this was really the first year most of the team had even played soccer!  I see plenty of room for improvement, and am confident that the Coyotes will continue to advance, learn, and have fun in the U-6 level in the Fall!

And so, another season has come and gone.  This coach is proud of the kids and the way they all played this season.  There was remarkable and noticeable improvement in ALL the kids from last season to this season, and during the season as well. 

As Team Coyote heads back to the den to feast on duck and rest up, they will return in the Fall back to Heartland field as U-6'ers....and will step up, once again, to the challenge...the game...and the fun!  Great job, Coyotes!  This coach is VERY proud of each and everyone of you...and I look forward to coaching you again in the Fall.  Have fun over the summer...stay safe...and keep working on those soccer skills....August will be here before you know it!

It is fitting to replay the last video from last year...because this team IS the Champions....I am honored and happy to have had another opportunity to coach them.  Coyotes...YOU ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!

Coyotes Looking to End Season with Win

As the final game of the Spring Season approaches on this coming Saturday morning, Team Coyote is back at the den, scratching fleas, chewing on antelope bones, and wondering what it will take to end the season with a win.  After suffering 4 losses in a row, the Coyotes are reeling, and hungry to get that elusive final victory for the season.  A win on Saturday will give the 'Yotes an even Season Record at 5-5....a loss ends the Season for the Team at 4-6.

Last weekend, on a cold, overcast day, the Coyotes were once again shorthanded on players, with only 5 Coyotes able to play.  That resulted in the team getting tired out by halftime, with no substitutes to step in and keep everyone fresh. 

Despite being shorthanded, the Coyotes held their own for the better part of the 1st half, and found themselves down by 2 at halftime.  But as the 2nd half got underway, the other team (who was again at full strength and fresh) put the icing on the cake and began to totally dominate the Coyotes, pulling away for a 10-4 victory, as the Coyotes "ran out of gas" and tired out from running up and down the field.

Not all was bad, however, as each Coyote contributed to the effort and played well.  Rebekah had 2 goals in the first half, with Kendal and Akil also finding the net for the 'Yotes. 

On the defensive side of the ball, Nick blocked several shots on goal and broke up some passes and breakaways by the other team.  Jonas also got into the mix and had some good blocks and kicks downfield.  So, despite the loss, the kids played hard and they played well.  They were merely outnumbered and tired out.  If we had been at full strength, I think the outcome would have been much different...or at least much closer.

The Team had a practice last night in the cold, and got to start learning about being a Goalie, which is a position that will be added next season at the U-6 level.  It also gave the kids an opportunity to work on power kicks on goal, to get the ball past that goalie.  Typical of the team,
the kids caught on fast!  They should not have any problem transitioning
to the next level.

Saturday will bring the last game of the Spring Season, and the weather looks like it might be halfway decent....at least according to the forecast I saw this morning....  The Coyotes are hungry for a win, and I am sure they will come out and play hard.  But no matter what...win or lose, the Coyotes can be proud of themselves, as everyone on the team progressed and developed over the past year.  The contrast between last Fall and this Spring was phenomenal.  And as this Spring went on, each of the kids developed a bit more and learned a bit more (as did the Coach).

Until Saturday, the Coyotes will hang around the den, chewing on antelope and rabbit bones, drinking cactus juice, and scratching fleas....but come Saturday morning, I think we can expect our Coyotes to come out yapping and snapping.....chasing down the final victory!

Go Coyotes!!!!

Here is a good video on how to properly kick the soccer ball:

Coyotes Hit Late Season Slump

COACH'S NOTE:  I apologize for not being able to keep up with the blog, but I have been extremely busy the past couple of weeks with meetings, classes, and other things.  That in no way implys that I have "given up" on doing the blog....it just may be a bit slower in getting done until I can get caught up.  I apologize to those of you who look forward to reading the posts.  Now...on with the blog:

As the Spring season draws nearer to a close, Team Coyote has suffered two more losses...in a row...bringing their overall record to an even 4-4. 

Two weeks ago, Team Coyote suffered the worst loss of the season, falling to a very good team that was aggressive from the outset.  Combine that with the fact that the Coyotes were missing 3 of their players until halftime, and that resulted in the other team being able to run up the score on the 'Yotes, making it all but improbable, but not impossible, for the team to make a come back.

As the second half of the game got underway, the Coyotes came to life (with the arrival and addition of the missing players), and peeled off 5 unanswered goals in the 3rd quarter.  That narrowed the gap, but the Coyotes were still down by at least 7 goals at the end of the Third.  You have to give the Team credit for making a comeback, and not giving up.  The effort was there...but we fell behind too much too early, and just needed about one more quarter, and I think we might have been able to pull out a big upset come-from-behind win!

As the 4th Quarter got started, the Coyotes kept up the comeback attempt, scoring at least 3 more goals, but the other team wasn't done either, scoring a couple more of their own.

By the time the final whistle blew, the Coyotes found themselves on the
losing end of a good old fashioned behind the woodshed whooping!

I am not sure what the exact final score was, but it was Coyote Ugly...I am guessing at least 15-7.

Last weekend, the Big Coyote had a class to attend, and so the team was left in the capable hands of Coaches Joseph and Jens.  I am told that the Coyotes played hard and tough, but once again came up on the short end in another hard fought game, losing by a score of 6-4.  Though the loss is disappointing, this coach is still proud of the team effort and the fortitude with which the 'Yotes are displaying on the field.  They don't give up and quit when they fall behind, and you can always count on the Team to keep trying.  That is a commendable trait of our team! 

When you coach soccer, you expect that some days are going to be days that your team shines and looks unbeatable...when the ball bounces your way all day, and every shot you take on goal seems to find its way to the nets.  Then, there are those days when just the opposite is true...for one reason or another, the team doesn't play up to their potential, the ball bounces the wrong way, and try as you may, the ball just will not go into the goal!  But, like the Coyotes, this Coach doesn't know the meaning of the word "surrender".  When you lose a game (or two), you pick up the pieces and regroup, try to touch on some of the problem areas in practice, and get out there and do it again the next week.

That is precisely what Team Coyote will do this coming weekend:  Regroup and come out fighting.  Last night, we had a good practice and scrimmage.  The kids worked on some passing drills and looked aggressive on offense AND on defense.  If we can carry that over into the game on Saturday, I think you can look for the 'Yotes to get back on the winning track.!

We only have 2 games left this Spring season...and only one more practice after this week.  Next week at practice, I hope we can get enough of the team to show up so we can practice on a U-6 field, since Team Coyote will be graduating from U-5 and will be entering the U-6 level in the Fall. 

The big difference in U-6 vs U-5 is that U-6 has goalies, and the Coaches cannot be on the field with the players during the game.  So, it is necessary to really concentrate on passing, defense, and positions, which is what we will try to work on next week in practice. 

A final word in closing:  Don't give up, Coyotes!  We can still pull out a winning season.  No matter what, play hard, play tough, and HAVE FUN!  Until Saturday.......here are some soccer drills the Coyotes might want to begin practicing: