Games cancelled (Saturday, March 4 @ 7 AM): Metro North Park grass fields have been closed due to unplayable conditions, so our games have been canceled.
Field change alert (Friday, March 3 @ 3 PM): Our March 4 game day schedule has changed. Instead of playing at Noonday Park, our games have been relocated to Metro North Park on field #4A. Field #4A is the 7v7 field down the walkway near the cell phone tower. Uniforms, arrival time and warm-up time stay as originally posted: March 4 team assignments and schedules
We’re due for more rain Friday. There’s a chance that Metro North fields could be closed and games canceled. You should assume all games will be played as scheduled unless we post otherwise on our Junior Academy Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/nasajracadg. Check Twitter Saturday after 7:00 AM for an update.
We play our first official spring 2023 games on Saturday, March 4. We have a set of 7v7 games at Noonday Park Metro North Park against teams from the Inter Atlanta club. Link: March 4 team assignments and schedules
Game day links:
- March 4 team assignments and schedules (posted February 26)
- about our first spring game day
- about game days in general
- No jewelry! “No jewelry” is one of soccer’s rules, not just a suggestion. Link: jewelry rule
- Spring 2023 game day schedule (still under construction; lots of updates posted February 26)
Dribbling moves of the month:
We practice dribbling moves (changes of direction or fake changes of direction finished with a burst of speed) very often. Our current emphasis is on three types of dribbling moves:
- pullbacks
- twist-off turns (also called hook turns or shielding turns)
- V-pull moves
All of the above moves are aimed at helping a player keep the ball when under pressure, instead of dribbling into an opponent or teammate (what we call “bones & shin guards”).
These moves rely on ball manipulation, not body fakes or wizardly foot fakes. Some of our players use these moves in games (often with success), but the majority of players either forget them come game time, or lack the confidence to try the moves.
Parents, you can help with your daughter’s development! The key is to take the mindset of being your daughter’s training partner, not her coach. For example, start by asking her about her favorite dribbling moves, or which ones she wants to improve. Then take a ball into the back yard or garage and have her show you. You’ve now opened the door to a productive “fun with a soccer ball” session.
We encourage you and your daughter to spend 5-10 minutes 2-3 times a week to review moves, and then play games (such as Texas Draw or Snow Cones) that reward the use of dribbling moves. (Sisters and brothers are welcome to join in!) You don’t need past soccer experience of your own, just some time and energy. We’re confident that both you and your daughter will have fun, and your daughter will gain skill and confidence!
Check the above links for descriptions and demo videos of the moves and games. Most of the activities can be done in small spaces, such as a 10-yard square. If you’d like a personal demo of a move, or want more details about a dribbling game, feel free to check with your coach after an upcoming practice.