Saturday, March 12 games are canceled due to bad weather.
Weather update (as of Friday @ 3:37 PM): NTH has canceled all Saturday games due to the impending weather conditions. If you have some indoor play space, we recommend you setup a game of snow cones with mom or dad, or brother and sister. This game lets you practice your change of direction dribbling moves (such as twist-off turns and V-pulls).
Our next game day is Saturday, March 12. We have a mixed schedule, with a 5v5 intra-Academy game at Metro North Park, and two 7v7 games at Noonday Park against teams from Inter Atlanta. Link: team assignments and schedules (posted Sunday night, March 6)
Game day links:
- March 12 team assignments and schedules
- about game days
- Reminder: No jewelry! It’s a rule, not a suggestion. Link: jewelry rule
- Spring 2022 game day schedule (still under construction)
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 wizardly body fakes or 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.