JFG Fall Invitational - Friday, Sept 21

On the road again, this time to Des Moines, Iowa, for the Just For Girls Fall Invitational. Looks like a beautiful weekend weather-wise, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the girls match up with some of the team from the Iowa/Nebraska area.

The drive to Des Moines, the stay and the West Des Moines Sheraton, and the commute between the Sheraton and the two different field complexes in the area (James Cownie and Hidden Valley) are becoming very familiar and comfortable. It is an easy drive, the fields are usually in great shape, and the driving in and around the tournament is not as hectic and confusing as we find in the Chicago area.

I met with about 14 girls at 7PM in the lobby, and we headed out to a remote area of the parking lot for a light jog and stretch and some fun team building activities. I set the curfew and pool restrictions for the weekend and gave the players their Game Goals.

This Game Goals idea is one that I started with my 93/94G group this past summer. With all the "stress" and pressure of regional competition, and all the things that are not in a player's control when focusing on results at these events, I want to empower the girls to control their own success while working on ways to improve their game in these competitive environments.

I wanted to start this at our first fall event in Naperville, but I didn't have a good grasp on all the player's capabilities leading up to that event. Though the same Game Goals may be listed for multiple players (ie, Complete 5 passes in each game, or Don't dive in on defense for the entire tournament), my goal is to customize them for each player. A lot of work, but the benefits to the girls are there if I can help shift their focus from winning games to attaining their individual goals in each event. The sense of personal achievement is extremely valuable to them as it helps build their confidence and sense of self worth. Also, these Game Goals are things (along with personal effort, attitude, and sportsmanship) that are in the full control of each girl.

Here are some examples of what I gave out:

Ashley

• Complete a through pass to a teammate
• Beat a player 1v1 with a Scissors or Step Over move
• Receive the ball across your body and switch fields

B-Money

• When chasing down a through ball on the right wing, get to it, control it, turn and face your defender, beat her, THEN cross the ball
• Complete 5 passes each game
• Find a teammate’s head on a corner kick or cross

Glen Dog

• Move to receive a throw in
• Beat a player 1v1 with a Scissors or Step Over move
• Use an Arc Turn to beat a defender on your back