Back to Work

After super start to the season (only the second time the K women have been 2-0 to start the year in the past 11 seasons) and a well deserved Labor Day off the Hornets returned to the training ground on a warm and windy Tuesday afternoon.  The goalkeepers arrived 60 minutes ahead of everyone and spent their training focusing on ball handling and various dives.  After a quick passing warm-up the rest of the team began working on crossing and finishing.  Specifically working combinations to use the field's width and get the ball in behind the back line.  The combinations and service continuously improved throughout the afternoon, especially the speed of attack.  Practice ended as the defenders were forced to deal with heavy offensive pressure.  The defense (4 backs) was given the task of defending 8 attackers.  A scenario for the defense was set where they are up 2-0 with ten minutes to play in the game and need to try and hold off the relentless offense.  Attacking players are challenged to find that balance between urgency and control.  Today the offense would win both matches including a second group that found 3 goals in the last three minutes of play. 

Tomorrow the Hornets head too Rock Island, IL to play Augustana College.  Kick-off is slated for 5:00pm EST.  If you get a chance be sure to follow the team on live with the LiveStats from the game.

GO HORNETS!!!

Hornets 2-0

Kalamazoo College 2   Rose-Hulman 0

Hornets Win!

Kalamazoo College 1  Elmhurst College 0

Countdown

The final day of the preseason is here.  Lots of ball striking and finishing.  The day began with a simple warm-up activity that allowed player to get plenty of short reps in and lots of catching.  Yes, catching!

After going to goal for a little bit with minimal pressure the team walked through a couple set pieces both attacking and defending before ending with 11v11 for 10 minutes.  Hornets looked sharp.

2pm Tomorrow
Kalamazoo College v Elmhurst College. 
It would be great if you can make it out to see the 2010 Hornets make their debut. 

GO HORNETS!!!

Sigh...Just 1 Practice, Really?

With the season opener less than 2 days away the team is beginning to taper and has trimmed down to only one training session a day!  This morning the focus was on team defending.  The warm-up focused on team shape and being committed to the cause, specifically sliding and sacrificing the body to prevent through balls.  After about ten minutes of defensive shape the team moved in front of goal and played 4v4 to 4 goals and then 6v4 to goal and counter goals.  This activity would end 6v5 as the holding midfielder was inserted into the line-up.  Lots of repetition and various situations in the defensive third of the field (reminds coach of his time at the B license at IMG and a steady diet of Birdman and 8v8).  The morning would end with a full field eleven a side kick about.  As much as the player and coaches love to practice it was great to have the afternoon off.

This evening the team met to go over expectations for the upcoming non-conference portion of the season.  Coach provided information from his summer immersed in self help books.  Thanks to the likes of Daniel Coyle, Geoff Colvin and Mathew Syed or this evening would not have been possible!  Beginning Saturday the team has a lot of opportunities in front of it.  It should be a wild and fun ride over the course of the next month as the Hornets look to face off against some of the best teams division III teams around the Midwest, what a challenge!


GO HORNETS!!!