I thought I would post update from the training ground here so that they are in one place.
21/9/12
Today I was able to watch the youth team train for a while, whilst the first team warmed up. They were split into 3 groups, one was practicing spreading play with long diagonal balls, another was practicing free kicks from the very tip of the D, and the third were practicing setting the ball and playing it past the defender. Some tekkers were good, some tekkers were baaaad. But occasionally there were unbelievable tekkers.
Once the first team warmed up they started playing a game where they form a circle and pass the ball between themselves with one touch whilst 2 players attempt to win it back. They have become rather good at this and seem to really enjoy it. Then they moved to a different pitch and split into two teams and played a little match on half a pitch playing from touchline to touchline. There is much improvement to be seen as the play was faster and a lot more varied. However, the usual suspects still seem slow on the up take. Deeney looks sharp as can be expected and you can see that he and Iwelumo have played together as there is a greater understanding that with some. There was a brief worry when Neuton was barged whilst in the air and fell awkwardly on his left arm and the physio had to attend to him. However, it did not look too serious.
Finally they split into two groups, one attackers who practiced set plays and shooting in general. The second group, made up of defenders only, were practicing how to defend corners according to Giancarlo Corradini. He seemed very happy with their progress, and I have to agree. From 20+ deliveries there were no shots on target, all were cleared by the defender or claimed by Bond.
The atmosphere was very good and everyone seems to be happy and laughing with each other. Nosworthy even found time to do a Ballotelli impression having headed the ball about 40 yards with the side of his head. Zola seemed to enjoy it and mimmicked him. All in all it was a good morning.
21/9/12
Today I was able to watch the youth team train for a while, whilst the first team warmed up. They were split into 3 groups, one was practicing spreading play with long diagonal balls, another was practicing free kicks from the very tip of the D, and the third were practicing setting the ball and playing it past the defender. Some tekkers were good, some tekkers were baaaad. But occasionally there were unbelievable tekkers.
Once the first team warmed up they started playing a game where they form a circle and pass the ball between themselves with one touch whilst 2 players attempt to win it back. They have become rather good at this and seem to really enjoy it. Then they moved to a different pitch and split into two teams and played a little match on half a pitch playing from touchline to touchline. There is much improvement to be seen as the play was faster and a lot more varied. However, the usual suspects still seem slow on the up take. Deeney looks sharp as can be expected and you can see that he and Iwelumo have played together as there is a greater understanding that with some. There was a brief worry when Neuton was barged whilst in the air and fell awkwardly on his left arm and the physio had to attend to him. However, it did not look too serious.
Finally they split into two groups, one attackers who practiced set plays and shooting in general. The second group, made up of defenders only, were practicing how to defend corners according to Giancarlo Corradini. He seemed very happy with their progress, and I have to agree. From 20+ deliveries there were no shots on target, all were cleared by the defender or claimed by Bond.
The atmosphere was very good and everyone seems to be happy and laughing with each other. Nosworthy even found time to do a Ballotelli impression having headed the ball about 40 yards with the side of his head. Zola seemed to enjoy it and mimmicked him. All in all it was a good morning.
...still, he's playing well for the youth team when he gets a game, so fingers crossed!
Keep guessing