papa-K

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It''s futbol time in Williamson County! Are any teams getting any training done in this heat?

Agree! I am assuming you don't retire for a few decades. I can't even imagine what other team in 4AAA could pull of an upset of Bearden or Farragut. That is the case with almost any other district in the state. Two "Goliath's" and a bunch of hopeful "Davids".

The intent of the post is that you can take the a team that does not even make the semis in the 11AAA tourney and make the finals in many, if not most district tourneys. That team would have been Independence last year. Consider that IHS beat Centennial and lost to Bearden (State Champ) 1-2, and you have a hard time debating the "top to bottom" statement. I will agree that the 11AAA teams have uner-achieved in Chattanooga the past few years. But make a better argument for another district. An off night or an untimely injury can turn the top five 11AAA standings upside-down. Ask Brentwwood & Centennial!

OK... we all know that top to bottom, 11AAA is the most competitive in the state. Never more illustrated than when Ravenwood made it's run to State last year. Will there be any surprises this year? Is Brentwood as good as all the love they are getting from the "Poll Master"? Let the "banter" begin!

Big G.... the "mediocre" comment is an over-all assesment. Being a coach myself in another sport and having coached previously in a state where coaches are paid better and held to a higher standard. I am curious if the state HS coaches have an association and offer clinic opportunities. My intention is not to "slam" the coaches, but rather challenge the HS soccer community to "raise the bar" regarding coaching and officiating. Lucky for all, I am only a soccer parent one more season and will move my focus to volleyball. It seems to me that some qualified college coaches like yourself could even earn soem extra income by teaching clinics. I know as a parent, I would have no issue with raising some money for our coaches to get some continueing ed.

I said nothing about the coach being a "baller". But even you and I with our limitted "middle-aged" athleticism, can breakdown and demonstrate a basic fundamental skill/move. I see club players get lazy because the coach doesn't stay on the the simple fundamentals of receiveing the ball with your toe up. But if a coach has never experienced the ball "doinging" away off a "toe down" or "hard foot", then they just yell "don't lose it" not "get your toe up & soften your leg". Tactics aren't worth the paper they are printed on if your team can't exacute the fundamentals. HS play is sloppy often because there is very little time spent on drilling the fundamentals. Most coaches don't want to take the time to modulate a training session and simply spend most of their time scrimmaging where the majority of the players will watch 2or3 players involved in the play. Can you imagine what it would be like if our athletes speant even 20-30 minutes of the HS practice on individual and partner skills? But that would take some planning and be more demanding than sending them on a run and returning to some shooting drill or scrimmaging. Tactis are overated until you get to the highest level! The rest of the world dominates us because they are "more skilled". Give me 11 players who have great fundamentals and I will smoke your team of tactics in my "hoo...kah" pipe! OK... I'll say it.... I am sick of watching HS "kick ball" and the "let's race o the ball" game. Keep-away anyone? I do however agree with the "Psycho-babel" part... coaches who can pull on heart strings and create a healthy team environment have a BIG edge.

Any coach worth their "salt" will do their best to be able to grow in their understanding and teaching of the sport.... which involves being able to demonstrate at some level, the basic skill or concept. Even if that means taking the time to practice the skill yourself. The USYSA courses don't get silly like that until the C and above levels. Not saying the coach should still be playing on a team, but they should be able to do some basic domonstration. Or at least be humble enough to bring in an outsider that can.

precisely why the statement is preceded with "I would guess"

The mediocre statement is "as a whole". Of course, there are some coaches that grade at the top, but the curve is by far in favor of the bottom. How many HS coaches are doing anything to develop talent in the off-season other than say, "play club". To many of the schools credit, they have tried to get some local (licensed) coaches involved. I would guess that there are fewer than a dozen coaches that even hold a license or attend any kind of clinics.

It's too bad that 11AAA has to sit 3 teams & send 2, but such is sports and the "one & done" of tournament time. That said here aremy "humble" 11AAA thoughts: IHS- At times, flat out SCARY, too young and shallow to overcome the loss of a key defender, but will be a SOLID contender with another year of maturity. CHS- On any given day, can beat the the best or leave us all scratching our heads. Aside from last year; the Dist. tourn. has not been kind to them. It will be a challenge to replace the class of '07. I'm a Porter fan, so I wish her well in her Soph. campaign. BHS- Hard to lose 5 starters (2 before season & 3 at end). No doubt that they will reload WELL as they only lose 3 seniors (who, by the way, have given their heart & soul for 4 years!). If healthy, next year could begin a solid RUN as they have a solid talent pool for years to come. Dissapointed to be planning an early soccer banquet, but no shame in the way they overcame adversity time & time again. RHS- WOW! Kudos to any team & their leadership that can pull the "upset of the year" off. They have been thought of as an afterthought in girls soccer in 11AAA (think again!). This is the type of win that can launch the whole program to new heights. I would love to see them make their first trip to STATE. FHS A cunning win last night that showcased the tenacity & ferocity of #19. It appeared that even when she was off the field, that her team reflected her attitude (one that is often rebuked; but I'd like a "bottle to go" to pour in my teams punch). They have great young talent and I assume will only be stronger next season. Go Rebels & Raptors! Represent well! Time for another 11AAA State Champ! That's hard to say for a Bruin fan. But with the Bruins out... so am I for another season!

Brentwood 3 Ravenwood 0

carly newman (9th) had two