Player Zone

On this page, you will find all kinds of helpful info for players. We have information on Health & Fitness, Individual Skill Work, Tips for Playing at the Next Level, and MORE!!! We'll be updating it often, so keep checking for new information!

Is there something you would like more info about? Let us know what's missing that you would like to see by sending an email to: acladymavsoccer@gmail.com and put "WEB CONTENT" in the subject line. We welcome your feedback!

HEALTH & WELLNESS

• Am I properly hydrated? Use this chart to find out: Hydration Chart

• How do I reduce the intensity & duration of soreness after a workout, game, etc.? Follow these Protein Guidelines (for best results, get some protein within 90 minutes of finishing a workout).

• Help! I've got shin splints! What do I do??? Click here>>> Shin Splint Therapy

• ACL Preventative Care Exercises you can do at HOME >>>ACL Prevention Playlist

• In games, I feel like I can't breathe. I've seen my Dr. for asthma, but no treatments seem to work... What else could it be? You aren't alone! More than one player at ACHS has struggled with Paradoxical Vocal-Cord Dysfunction (PVCD). Here are two articles you may want to read & discuss with your physician:

  • Vocal Cord Dysfunction Breathing Exercises

  • Paradoxical Vocal-Cord Dysfunction in Athletes

INDIVIDUAL SKILLS WORK - you can do all of these at home!

Beast Mode Skills: Our Beast Mode Playlist

NY Red Bull Academy Ball Mastery:

Ball Mastery #1 (40+ short vids)

Ball Mastery #2 - Building on #1, adding movement to some...

Ball Mastery #3 - Adding some combinations

Ball Mastery #4 - Building on those combos!

NY Red Bull Academy Aerial Control:

Aerial Control #1: Juggling

Aerial Control #2: Pop-ups

Aerial Control #3: Catches (do these w/ a partner, family, etc)

HOW TO SKILLS - Use the links to see some fundamentals on technique.

How to Control a ball out of the AIR

How to Juggle a Soccer Ball - this guy is cheesey but the content is quality

How to Chest a soccer ball

How to Head a soccer ball - this is excellent training!

TACTICS & TACTICAL INFO - Links to grow your tactical awareness!

Numbering Systems - We will typically play in either the "Attack Minded 4-3-3" or the "4-4-2 Diamond Midfield". KNOW THE NUMBERS associated with these positions! You will frequently hear me say things like, "Drop in and play like a 6", "Go sub out [girl's name], then you play the 10, and push [girl currently playing the 10's name] up to the 9." You'll need to know what I'm talking about.

Score More Goals - Here is a short clip where legendary goal scorer, Gary Lineker, describes his approach to goal scoring. A line to remember, "It's not about being in the right place at the right time, it's about being in the right place all the time."

That clip is copied from a longer article (7 min read) >>> "Scoring Goals", by Coach Gary Curneen.

Creative Striker Movement - this is a brief video that shows examples of how creative movement by strikers who are able to think ahead to the next play, are able to manipulate the shapes of opposing defenders, creating space for attacking play.

Winning the MENTAL Game - For many players, the toughest opponent they will ever face on the field lives between their own ears. Below are some things to try. Always know that you have family, friends, teammates, and coaches who care about you. If you're feeling low, reach out! We're here to help carry the load.

Feeling Anxious? Try these techniques to stimulate the Vagus Nerve:

Activating the Vagus Nerve - What it is and why you should care

More on the Vagus Nerve - Vagus & the other 3 parasympathetic nerves

Try getting some Headspace! - Headspace is an app with free and paid versions. Even the free version is really good, and has many helpful tips to help you take a few minutes for YOU and bring mindfulness to your day.