Pre-Season and Positive Talks Begin!

It’s been a positive week in terms of talks to valued connections. I think having these regular updates on this blog have benefited in some progress finding a pro club. Talked to some key people this week who could help me getting somewhere and there were some interesting “places” talked about. However, it’s  all “talk” at the moment, so let’s see if any clear opportunity comes next week or in the weeks to come.

Meanwhile I’m having a good time in the pre-season with JOS. Lots of new players, squad is alot older with many more experienced players. Trained 3x this week with them and had a game earlier today against SV Hoofdorp. The coaches had one team play one half and one team play the other. Finally getting played in my preferred position on the wing, so I think I will definitely have a chance to impress there, unlike last season.

As for my current gym workouts, my upper body is strong and nicely sculpted, so now I want to begin doing some leg workouts in the gym with the purpose of building more explosive speed and agility. Perhaps I should keep upper body work to no more than 1-2 times per week. I’ve lost 2-3kg since I begun focusing on more explosive, body weight and core workouts – I don’t think I need any more unnecessary muscle bulk – 75kg is a good weight for me. If any of you reading this have any suggestions on good leg routines, please email me or comment below.

I was thinking of incorporating some game analysis in my routines. I haven’t done so since June because I feel it’s not as effective in improving my play intelligence as it used to. Perhaps a new take on it is to look at what top players/teams are doing against league two, non league sides (got inspired by these highlights) and then compare to see what I can do better.

• 1-on-1’s
• Receiving with back to ball
  & become a more valuable player by..
• Looking for more ways I can get on the ball

– Getting better at 1-on-1’s, and find that I have a key advantage as I can shoot with both feet well and so the defender doesn’t know which direction I’ll go. Also learning not to stop or slow down as I’m approaching the defender.
– Getting on the ball more by positioning oneself on edge of box for 1 touch, shot.
– Making inside runs, you can get on the ball so much more as I found in training this week.
– Coach pointed out to me whilst playing, don’t be static, move & move. I think he was right and just maybe the answer to getting on the ball more.
– Receive ball on touchline, rather than in the middle.
4/8/13 –  Confidence definitely improving in one on ones as I practice them more and more with the out of contract guys.

General comment: Improving, and I really want to shine more out of tight positions. Getting better, but so difficult to make this a habit. Still making sure I’m purposely scanning in personal trainings and club training drills.

3. Ongoing – Find out what makes great players, great. What separates the “great” from the “good”.

Almost finished the book the talent code and wrote a review on it. Favourite quote was this:

“Experts practice differently and far more strategically. When they fail, they don’t blame it on luck or themselves. They have a strategy they can fix.”
4. Defend better

4/8/13 – Doing this actively and making good gains.

Monday – Evening: Training with JOS

Tuesday –  Evening: 2nd pre-season game against Diemen

Wednesday – Rest Day

Thursday –  Lunch: Workout C Evening: training with JOS

Friday – Training C

Saturday – 3rd pre-season game

Sunday – Afternoon: Full Game Analysis Man Utd vs A-League All Stars Evening: Training A