About Marney Egan Expertise I can answer almost any question about the game of soccer (drills to practice, what to do in different situations, calls made by the referee, gear to use, fitness, etc.). I was a goalie in HS and college so I am able to answer more specific questions about this position. I can also provide insight on the college game (recruitment process, what to expect, etc.).
PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR AGE AND EXPERIENCE WITH THE GAME SO I CAN PROVIDE AN ANSWER CATERING TO YOUR AGE AND ABILITY. THANKS!!
Experience I have been playing soccer for 20 years (10 years as a goalie) and played at a D-I college. My father played professionally and has been a personal coach for my siblings and me through our careers (we have all played in college). I am currently coaching a U-13 Girls club soccer team and have also coached at several college camps during the summer including one hosted by the US Naval Academy.
Organizations Coach for Allegheny Force Football Club.
Education/Credentials Degree from Bucknell University; attended numerous soccer camps over the years including ones hosted by Notre Dame (Women's D-I National Champs) and Messiah College (Women's D-III National Champs).
Awards and Honors Patriot League Academic Honor Roll; Captain of high school soccer team.
Question This past winter, I have played on an indoor soccer team. I have been a very effective forward during this season. But when I played my first spring soccer game I could not bring the skills that I learned from indoor soccer to the outdoor, and then it happened to me for the second game. I was wondering what I could do to become a more effective forward for Outdoor soccer.
Thanks,
Zoe
Answer Zoe,
Do not stress too much about not being your best for the first two games of your Outdoor season. You are transitioning from a smaller, faster game to one that allots you space with which to work. The U-13 team that I coach had a little trouble transitioning from their Futsal to Indoor seasons and now again going from their Indoor to Outdoor season. You have to learn to find your team rhythm and remember that certain things that you might've done in Indoor that made you an effective forward might not work as well on a larger field or on a natural field (grass) as opposed to an artificial one (turf). Pay attention to where you are making your runs. Are you hiding behind the other team's defenders and not making yourself a good option for your teammates (sometimes you can hide behind defenders in Indoor because you can bank passes off the boards that surround the field). You also have to remember how to penetrate through the defense (a lot of time you don't have to worry about this in Indoor since there is no Offsides). Are you playing too close to your midfield and not stretching the field? When your team has the ball you want to open up space for your teammates by occasionally playing higher and attracting the defenders to you (in Indoor you aren't given a lot of space to work with so utilize the large field you have now). Are you weighting the ball properly? Indoor fields use turf which quickens the pace of the ball. If you are now playing on a natural grass surface you'll have to put a little extra force behind your passes and remember that the ball will die more when it hits the ground after a chip. Give it a little time and I'm sure you'll get right back into the flow! If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to ask! Good luck with your season!!
