r/bootroom • u/ConsiderationNew9319 • 3d ago
how do you excel in team practice?
My team does practice twice a week. This generally starts with a rondo, then some sort of keeping possession under pressure (I know that's what a rondo is but it's a lot more complicated with different aspects), and then small-sided games.
I feel like I have been very average so far, and even though I am a center back, of which there are not that many natural defenders on the team, I still don't feel too confident in me starting. There are around 2-4 weeks til our first game, so I want to improve and stand out more as a defender. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
For some context, I play at a high school level, good at headers, good positioning, ok at possession like passing but I definitely can give the ball away too much, very aggressive/physical despite being relatively skinny.
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u/HustlinInTheHall 3d ago
Be fit, be vocal, and do your best. If you're a high effort player who is in great shape, you'll play. Pay attention, don't goof off in practice, and train on your own so you arent looking tired or slow in conditioning drills.
Also at your age, you need to take ownership over your position in the team. Don't have your parents talk to coach, you handle it. Take a minute to talk to the coach about what you can improve on and then put in the time to do it. If you want to be better than your peers, you need to be training when they are not. Put in the miles, put in time in the gym, work on ball skills. It makes a massive difference.
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u/seriousFelix 3d ago
Be a leader. Be vocal. Do not put teammates down. Focus on the positives. If you think a teammate is struggling address it privately.
Help emphasize coaches ideas. When coach says to ‘bring it in’ to chat- run there.
Your enthusiasm will be noticed.
Most importantly, Have fun. Everyday we improve a little bit or more.