Athlete Development Institute

Blodge's Blog: Keeper as part of the offense1

2012-02-24T09:41:00.000-08:00

You may have seen the passing blunder by Valdes versus Real Madrid, but this video shows how Barcelona continued to pass the ball back to Valdes and it shows how much of a valuable part the keeper is to maintaining possession. This is why we train with the feet at every practice! You as a keeper, should be an active part of your team's offense and in maintaining possession or as an outlet to clear/distribute the ball. Do not be afraid to be a part of your tesm's passing game!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=3rjoqCZmlCM#!

Blodge's Blog: 2011 Fall All-Legder

2011-12-26T11:23:00.000-08:00

Hi!

I hope all had a great Holiday and I wish everyone a fantastic 2012!

The Star Ledger (NJ newspaper) came out with its "2011 Fall Season All-Ledger Selections" in a recent Sunday edition. There were several ADI goalkeepers who received honors and they are listed below:

Boys:

Sam Polito: Bernards HS; 1st Team All-Group 2
3rd Team All-Somerset County
Matt Blanke: Delaware Valley HS; 3rd Team All-Group 2
1st Team All-West Jersey
Thomas Bull: St. Benedict's Prep; 1st Team All-Prep
Jake Schenk: Hunterdon Central HS; 3rd Team All-West Jersey
Justin Robertiello: Mendham HS; 3rd Team All-Morris County

Girls:

Casey Murphy: Bridgewater-Raritan HS; 2nd Team All-State
2nd Team All-Group 4
1st Team All-Somerset County
Faith Sugarman: Mendham HS; 1st Team All-Group 3
1st Team All-Morris County
Jillian McVicker: Metuchen HS; 1st Team All-Group 1
2nd Team All Middlesex County
Tori Gonzalez: Morristown Beard HS; 3rd Team All-Non Public
2nd Team All Morris County
Rachel Axt: Ridge HS; 2nd Team All-Somerset County
Jessica Weeder: North Hunterdon HS; 1st Team All-West Jersey
Melissa Barry: Sparta HS; 3rd Team All-West Jersey

Congratulations to all! We at ADI are proud to have the opportunity of working with you!

Blodge's Blog: Training with the Pro's!

2011-12-15T16:18:00.000-08:00

I tremendously enjoy teaching goalkeepers of all ages: the youngest with their eagerness to learn; the middle school keepers who want to perfect their techniques and who are learning to handle the transformation of their bodies into becoming athletes; and the high school keepers who want to be successful with their club teams, high school teams and who are preparing for college! All fulfilling work for me!

It is always an exceptional experience to have the opportunity of working with the pros! We are working with a couple professional keepers at ADI right now who have set their goals to be prepared for the 2012 MLS season.

It is great to work with athletes at this level because of their desire for perfection in all aspects of their training. Whether it is the touches with the feet, driving balls to targets, their footwork or the clean touches with their hands, the drive for perfection in their technique is an inspiration as a coach to help them achieve their goals.

I have learned that to help them at this point of preparation (they are in the initial stages of regaining their form), it is important to help them establish a rhythm in their movements, get their eyes back, and to bring a positive atmosphere to the training so their confidence builds.

As a coach, it drives me to be innovative, supportive and to discover ways to help them find their comfort zones. It is an enjoyable challenge as it forces me to be creative in my training.

I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such high level athletes!

Blodge

New Performance Conditioning Article on strength training by Mark Williams

2011-12-12T11:16:00.001-08:00

PERFORMANCE
CONDITIONING A NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO IMPROVING SOCCER PLAYERS
WWW.PERFORMANCECONDITION.COM/SOCCER
SOCCER
In-season High School
Strength Program for Soccer
Mark has been a highly respected strength and conditioning coach for over 10 years. Over the past
decade, Mark has worked with soccer athletes at all levels of the game from club to the professional level.
His high profile clientele includes such notables as Tim Howard (Goalkeeper of US National Team and
Everton FC), MLS athletes, Jon Conway and Juan Pablo Angel, Heather O’Reilly (WPS and US National
Team), Nikki Krzysik (WPS and US U23 National Team), and Karina LeBlanc, goalkeeper for the Canadian
Women’s National Team.
Mark was the strength and conditioning coach for the New York Metrostars (currently NY Red Bulls)
for three seasons, the WPS Champion NY/NJ Sky Blue in 2009.
Mark’s programs are offered one on one, in small groups, and to entire teams to effectively integrate
the ability to perform the skills of the sport for optimum performance and the avoidance of injuries. Mark
also provides second phase rehab programs for injured athletes preparing to return to play.
cannot stress enough how important strength training is for soccer players all year round. The
number reason to strength train is for injury prevention purposes followed closely by performance,
which ultimately go hand-in-hand. The most common excuse I hear is that soccer players cannot fit strength training
in during the season because of the demands of practice and games. Under these circumstances it can be difficult, but
there are 24 hours in a day and this program will only take 20 to 30 minutes twice a week to complete. Having said that, if you
cannot fit these workouts in, then you are the busiest player on the planet, or you are just making excuses. Please consult your physician
before beginning any exercise routine.
The following is an in-season strength schedule for the six to eight week period. The initial training phase of the program is
to develop and improve all players that need to correct muscle imbalances or need to improve overall limit strength. By combining
a developed strength base with explosive movements, it will train the players nervous system to recruit muscles faster thus making
the athlete powerful in all movement skills on the field.
In-Season Training Phase 1
Duration: 4 to 6 weeks
Training Days: 1 day a week for each workout
Goals: Develop Limit Strength/Correct Muscle Imbalances
Notes: Each exercise is represented by a letter. An exercise represented by the same letter denotes a superset. This means performing
one exercise right after the other with no rest. You can rest one to two days in between workouts.
Tempo Protocols: First number stands for the eccentric phase (lowering part of the movement), second number stands for the isometric
pause at the bottom of the movement, third number stands for the concentric movement (upward part of the movement),
fourth number stands for pause at the top of the movement.
Example: 2-1-x-1
Day 1 – Upper Body
INTI
ADV
Mark Williams
Exercise Reps Sets Rest Interval Tempo
A) Barbell Bench Press 8 3 90 sec 3-1-3-1
B) Negative Chins (Supinated Grip) 3 (15 sec) 2 120 sec 15-1-1-1
C) Standing DB Shoulder Press 10 3 90 sec 2-1-2-1
D) One Arm Rows (DB) 8 3 120 sec 3-1-3-1
E) Standing Side Lateral Raises 12 2 90 sec 5-1-1-1
F) DB Curls – Standing 10 3 90 sec 4-2-2-1
G) DB Tri – Extensions 8 3 90 sec 3-1-1-1
Exercise Reps Sets Rest Interval Tempo
A) DB Deadlift 8 4 120 sec 4-1-X-1
B) Step Ups 8 3 120 sec 2-1-1-1
C) Single Leg Squats 12 2 120 sec NA
D) Walking Lunges 15 lunges 3 120 sec 3-1-X-1
Exercise Reps Sets Rest Interval Tempo
A) DB Push Press 4 4 120 sec 1-1-X-1
B) DB Incline Bench Press 6 4 120 sec 2-1-X-1
*C1) Stationary Lunges (forward) 8 EL 3 none 2-1-1-1
C2) Stationary Lunges (to side) 8 EL 4 120 sec 3-1-1-1
D) Front Lat Pulldown 8 3 120 sec 2-1-2-1
E) Pushups (fast as you can) 20 4 120 sec X-1-X-1
Day 2 – Lower Body
Day 3 – Total Body
Key:
DB - Dumbbell
* For this exercise perform the stationary front lunge first, then on the same leg take a step out straight to the side keeping both feet
pointing straight ahead.
Net Links: Go to Mark’s websites at www.williamssoccer.com and www.adisportstraining.com for more information.
Exercise Descriptions:
Dumbbell Deadlift
Multi Joint Movement that works on the hip extensors
muscles (hips, low back, hamstrings)
• Feet outside shoulder width
• Push hips back
• Chest Up
• Head Up
Single Leg Squats – Dumbbell
Unilateral Movement. Great exercise to build ankle, knee and hip
stability.
• Majority of weight on front leg
• Front Foot Flat on ground
• Get as possible to ground with back knee
O
Chin Up
Upper body exercise when the hands are in a supinated position
and strengthens the back and arm muscles
• Go through a full range of motion
• Make sure chin gets over the bar at top of movement
• Make sure arms are locked out at the bottom of the movement
Standing Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Movement to increase shoulder and upper back muscles
• Lock arms out at top of movement
• Have dumbbells touch shoulders at bottom of
movement
Standing Side Laterals
Movement to increase strength medial shoulder muscles
• Keep arms slightly bent
• Have the dumbbells go to shoulder height at top of the movement
Step Up – Dumbbell
Unilateral Movement that concentrates on hip
extension. The leg works the same as when you
accelerate.
• Press heel of foot on the box on upward
movement
• Balance on the one foot and hold at the top of
the movement.
• Chest Up
• Head Up
Lat Pull Down Underhand Grip (Supinated Grip)
Upper body exercise when the hands are in a supinated position and strengthens the
back and arm muscles
• Go through a full range of motion
• Avoid excessive body lean backwards in pulling motion
• Return to starting position under control
DB Push Press
Explosive movement requiring full extension
at the ankle, knee and hip at top of the
movement.
• Bend at the ankle, knee and hip in downward
phase
• Fully extend ascending
• Lock out arms and legs at the top
Walking Lunges
Unilateral Movement. Great exercise to
build ankle, knee and hip stability.
• Step out while keeping the chest up
• Bend back leg as you step out
• Keep front foot flat on floor
Dumbbell Incline Press
Upper Body Movement that will place the most load on the upper body. A
pressing movement that you want to move the weight with speed off of your
chest.
• Elbow Tucked In
• Press Upward with Speed
• Lower the weight with control
Dumbbell Curls Palm Up
Arm movement to increase strength in biceps
• Go through a full range of motion
One Arm Rows
Movement to increase back muscles
• Keep arm tight against body throughout movement
• Drive the elbow back when pulling the are back
Barbell Bench Press
Upper Body Movement that will place the most load on the upper body. A pressing
movement that you want to move the weight with speed off of your chest.
• Elbow Tucked In
• Press Upward with Speed
• Lower the weight with control

Soccer Training Info - Soccer News & Video Blog

2011-12-07T11:52:00.000-08:00

Soccer Training Info - Soccer News & Video Blog

Off-Season Soccer Strength

2011-12-07T11:29:00.000-08:00

Off-Season Soccer Strength

Blodge's Blog: Keeper Training with a Professional!

2011-11-23T12:52:00.000-08:00

Good training session today with goalkeepers at ADI!
Billy Gaudette from the Montreal Impact was in the session and the other keepers who were there can take from the session a valuable lesson on how to approach your training. Billy is the ultimate professional, maintaining his level of intensity in his approach to his training and demanding perfection regardless of whomever else is in the group. If all you younger keepers would take the same approach, demanding nothing but the best from yourself in every aspect of your training and playing, then you all would reach your potential.

Blodge's Blog: Exciting News for ADI Keepers!

2011-11-21T09:54:00.000-08:00

Hi!

Here's what's been going on with ADI keepers as the season has been winding down:

1. Sam Politto led Bernard's High School to the NJ Group 2 State Cup with his record setting 18th shut out of the season! BHS beat Holmdel, NJ 1-0 in a very exciting match! Sam has been awarded the "ADI Goalkeeper of the Week" for his performance.

Sam honored his defense for his succes (following quote is from the Star Ledger):
"Goalkeeper Sam Polito made two saves to secure the team's school-record 18th shutout.

'I really have to thank them,' Polito said. 'It's really easy being a goalkeeper when you've got a strong line ahead of you. Eighteen shutouts is a direct result of the defense and the camaraderie and the team chemistry we've had all year.'"

Congratulations to the other keepers at BHS, as well, for great training this fall to help prepare Sam for his matches.

2. Kevin McMullen, goalkeeper for the Rutgers Men's Soccer Team, has led the Scarlet Knights into the Sweet 16! RU will play UCLA in the next round - well done!

3. Steve Donato, goalie for Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) shut out his opponents down the stretch to lead CBA to the State Cup! Well done Steve!

4. Rebecca Ravitz season ended just short of the State Cup, but her goalkeeping was superb during the final stretch to help Montgomery have a stellar year!

Congratulations to all of ADI's keepers for an excellent fall season!

Blodge's Blog: Kevin McMullen and Cristina Gacos - More good News from Our College Keepers!

2011-11-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

Further congratulations go to Kevin McMullen of the Rutgers men's soccer team, who has had a big week! In addition to being named to the "College News National Team of the Week", Kevin was also named the "Big East Goalkeeper of the Week"! Good stuff, Kevin!

Also, Cristina Gacos, freshman goalkeeper at TCNJ, had a good night at the semi's of the NJAC Tournament by shutting out Montclair State 1-0! The win puts TCNJ in the finals versus Stockton State on Friday at TCNJ. Cristina, who had to grow up quickly in the position at the collegiate level due to a season ending shoulder injury to starter Kendra Griffith during the very first match of the season, has done a great job in recording her 8th shutout and her first post-season victory!

Blodge's Blog: U12B Goalkeeper Needed!

2011-11-01T09:59:00.001-07:00

A U12B team is looking for a goalkeeper! Here is the information:

The 2010 U11B State Cup champs East Brunswick United FC are looking for improvement in the Keeper position and we are seeking an Elite Goalie. We are currently ranked #2 in the state. We are professionally trained and coached by Julian Richens a Division 1 College head coach. We are not a private academy and therefore costs are lower and approved by the team. Our 1st need is for an elite goalie to match with our strong defense. Come join a great group of young men in their development to be better and more disciplined players. Email player info to: sportsdad816@yahoo.com

Blodge's Blog: Nicole Berner Recieves All Atlantic Sun Honors!

2011-11-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to ADI Goalkeeper Nicole Berner for receiving All Atlantic Sun Honors! Read the story below! Well done Nicole!

http://www.belmontbruins.com/sports/w-soccer/2011-12/releases/201110274efuyy

Blodge's Blog: Kevin McMullen Makes National Headlines!

2011-11-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

Kevin McMullen, an ADI Goalkeeper Academy member and trainee, has received national recognition for his outstanding play in the Big East Conference. Kevin has been named to "The College Soccer News National Team of the Week"! For his performance, Kevin has also been awarded the ADI Goalkeeper Academy "Goalkeeper of the Week" award! Congratulations Kevin! Good luck in the Big East Tournament! Read the story below!

http://www.scarletknights.com/soccer-men/news/release.asp?prID=10970

News - Day 2 recap at U.S. Club Soccer''s id2 camp in Zarephath, N.J.

2011-10-20T14:55:00.000-07:00

News - Day 2 recap at U.S. Club Soccer''s id2 camp in Zarephath, N.J.

Blodge' Blog! ADI Goalkeeper's Making News!

2011-10-10T08:03:00.000-07:00

ADI goalkeepers were busy this past weekend making news as their teams were involvoed in games and tournaments:

1. Jessica Janosz got her first start as the keeper for the Rutger's women's team and she led the team in 2 big games! Jess shut out DePaul in her 1st start 1-0 on Friday and then turned around a gave a gutsy performance in shutting out Notre Dame 0-0 in double OT! She made 5 saves against ND including a big diving save in OT to shut down the Irish! http://www.scarletknights.com/soccer-women/news/release.asp?prID=10843

2. Kevin McMullen, GK for the Rutgers men's team, led the Scarlet Knights with some big saves in a well-earned 2-1 victory over Cincinnati in a Big East match-up!

3. High school action (source - Star Ledger):
- Faith Sugarman made 7 saves in a 1-0 win for Mendham over 14th ranked Parsippany Hills.
- Megan Calcaterra, goalie for Madison, led her team to a 1-0 Morris County Tournament win over Morris Knolls. She recorded 9 saves.
- Lauren Scalfani made 8 saves in leading Parsippany over Morris Catholic, 2-0, in the Morris County Tournament.
- Colleen Brennan stopped 3 PK's (2 of them in a row!) in a shootout leading Villa Walsh to victory over Whippany Park in the Morris County Tournament! Wow!!! The game was tied 1-1 going into the shootout.
- Brady O'Connor, keeper for Livingston, made 5 saves in leading his team to a 2-0 Essex County Tourmanment victory over Columbia.
- Justin Robertiello was instrumental in the 2-1 win for Mendham over Mount Olive, although he had to leave the game with 15 minutes left due to injury.

Great stuff by all the keepers! Well done and good luck the rest of the season!

Blodge's Blog: College Update!

2011-10-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

Hi,

Here's an update on keepers and coaches who have worked at ADI:

1. Zach Chambers, a freshman keeper at Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois, is getting his 1st start tomorrow night versus Holy Cross College from Indiana! Good luck Zach!

2. TCNJ women's team freshman keeper, Cristina Gacos, continues to do well in goal as Kendra Griffin is recovering from a broken collar bone. Cristina has had a run of 7 straight shutouts to help the Lions to a 16th national ranking!

3. Nicole Berner, sophomore at Belmont in Nashville, TN has led her team to a 3-1 conference record so far. She has a 1.33 GAA and a 0.741 save % with 3 shut outs!

4. Agata Dera has taken over the starting position at Drew University after suffering a broken hand and she helped the team post a 2-1 win over Moravian (ADI keeper Genevieve Chaleff is the starter for Moravian) and posted 6 saves in the win!

5. Lasell College in MA suffered its 1st loss of the season and stands at 6-1-1. Aren Moorman, freshman keeper, still continues his outstanding play in goal!

6. Robin Chernow, freshman keeper at Haverford, continues her great play in the nets as her team remains undefeated at 6-0-3 overall and 2-0-1 in conference play!

7. Grant Schonberg, senior at Trinity College, has a 0.50 GAA and a 0.861 save % in leading his team to a 5-2-2 overall record and a 3-1-2 record in the conference!

8. Rob Nydick, coach at Arcadia, has gotten their team to a good conference start with a 1-0 record!

9. Steve Widdowson at Millersville, is off to a 3-0 conference record!

10. Konrad Madej, the new goalkeeper coach at Rutgers Newark, has been training Jonathan Frances, and the keeper had a great performance against TCNJ, with stopping a PK and making a couple of late big saves on a way to a big 3-2 conference victory!

Areas for today's soccer players to concentrate on

2011-09-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the major points that I have come across when working with soccer players.

From my experience, I have noticed that soccer training is well developed on the team level, but is lacking is in the area of speed and strength development on the individual level. Most trainers believe that running for distance is the only way to condition an athlete (including goalkeepers). Coaches concentrate on ball work, team drills and distance running during practices. In truth, to compete with the quality of soccer players today, athletes additionally need a combination of long and short distance running as well as strength training to gain the competitive edge. Williams Soccer gives athletes the total training approach that emphasizes both Speed and Strength which are so important, but lacking, in soccer training. This is where Williams Soccer Performance Systems gives players the ultimate advantage over their competitors.

Listed below are the areas that we address with all soccer players in our program.

1) Deceleration/Changing Direction - Soccer challenges the player to stop, change direction and receive a ball while moving at a high rate of speed. Many players have difficulty performing this skill effectively and consistently while maintaining their game focus. Deceleration is a skill we will focus on by emphasizing body position and proper mechanics all while changing direction. When changing direction, the hips should be low to the ground and the athlete should use both feet to drive off so they change direction explosively.
2) Starting Speed (Acceleration) – To a soccer player this might be the single most important skill to learn. Soccer is a game in which a player is constantly moving but most of running is short sprints (5 to 10 yards) with many changes of direction. Having an explosive first step on the field will make the difference between getting to the ball or not. An athlete needs to be able to perform the same explosive sprinting style time and time again, this is known as sprint endurance. When training, sprint endurance concentrates on performing linear drills and combining lateral skills with acceleration. This is more functional to the player because the player rarely runs in straight line (common sense right?).
3) Strength training - One of the most overlooked aspects in the game of soccer, is the importance of overall physical conditioning. It has been my experience that many soccer coaches understand the benefits of strength training, but view it as secondary to skill training or simply misunderstand its importance in the game. Contrary to popular belief, strength training has a positive effect on an athlete’s speed and explosive power. In addition, strength training helps to reduce injuries and aids in a faster recovery should the unfortunate occur. Williams Soccer can and will prove this as they have many times before.

ADI Goalkeeper News!

2011-09-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

Hi,

Here are some of the latest updates on ADI goalkeepers!

1. Robin Chernow has been named the Centennial Conference Defensive Player of the Week! Read the article at: http://www.haverfordathletics.com/sports/wsoc/index

2. Erica Keil, who plays at Virginia Wesleyan, is 10 - 0 with only 3 goals against!

3. Nicole Berner, keeper at Belmont in Nashville, TN just beat their conference rival, Kennesaw State University friday night 2-1!!! Kennesaw has never lost a home opener before and Belmont has not beat them in regular conference play since 2005!!

4. Aren Moorman continues to play very well at Lasell recording his first shut out of the year against Clark University!
http://laserpride.lasell.edu/sports/msoc/2011-12/releases/20110922z5we32

5. Karina LeBlanc played the 1st half in a friendly versus the USA and came away with a clean sheet for the half. She did not play in the 2nd half when the US scored 3 unanswered goals.

Good stuff!

More updates to come!

ADI Soccer Players Abroad!

2011-09-26T08:54:00.000-07:00

ADI would like to congratulate client and trainer Sam Petrone for his first season at Mjallby FC in Sweden. Sam has worked hard with us for years and it great to see how hard work turns into success. We are proud of you Sam!

http://yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=content&id=7433

Blodge's Blog: ADI Goalkeeper Academy News!

2011-09-13T12:42:00.000-07:00

Here's what's happening with some of the college goalkeepers who are members of the ADI Goalkeeper Academy:

1. Aren Moorman, freshman GK at Lasell College in MA and an ADI Goalkeeper Academy Keeper, continues to make a name for himself as he was named the GNAC Goalkeeper of The Week! See the following story: http://laserpride.lasell.edu/sports/msoc/2011-12/releases/20110913fxioam

2. Erica Keil, goalkeeper for Virginia Wesleyan College, has led her team to a 5-0 start this season! She has posted a .2 GAA so far - wow! Erica worked very hard this summer coming back from a freak injury and is now reaping the rewards from all that work.

3. Robin Chernow, who graduated from Mendham HS and who trains at ADI, has led her team to a 3-0-1 start this season, including a win over #14 Eastern CT ST! She has started all games at Haverford as a freshman!

4. Kate Courter, red shirted freshman at JMU, continues to make the news as she was named CAA Rookie of the Week! She has posted a .842 save %, a .81 GAA and she shut out Maryland in a 0-0 OT thriller!

5. Sophomore keeper, Genevieve Chaleff, another ADI Goalkeeper, has led Moravian to a 3-0 season to date, posting a 1.00 GAA. Genevieve worked very hard all summer long to gain the starting job at Moravian; she said that she was going to gain the starting job and she has done just that - great dedication!

6. Kevin McMullen, who plays for the Rutgers men's team, has taken over as the starting keeper and has led the team to 2 straight victory's!

7. Grant Schonberg, senior keeper at Trininty, has opened his last season with a 1-1 tie against Hamilton.

8. Matt Knall, coach at U of New England (former trainee at ADI) has won two straight games after a couple of early season losses.

Great to see our keeper family enjoying success!

Blodge's Blog: ADI Keeper News!

2011-09-06T11:57:00.000-07:00

ADI is following its long list of keepers who are playing at all levels: club, middle school, high school, college, professional and world class! "ADI Keeper News" will help keep you informed as to how they all are doing!

1. Aren Moorman, keeper at Lasell College, has started both games as a freshman. The team is 1-0-1; the tie went to PK's because it was a tournament and it needed a winner. Aren stopped the 4th shot but the team lost the tournament when Lasell failed to convert two of its PK's. Aren was highlighted for his play!

2. Erica Keil, sophomore at Virginia Wesleyan, has earned the starting job as keeper and has led the team to a 2-0 start with both games being shutouts!

3. Genevieve Chaleff, also a sophomore keeper but at Moravian, has earned the starting job as well! She has helped her team to a 2-0 start including her 1st career shutout versus Swarthmore (1-0) in the Messiah College Tournment!

3. Emmy Simpkins is in the goal for Rutgers women's team. They are 3-3 and although they lost to UCLA, Emmy was outstanding in her performance in the 1-0 loss.

4. Kevin McMullen has taken over as the starter for the Rutgers men's team.

5. Caitlin Walker, senior captain keeper for Providence, has led the team to a 2-1-4 start with 2 shutouts to date.

5. Kendra Griffith, sophomore keeper at TCNJ, suffered a broken collarbone in a tough loss to Ithaca, 2-1. Freshman, Christina Gacos, stepped in to finish the game. Christina bounced back the next game and earned her 1st career shutout in her very young career with a 4-0 win over Stevenson.

6. Kate Courter, keeper for JMU, has led the team to a 3-1-1 record with 3 shutouts in a row. For her string of shutous, Kate has been honored by being slected to the National Team of the Week!

More news to come!!!

Blodge's Blog: Setting Your Defense on Corners and Crosses!

2011-06-10T15:00:00.000-07:00

Paul Blodgett
Director, Goalkeeper Academy,
Athlete Development Institute, LLC

Crosses and corner kicks are considered "high concentration" situations for a keeper and his/her defense. Obviously, the keeper must focus on the ball as the service is taken so that he/she can properly judge the flight of the ball to handle the situation.  

What should a keeper do to help keep his/her defense organized and concentrating during these situations?  

1. Preventing the cross by the defender ("No Service!"). 
2. ORGANIZE YOUR DEFENSE THROUGH COMMUNICATION!!! Your defense should be man - marking when their opponent is within the 18 yard box; and following is the correct position for the defender: 
• Defenders should be goal-side of their mark. 
• Defenders should be ball-side of their mark
• Defenders should touch their mark  

When a crossing or corner kick situation occurs, the keeper should steal a quick look at his/her defense to observe any dangerous situations that may occur in marking. Then, as the keeper turns his/her focus to the ball, communication should begin loud and clear instructing the defense to stay goal-side, ball-side and touch your mark UNTIL the ball is either in the keeper’s hands or the ball is out of harms way. Too many times a defender will lose his/her mark after the ball has been touched by a player in the box but it has not been cleared out of danger.   Always keep reminding your defense to stay goal-side, ball-side and touch their mark and the possibility of needless goals may diminish.

College Soccer Player Summer Training Sessions at ADI!

2011-06-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

As a current college soccer player, you know how important it is to go into your pre-season not only physically ready to go, but also technically ready to go. As a graduating high school senior, it is very important for you to understand that you need to get yourself fully prepared to give yourself the best chance possible to lock up your position on the team.

If you are going to be a freshman in college, you probably have received your summer workout program from your school; we at ADI fully advise you to not only follow it, but to exceed the basic requirements.

ADI exists to help you to exceed those requirements and we have the track record to back up our programs.

ADI is in full swing with its summer training programs, complete with:
     - strength training programs
     - goalkeeper training programs
     - speed-skill programs
     - pre-season camps

Contact ADI today to get yourself scheduled. You may go to our new website: www.adisportstraining.com and click onto the "Google Calendar" located on the upper right-hand side of the page. The Google Calendar gives you the days/times for all of the training programs. Call us at ADI (973-998-5715) to schedule your training or contact us at: info@adisportstraining.com.

Do not put off your training - get started NOW!

We look forward to working with you!

Blodge's Blog: Lateral Collapsing

2011-06-08T20:03:00.000-07:00

Paul Blodgett
Director, Goalkeeper Academy,
Athlete Development Institute, LLC

Do low balls driven to your left or right have a tendency to go underneath you when you collapse???

This is a common problem that I see in keepers of all ages.   Keepers love to power dive for balls and this is all well and good when the opportunity presents itself. However, I see this as being a problem for keepers when trying to collapse for balls that may be fairly close to their bodies. Proper collapsing technique should begin with a step towards the ball with the proper lead foot (right foot lead when going right; left foot lead when going left) NOT a two-footed takeoff.   The lead foot should point directly at the spot where you want to collect the ball, NOT forward, but at an angle. If a keeper’s plant foot is pointing forward and the ball is moving at an angle with his/her body then their hips will be going forward and their hands will be reaching at the angle of the ball. Keepers must point their lead foot at the angle of the moving ball and then drive their head and hands into the direction that their foot is now pointing. The hands AND head should be driven over their leading knee towards the ball. Now, sometimes keepers do this initial movement correctly, but the ball is still getting underneath them; this means that the keeper is not getting his/her head down to the ball as quickly as their hands are getting there.  If keepers get their heads down to the ground as quickly as their hands get there and they are directing the leading foot properly, then the chances of the ball getting underneath them will drop drastically.

Rationale For Exercise Selection

2011-06-04T09:05:00.000-07:00

Mark Williams

Director for Human Performance
Athlete Development Institute, LLC

The sport of soccer requires strength, explosive power, speed & agility, and overall total body strength. When selecting appropriate exercises ADI recommends the following guidelines:

1. Train using primarily multi-joint (whole body) exercises
2. Train explosively when possible (there is no such thing as "slow-speed")
3. Train on your feet when possible (as we play the game)
4. Train using exercises that require placing or supporting weight above your head (to promote core strength and stability)

Examples of exercises that are effective for soccer players:

1. Squat Variations (Box Squats, Front Squats, Split Squats)
2. Deadlift Variations (Trap Bar, Dumbell, Straight Bar)
3. Sled Dragging – Ankle, Forward, Backward
4. Reverse Hyperextensions
5. Adduction/Abduction Cable Work
6. Multi-Hip Exercise – Hip Flexion

Game situation drills

Many athletes have difficulty incorporating proper speed techniques, such as good running mechanics, on the playing field. It is easy enough to produce the correct results in the gym, but much harder to implement during high-pressure game situations. This problem can be addressed by designing drills that simulate game like situations, in which the athlete is under the watchful eye of a trainer. Any problems or faults in form or technique can be quickly addressed and corrected. This allows the athlete to incorporate what they have learned in a hands-on atmosphere.

Summer Offerings at ADI

2011-06-03T18:39:00.000-07:00

The Athlete Development Institute offers several great programs to help soccer players get ready for the their fall season. Too many soccer players do not take care of the athletic side of playing the sport. At ADI we are all about getting players ready as a soccer athlete! Go to www.adisportstraining.com for more information about our programs. Stay healthy!

www.adisportstraining.com