One step closer to season

The Tiffin Dragons Men Soccer program just had their first outdoor practice yesterday at the Paridiso Complex. They are still working on their conditioning but are also starting to focus on coming together as a team and filling the places of seniors. The guys are practicing four days a week outdoors now preparing for their first spring game, which is next Saturday at home. It is always a rough transition going from a small indoor facility to a huge open field. I think it is important that they are getting outside and starting to work on their touches and adjusting to the surface change so they are not shocked when they have to play in their game. Another hard thing to adjust to when going outdoors is breathing. It is very different running around outside than it is inside and that plays a huge factor in a players performance. It also does not hurt that the weather has been beautiful so it gives them a great reason to be outside enjoying the nice weather while it lasts!

The women's program has also just started practicing outside this week and the team is very excited about it. This is the first opportunity that the women's team has a chance to play outside together without their seniors that they just lost and their new coach. It gives the coach an opportunity to get a better feel for how the girls play together. It will give her a chance to pinpoint problem areas because they will be able to do more things outside and actually play a full game where in the gym you do not have the room to do that. I have to say that the coaching style is 100% different than when I was on the team. I am not saying it is worse or better, but it is a lot different. When playing for Coach Brownell I know that we were pushed to work our hardest and were always playing in the gym right away when the NCAA rules allowed it. I have not been to any practices with the new coach so I do not know firsthand, but from what I have heard it seems to be a lot more laid back. I think it is always nice to have a change and I think with a more laid back setting it gives many players the opportunity to set the tone of practice and really gives each player an opportunity to prove themselves and push themselves to their fullest. I personally love to compete and push myself and I loved the competitive atmosphere when I was on the team, but I do believe for the players that are left it is a refreshing change based on the type of players they are. I am excited to see the girls play this spring and will be following their season come fall season.