Updates by Elizabeth Hammes – More at http://www.nscaa.com/wc.php (Click here for my first post about the trip)
3/10/09: Monday we started off with a classroom session with April talking about systems (see the photo above). We then were off to the Germany vs Sweden game. We made it there early so we could see the warmups. Sweden was up 3-0 at the end of the first half. Germany tried to catch up but the 45 minutes was not enough time, they were defeated 2 – 3. After that game we hopped back into our vans & rushed to the US vs Norway game in which the US won 1-0. Afterwards Pia came & addressed our team. She talked mainly about the Beijing experience & how the US was able to win the Gold medal after having a rough start. In the evening we went back to the classroom where April finished up her talk on the 4-4-2 system of play.
3/9/09: Sunday. We had the opportunity to catch the German National Team Practice. Afterwards the asst coach addressed us on how the Germans are focusing on their flank play & how they are bringing in a new set of young players. We then went on to see the China’s practice. In the evening Dr Hacker spoke on what sports psychology is & on the psychological skills triad. Afterward, we had group presentations & analysis of how you would address a certain team (China, Germany, USA) at halftime or after the game, based on the games we had seen on Friday. After the class sessions ended, all hit the strip for dinner. Another amazing day in the Algarve!
