The following practice plans will be used:

Monday, May 21 is our last practice night (due to the Memorial Day holiday on May 28). We have enjoyed our practice time with the players and look forward to next season! Games still will be played on Saturday, May 26 and Saturday, June 2.

Review the following schedule for the day: Spring 2012 Recreational Festival – Schedule

Enjoy a beautiful day full of soccer games!

Hackers will be a 4v4 event this year and has joined the NEW Midwest 4v4 Soccer Tour.  The Midwest 4v4 Soccer Tour finals are Saturday, July 28, 2012 at Lawrence Park in Lawrence, Indiana. With 4v4, each team puts one more player on the field, increasing the playing time for each player.  In addition, each player is entered into the King of the Hill event at no additional cost.

Why 4v4?  As either a player or a fan, you will experience the beautiful game the [...]]]> The Cutters Soccer Club presents The 2012 Hurryin’ Hackers Soccer Tournament to be held in Bloomington, Indiana at Karst Farm Park on Saturday, July 21, 2012.  Be a part of an exciting weekend of fast paced, high scoring soccer.  Join in, and be a HURRYIN’ HACKER.  The King of the Hill event is back with new skills challenges.

Hackers will be a 4v4 event this year and has joined the NEW Midwest 4v4 Soccer Tour.  The Midwest 4v4 Soccer Tour finals are Saturday, July 28, 2012 at Lawrence Park in Lawrence, Indiana. With 4v4, each team puts one more player on the field, increasing the playing time for each player.  In addition, each player is entered into the King of the Hill event at no additional cost.

Why 4v4?  As either a player or a fan, you will experience the beautiful game the right way!  It represents the smallest configuration of a match by having the necessary elements of penetration, width, and depth and position mobility without duplication.

To register as a team, please click here

To register as an individual, please read the following

Tournament Information

Tournament Rules

More information to be posted soon regarding King of the Hill

View the Practice Plan: Week 7 — U-6 Creative Dribbling

View the practice plan: Week 6: Scoring Goals!

Congratulations to Coach Madvig, Coach Phelps and the 98 Cutter Girls’ team for being a finalist in the U14 division at the Kaspsalis Cup on April 14 & 15, 2012 at Pike Indy Burn.  The team defeated Pike Indy Burn, Hoosier FC Premiere, and Noblesville United before falling to the 97 Ohio Warriors in the final.

Congratulations to Coach Madvig, Coach Phelps and the 00 Boys Red team for winning the U12 Championship at the Kaspsalis Cup on April 14 & 15, 2012 at Pike Indy Burn.  The team defeated GRLSA United 99 White in the final 2-1.

Please review the practice plan for your age group below:

We have a chance of rain for the next several days. Please call the Karst Weather Hotline, 812-349-2126, to check if the fields are open on Monday before driving to the fields.

Please review the practice plan before Saturday morning: Week 4 — More Dribbling (U-6)

This week we will work on defending for all age groups. The younger players will work on individual techniques while the older age groups will add team defending topics as well. Take time to instruct individual players regarding proper defending technique during each activity.

Check out the following online resources and videos for more information:

Please review the following practice plans for Monday night:

In addition, the practice portion of the sessions will be 25 minutes, allowing the teams time to play a regular game of four 8-minute quarters.

Please review tonight’s plan (Adobe PDF file) before practice.

Congratulations to former Cutter AJ Smith for receiving the opportunity to attend John Brown University and play soccer for the NAIA school in western Arkansas.  AJ played for the 94 Cutters Red for U9-U14 until his family relocated to Arkansas.  “AJ always had a ball at his feet and subsequently developed a real knack for beating players 1v1.  I’m thrilled to hear he’s continued his passion for soccer, progress as a player, and now has the opportunity to get an education while fulfilling his dream of college soccer.”  Said Cutters Director of Coaching, Tommy Berry.  “John Brown University found an excellent young man who will give great effort both academically and on the soccer field”.   AJ recently shared his good news via email with his old club and commented, “Cutters really helped me [...]]]>

AJ Smith and Family on Signing Day

Congratulations to former Cutter AJ Smith for receiving the opportunity to attend John Brown University and play soccer for the NAIA school in western Arkansas.  AJ played for the 94 Cutters Red for U9-U14 until his family relocated to Arkansas.  “AJ always had a ball at his feet and subsequently developed a real knack for beating players 1v1.  I’m thrilled to hear he’s continued his passion for soccer, progress as a player, and now has the opportunity to get an education while fulfilling his dream of college soccer.”  Said Cutters Director of Coaching, Tommy Berry.  “John Brown University found an excellent young man who will give great effort both academically and on the soccer field”.   AJ recently shared his good news via email with his old club and commented, “Cutters really helped me to develop my technical skills to be at a higher level, but most of all, I think I learned from Cutters how to think in a game.”  Well AJ, we think you’re doing great.  Best of luck at John Brown University.

Please review the following practice plan for April 7.

6:00-7:30 – Olcott Park – Spring 2012

April 6 to May 25 (8 weeks)

“Young players need freedom of expression to develop as creative players … they should be encouraged to try skills without fear of failure.”

~Arsene Wenger – Arsenal

Cutters “Street Soccer” Friday is for U9-U14 year olds from Travel or Community Soccer.  Cutters coaches will organize the 4v4 Street Soccer Friday with the sole purpose of allowing the children to play a “street-oriented” game with and against players from different age groups.

Why?

• Street Soccer Friday is an avenue to allow young players the experience of playing against other children in a manner that will allow them to express themselves and not be overly concerned about results.

• S.S.F. is an avenue that will allow players to improve their technical abilities, further their enjoyment for the game, [...]]]> Cutters 4v4 Street Soccer Fridays

6:00-7:30 – Olcott Park – Spring 2012

April 6 to May 25 (8 weeks)

“Young players need freedom of expression to develop as creative players … they should be encouraged to try skills without fear of failure.”

~Arsene Wenger – Arsenal

Cutters “Street Soccer” Friday is for U9-U14 year olds from Travel or Community Soccer.  Cutters coaches will organize the 4v4 Street Soccer Friday with the sole purpose of allowing the children to play a “street-oriented” game with and against players from different age groups.

Why?

• Street Soccer Friday is an avenue to allow young players the experience of playing against other children in a manner that will allow them to express themselves and not be overly concerned about results.

• S.S.F. is an avenue that will allow players to improve their technical abilities, further their enjoyment for the game, and improve their social skills.

• S.S.F. is an avenue that will truly give the game back to the children without adult influences.

Cutters 4v4 Street Soccer Friday Format

• All matches will be 4v4 (preferably) or 3v3
• Players will all be mixed together from the various age groups and teams.
• Players arrive at a venue and will be mixed up by a 4v4 Friday site coordinator.
• Mixed teams will be no larger than 5 players each. The purpose is to maximize playing time.
• Players may be mixed into age categories and will attempt to keep within a reasonable age range.  The goal will be to have players play within approximately 2 year age range, but there may be some players who play outside this range.
• Players referee themselves (although there will be a field facilitator)
• Matches will be 10 minutes in length.
• Each S.S.F. team should play at least 4 matches with a 5 minute break after the second match.
• Cutter Coaches may also implement a brief “clinic”. The “clinic” will be for the purposes of giving players ideas to practice at home/backyard.
• Coordinators will re-shuffle all of the players after the second matches to make new teams.

Field sizes & Rules

• Minimum Length: 25 yards Maximum Length: 35 yards
• Minimum Width: 20 yards Maximum Width: 30 yards
• No goalkeepers will be used. Coned goals.
• Players decide whether a kick-in or dribble-in will be used to re-enter the ball back into play.
• Corner kicks and Goal kicks used.

Why Juggle?

A player’s touch and feel for the ball is vital in soccer and juggling is one of the best exercises to learn how the ball reacts to different parts of the foot and body.  Juggling also helps to develop body control, core strength, and balance while providing a good work out.  All that’s required is a ball, a small space, and some determination.  Players that progress through the Cutters Juggling Club Levels will undoubtedly experience improved success in their soccer matches.   Have fun and good luck!

Rules:

1.  Players may only use their feet. Touches with the feet count toward the total number of juggles. The count must return to zero if the ball hits the ground. All other [...]]]> The Cutters Juggling Club has been established to inspire players to practice on their own, set goals, and improve their technical soccer skills.   

Why Juggle?

A player’s touch and feel for the ball is vital in soccer and juggling is one of the best exercises to learn how the ball reacts to different parts of the foot and body.  Juggling also helps to develop body control, core strength, and balance while providing a good work out.  All that’s required is a ball, a small space, and some determination.  Players that progress through the Cutters Juggling Club Levels will undoubtedly experience improved success in their soccer matches.   Have fun and good luck!

Rules:

1.  Players may only use their feet. Touches with the feet count toward the total number of juggles. The count must return to zero if the ball hits the ground. All other body parts can be used (except hands) but they do not count toward the total number of juggles. (Ex. If a player uses their thigh to keep the ball in the air it will not be counted, but the players can continue their count with the next touch with their feet. One foot, two foot, thigh, three foot would count as three.)

2.  At each level achieved, the players will earn a free Cutters practice shirt* with the juggling club level indicated on the front.   The player also has their choice of being recognized for their achievement on the Juggle Club webpage!  *Players that can already juggle well will receive a shirt for the highest level achieved to begin their participation in the juggle club.

3.  A Cutters Staff Coach or someone assigned by the coach must count and verify the total.   The best time for the coaches to observe is before or after practice, or at Street Soccer.   The coach is only obligated to give each player three attempts per day.
Hints
-Try to hit the center of the ball on your shoe laces so that you don’t have too much spin on the ball.  Ball back-spin means you’re striking the ball too much on your toes.

-Practice both feet.  You’re going to need your weaker foot to advance through the levels.  Try alternating right foot, left foot, right foot, left foot, almost as if you’re walking.

-Avoid hitting the ball too high (above head height).  The higher the ball goes in the air, the harder it is to control the next juggling touch.
Goal Setting:
Set up goals. The goals can be weekly, monthly and yearly. Try to achieve a certain number of juggles by each period of time. The goals become your target. Start slow and with a reasonable goal and your results will start to improve.

6:00-7:30 – Olcott Park – Spring 2012

April 6 to May 25 (8 weeks)

“Young players need freedom of expression to develop as creative players … they should be encouraged to try skills without fear of failure.”

~Arsene Wenger – Arsenal

Cutters “Street Soccer” Friday is for U9-U14 year olds from Travel or Community Soccer.  Cutters coaches will organize the 4v4 Street Soccer Friday with the sole purpose of allowing the children to play a “street-oriented” game with and against players from different age groups.

Why?

• Street Soccer Friday is an avenue to allow young players the experience of playing against other children in a manner that will allow them to express themselves and not be overly concerned about results.

• S.S.F. is an avenue that will allow players to improve their technical abilities, further their enjoyment for the game, [...]]]> Cutters 4v4 Street Soccer Fridays

6:00-7:30 – Olcott Park – Spring 2012

April 6 to May 25 (8 weeks)

“Young players need freedom of expression to develop as creative players … they should be encouraged to try skills without fear of failure.”

~Arsene Wenger – Arsenal

Cutters “Street Soccer” Friday is for U9-U14 year olds from Travel or Community Soccer.  Cutters coaches will organize the 4v4 Street Soccer Friday with the sole purpose of allowing the children to play a “street-oriented” game with and against players from different age groups.

Why?

• Street Soccer Friday is an avenue to allow young players the experience of playing against other children in a manner that will allow them to express themselves and not be overly concerned about results.

• S.S.F. is an avenue that will allow players to improve their technical abilities, further their enjoyment for the game, and improve their social skills.

• S.S.F. is an avenue that will truly give the game back to the children without adult influences.

Cutters 4v4 Street Soccer Friday Format

• All matches will be 4v4 (preferably) or 3v3
• Players will all be mixed together from the various age groups and teams.
• Players arrive at a venue and will be mixed up by a 4v4 Friday site coordinator.
• Mixed teams will be no larger than 5 players each. The purpose is to maximize playing time.
• Players may be mixed into age categories and will attempt to keep within a reasonable age range.  The goal will be to have players play within approximately 2 year age range, but there may be some players who play outside this range.
• Players referee themselves (although there will be a field facilitator)
• Matches will be 10 minutes in length.
• Each S.S.F. team should play at least 4 matches with a 5 minute break after the second match.
• Cutter Coaches may also implement a brief “clinic”. The “clinic” will be for the purposes of giving players ideas to practice at home/backyard.
• Coordinators will re-shuffle all of the players after the second matches to make new teams.

Field sizes & Rules

• Minimum Length: 25 yards Maximum Length: 35 yards
• Minimum Width: 20 yards Maximum Width: 30 yards
• No goalkeepers will be used. Coned goals.
• Players decide whether a kick-in or dribble-in will be used to re-enter the ball back into play.
• Corner kicks and Goal kicks used.

Thank you for coaching a team (or two ) during the spring season. The children have such a good time in this program and we are thankful you agreed to volunteer.

Practice Plans

 For the first week of practice, we will have a slightly different schedule. The above practice plans have the details, but here’s a summary:

 First 10 minutes – gather your team, meet with age group coordinator, start to learn names (people are quite often late to the first practice, so this will give everyone time to get settled)

 Next 20 minutes – group practice session. We will have trainers to assist you in running the practice portion of the session. The activities today combine soccer skills and “getting-to-know-you” activities. We [...]]]> Hello Community Soccer Coaches, 

Thank you for coaching a team (or two ) during the spring season. The children have such a good time in this program and we are thankful you agreed to volunteer.

Practice Plans

• U-8 Boys & Girls — Spring 2012 Week 1
• U-10 through U-14 teams — Spring 2012 Week 1

 For the first week of practice, we will have a slightly different schedule. The above practice plans have the details, but here’s a summary:

 First 10 minutes – gather your team, meet with age group coordinator, start to learn names (people are quite often late to the first practice, so this will give everyone time to get settled)

 Next 20 minutes – group practice session. We will have trainers to assist you in running the practice portion of the session. The activities today combine soccer skills and “getting-to-know-you” activities. We hope this fosters a comfortable environment for the players to learn each other’s names and start to play together.

 Last 30 minutes – Intra-squad scrimmage
Use this scrimmage as a learning activity. “Freeze” the game to explain to your players the some basic ideas of the game. (Walking on the field with the players is fine too.) Make sure you touch on the following:

• What to do when a ball goes out of bounds (proper throw-ins/kick-ins, goal kicks, corner kicks)
• Kick offs (tussles for U-8s)
• Arrangement of players on the field in preparation for Saturday
  • U-8s play 4 vs. 4
  • U-10s play 6 vs. 6
  • U-12s & U-14s play 8 vs. 8
  • For U-10s and older – what goalkeepers can and should do (briefly)

For U-10s and older, share the following Web site for players and their parents to visit before Saturday’s game: http://mypage.iu.edu/~mkelmer. Although this site will be expanded in the future, it provides relevant information regarding the “Laws of the Game,” including

• the field of play
• how to start the game
• determining if a goal has been scored
• how to restart the game if a ball goes out of play
• the offside rule (the most confusing rule in soccer!)

I have attached a map of Karst Farm Park (map for Community Soccer Spring 2012), in case you would like to distribute this information to your team. Please remind the families to sign up for weather alerts from RainedOut.com (text CUTTERS to 70359 for text alerts).

 I look forward to seeing you Monday,

Michele Kelmer
Director, Cutters Community Soccer & Outreach