tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53415104644375002952024-03-12T17:43:13.310-07:00Hanson Harmony on SoccerGreg Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03774505937870180105noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341510464437500295.post-60978544725218809522010-06-23T12:19:00.001-07:002010-06-23T12:19:02.188-07:00Subconscious Desire to Watch USA Match? (Managers Prohibited to Read :)<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img width='158' height='118' src='http://www.ussoccer.com/%7E/media/FBB3F676340A438A9D39994CBEED5B9C.ashx?w=401&h=301' style='max-width: 800px; float: left; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px;'/>If either Tim or Jon are reading this, don't worry, the title is just a joke, mostly ;)<br/><br/>This morning I struggled with, what developed over the last 24 hours, a pulled back. Yesterday was quite uncomfortable shifting around in my office chair. The strain of the ill fitting high back exec chair sent me through the roof yesterday. Adding to my misery was a nigh spent in an easy chair as I fell asleep and couldn't wake up (until a 3:45 accident where my feet were pointed to the ceiling as my head and the back of the chair hit the floor - try picturing it). I put off my daily P90X workout in favor of a run (in the DFW heat) hoping to stretch out the pull and recover before heading off to work. No luck and I felt more miserable than before. To top it off, allergies are doing a number on my throat. All in all I concluded that working from home today would be a nice option.<br/><br/>Having resolved to begin the day at home, I went in search for my laptop bag en route to the easy chair, assuming a posture of work and watch as the <a href='http://www.ussoccer.com/' target='_blank'>USA Men's World Cup</a> contingency work their magic against the bottom of the group Algerian team. Then it hit me: the bag with both PC and Mac were in the back of my wife's vehicle on its way to the <a href='http://www.lds.org/temples/main/0,11204,1912-1-66-0,00.html' target='_blank'>Dallas LDS Temple</a> and was not returning until lunch time.<br/><br/>So with only my iPhone (original and waiting for my new<a href='http://www.apple.com/iphone/' target='_blank'> iPhone 4</a>) in hand, and my corporate e-mail Inbox not functioning properly, I sent a note off, periodically checked my Inbox (no movement) and settled in for a nail-biting match.<br/><br/><img width='283' height='177' src='http://u.goal.com/102000/102074hp2.jpg' style='max-width: 800px; float: left; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px;'/>I'll let the pro's tell the full story, slanted or not, but let's just say that I was on the edge of my seat as the US came away with the win 90 seconds into extended play in the 2nd period. While Landon Donovan put the <a href='http://twitter.com/austinsd/statuses/16858966416' target='_blank'>"nail in the coffin"</a> it was the offensive pressure from Dempsey and Altidore that pushed Algeria the whole game. You also can't deny DeMerrit's defensive prowess as he shut down attack after attack, giving US their first <a href='http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/67/world-cup/2010/06/23/1991854/world-cup-2010-usa-man-of-the-match-versus-algeria' target='_blank'>shutout match in World Cup since 2002</a>.<br/><br/>All the while I watched the game, it was incredibly enjoyable to keep tabs on the England v. Slovenia match via the iPhone <a href='http://ht.ly/1ZLEM' target='_blank'>GOAL.com app</a> and for those of you that know me you'll know why.<br/><br/>So if my management is still reading this, note that I'll be working a bit later than normal and hopefully a little marketing can hide the sins of my subconscious. <br/></div>Greg Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03774505937870180105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341510464437500295.post-44223082988037167782010-06-11T14:16:00.001-07:002010-06-11T14:20:36.776-07:00World Cup Comes to Mobile<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img src='http://www.androidguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/device2-200x300.png' style='max-width: 800px; float: left; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px;'/>Many of you know that I work in the mobile app biz and I thoroughly love futbol (soccer for the colonists on this side of the pond ;). With the World Cup 2010 in South Africa kicking off (yes, that was a pun) today, I'm ecstatic that <a href="http://www.handmark.com" target="_new">Handmark</a> is bringing the mobile industry's premiere mobile app for the World Cup, downloadable from your mobile device at <a href='http://m.goal.com/app%20' target='_blank'>http://m.goal.com/app</a> or from your <a href='http://bit.ly/aUy25T' target='_blank'>desktop</a>. Here's my review.<br/><br/><b><u>Pros:</u></b><br/><ul><li>Free - those of you that know me understand this is a must.</li><li>Multi-platform support - iPhone, Android, Window Mobile, BlackBerry, JME devices</li><li>Free - didn't I already mention that ;)</li><li>Up-to-date news from GOAL.com, not only for World Cup, but EPL, MLS, UEFA, and many others</li><li>Free - can't get over that one</li><li>LIVE SCORES - this is huge. Mostly large pay-for-models give you live scores but this is, again...FREE</li><li>Fixtures and Results by day</li><li>Group Stage w/team standings</li><li>Knockout Stage w/final tournament schedule</li><li>News coverage provided by team of 550 reports, including 10 based in SA for the finals<br/></li><li>Social - Twitter, Facebook, Delicious and more for sharing articles and the app itself</li><li>Offline reading capabilities when mobile network is down (does this happen anymore?)<br/></li></ul><b><u>Cons:</u></b><br/><ul><li>NONE - see first bullet point in the Pros section ;)</li></ul>Here's what others are saying about the app.<br/><br/>"<strong><a target='_blank' href='http://www.handmark.com/' title='Goal.com Mobile'>G<i>oal.com Mobile</i></a></strong><i> application delivers <br />everything you need to know about football. With provocative <br />commentaries, exclusive interviews and vivid photos, Goal.com mobile <br />keeps you in the know no matter where you are. Delivering instant, <br />real-time access to breaking Goal.com football news.</i>" -- Antonio Wells of <a href='http://www.androidtapp.com/goal-com-mobile/' target='_blank'>Androidtapp.com</a><br/><br/>"<i>...mobile app such as Goal.com gives me a quick World Cup fix when I need <br />an update.</i>" - Kevin C. Tofel of <a href='http://gigaom.com/2010/06/11/world-cup-mobile-application/' target='_blank'>GigaOM</a><br/><br/>"<i>IMHO, the Goal.com application is top of the bill.</i>" - Robin Walters of <a href='http://techcrunch.com/2010/06/11/world-cup-2010/' target='_blank'>TechCrunch</a><br/><br/>Here are some screenshots.<br/><br/><img src='http://www.androidguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/device1-200x200.png' style='max-width: 800px;'/><img src='http://www.androidguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/device3-200x200.png' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/><img src='http://www.androidguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/device4-200x200.png' style='max-width: 800px;'/><img src='http://www.androidguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/device5-200x200.png' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/><img src='http://www.androidguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/device6-200x200.png' style='max-width: 800px;'/><img src='http://www.androidguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/device7-200x200.png' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/><br/>So what are you waiting for? Go get yours today. It's FREE!!!<br/><img src='http://www.androidguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/device5-200x200.png' style='max-width: 800px;'/><img src='http://www.androidguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/device3-200x200.png' style='max-width: 800px;'/><br/></div>Greg Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03774505937870180105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341510464437500295.post-29625038666284878802010-06-08T10:49:00.001-07:002010-06-08T10:49:36.492-07:00Contextual Ads Strike Again: Comic Relief to a Tragedy<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Contextual ads are a given in to<img width='363' height='632' src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_DdKqABx6yM4/TA6Btzz436I/AAAAAAAAD7w/iKVsAZabJgM/%5BUNSET%5D.png?imgmax=800' style='max-width: 800px; float: left; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px;'/>day's world of web, mobile and advertising. Unfortunately, filters for context revolving around tragedies don't exist, or are exploited by advertisers and ironic combinations often occur. Here's an example of one such irony for which I see the comic relief around the apparent tragedy.<br/><br/>For another example of previously noted irony, <a href='http://hansonharmony.blogspot.com/2009/07/irony-in-contextual-ad-embedded-in.html' target='_blank'>see this post</a>. And for a final taste of irony, notice that both articles are from <a href='http://deseretnews.com' target='_blank'>Desert News</a>.<br/></div>Greg Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03774505937870180105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341510464437500295.post-29519266038790202692010-06-03T10:32:00.001-07:002010-06-03T10:32:19.481-07:00Class of 2022 Kindergarten Graduation: My Baby is Growing Up!<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Here's a few video clips from today's Kindergarten graduation. Yes, the video is a bit rough (blame the camera guy, me), but they're sweet. Hope you enjoy!<br/><br/><div class='youtube-video'><object width='560' height='340'><param value='http://www.youtube.com/v/8yD4Ly59hLw&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0' name='movie'> </param><param value='true' name='allowFullScreen'> </param><param value='always' name='allowscriptaccess'> </param><embed width='560' height='340' allowfullscreen='true' allowscriptaccess='always' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://www.youtube.com/v/8yD4Ly59hLw&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0'> </embed> </object></div></div>Greg Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03774505937870180105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341510464437500295.post-15722874443476685982010-05-24T08:58:00.001-07:002010-05-24T08:58:10.321-07:00Nike: Write the Future<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Just an enticing video to get you excited for the 2010 World Cup. Check back here later for link to great mobile app w/live scores coming from Goal.com powered by <a href='http://handmark.com' target='_blank'>Handmark</a>.<br/><br/><div class='youtube-video'><object width='1280' height='745'><param value='http://www.youtube.com/v/idLG6jh23yE&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&hd=1' name='movie'> </param><param value='true' name='allowFullScreen'> </param><param value='always' name='allowscriptaccess'> </param><embed width='1280' height='745' allowfullscreen='true' allowscriptaccess='always' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://www.youtube.com/v/idLG6jh23yE&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&hd=1'> </embed> </object></div></div>Greg Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03774505937870180105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341510464437500295.post-77978873031199487372010-04-07T14:05:00.001-07:002010-04-07T14:05:53.977-07:00Goalie Scores and is Scored Upon<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Ever have a goalie come up and score? I did. This isn't him. But this is pretty good.<br/><br/><div class='youtube-video'><object width='480' height='385'><param value='http://www.youtube.com/v/R96j711uSIM&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0' name='movie'> </param><param value='true' name='allowFullScreen'> </param><param value='always' name='allowscriptaccess'> </param><embed width='480' height='385' allowfullscreen='true' allowscriptaccess='always' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://www.youtube.com/v/R96j711uSIM&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0'> </embed> </object></div></div>Greg Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03774505937870180105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341510464437500295.post-25810218904575578162010-01-25T07:50:00.001-08:002010-01-25T07:50:30.230-08:00Spring Season Practices Start this WeekendHard to believe my winter break is coming to an end. Goals I had set forward for the off season unfortunately have been unmet (no marathon due to injury, personal biz yet not prototype complete). With just another 3+ weeks left until opening weekend for soccer, spring season, it's time to start the teams practicing again.<br /><br /><img src="http://onthepitch.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/snow-soccer.jpg?w=300&h=168"><br /><br />For those of you not familiar with Texas weather, the term "if you don't like the weather just wait 10 minutes" applies liberally to the spring season. This last week we were blessed with 70 degree, almost 80 degree weather (yes, in January) and the mornings were a balmy 50+ degrees. Yet, in reviewing the outlook for Saturday, the day of our first practices, it looks to be in the upper 30's to low 40's as the high. There are not many things that deter a motivated soccer player from practicing and perfecting their craft, but cold weather is one of them. The ground is too firm for the cleat but too slick to not wear them. The cold toes seem to tingle more against a ball that feels harder in the colder conditions.<br /><br />But just like the adage, if I wait, likely the weather pattern will change, even that morning, and the sun may shine and the temps rapidly increase to a comfortable 50+ degrees. Welcome to Spring Soccer, Texas Style!Greg Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03774505937870180105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341510464437500295.post-66449949417136307692009-09-24T07:15:00.000-07:002009-09-24T08:20:55.229-07:00Fun Team Pics For Opening GamesJust wanted to share a few pictures documenting the excitement my kids have at starting a new season (3 weeks late).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2599/3933841797_89275b36a9.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2599/3933841797_89275b36a9.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">S in new uniform ready to take off for the game.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2528/3933814739_ee7ed898bb.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2528/3933814739_ee7ed898bb.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">J in new uniform ready to take off for the game.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/3950896222_b0ec54d33e.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/3950896222_b0ec54d33e.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">S & J at the fields ready for a great opener.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2631/3943950823_f2a1bae4e3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2631/3943950823_f2a1bae4e3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Cheetahs won opener 4-1 against the Aftershock.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3445/3943954057_067a5a2503.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3445/3943954057_067a5a2503.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">FireDragons won opener against the Buccaneers 3-0</span>Greg Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03774505937870180105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341510464437500295.post-74168463944285655222009-03-06T06:31:00.000-08:002009-03-06T06:31:00.304-08:00Innovation of Soccer Ball Beyond Round? Bring in Noaz Safari Sportz<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>How do you innovate on a soccer ball? That was my question this morning and jokingly I put out there that "round is round." I did have a friend comment that you could provide texture to the ball, which conceptually would be an innovation. Other than the goalie, texture would likely go unnoticed as most players would have their boot on ;)<br/><br/>So how do you innovate on a soccer ball? Manufactures have designed a plethora of balls that are just that: innovations. From different outter covering types (leathers, synthetics), to stitching (hand vs. machine) to glues, to padding. Even the bladders of balls are different (I admittedly had never paid attention to this detail before this morning). If that was not enough, soccer balls come in 3 regulation sizes to fit the growing strength, size and development of the players. <br/><br/>With all the differing types of balls on the market, what attracts a buyer into purchasing one ball over another? Obviously there is marketing data out there (to which I'm not privy), and I'm sure there could be scientific clues as to what invokes a passion for one product vs another. All that aside, an average player will likely look at a ball and choose based on color, pattern and some visual connection they make with the product.<br/><br/><img src='http://noazsafarisportz.com/mediac/400_0/media/zebra$20tiger$20for$20site.JPG' style='max-width: 800px; float: left; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px;'/>Keeping eye candy as a selection criteria in mind, I'd like to showcase a friend's new business and product line: Noaz Safari Sportz (<a href='http://noazsafarisportz.com' target='_blank'>http://noazsafarisportz.com</a>). I met with the founder and owner of the business this morning at a local coffee shop (yup, I had my hot chocolate ;) and went through the basic concepts of the business and personally viewed the product prototypes. The business is built on Christian values of integrity and honesty, touting they bring a "rainbow of promise" to children as far as they can reach. They're plan is to create a profit share with organizations as marketing/distributing channels. The design of the product was realized by their son (my former soccer player), Chase. The company is in a unique and specific market that will allow them to propogate Christ's goodness and bring excitement, uniqueness and enjoyment to the sport I love.<br/><br/>Will the product be a competition level product? Not likely. In fact, they're touting it as a training product. But all that remains to be seen. Will the product rise above mere fashion and eye candy? With the hand-stitched product, quality seems pre-eminant in the minds of the owners and if the product were marketed as just fashion it would likely fail. I see this product having a good run at the market.<br/><br/><img src='http://noazsafarisportz.com/shopsite_sc/media/Zebraforshopsite.JPG' style='max-width: 800px; float: left; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px;'/>How can you contribute or get more information about the product? Feel free to contact me personally or go straight to <a href='http://noazsafarisportz.com/657.html' target='_blank'>http://noazsafarisportz.com/657.html</a> for more contact information. I'm hoping after talking with the owner this morning, he'll venture into a product site on Facebook and show the power of social networking.<br/><br/>Good luck Noaz Safari Sportz! Looks like you have a winning product concept on your hands. May the Lord bless you through it's development and guide you into the channels were you can be of the most value in His hands!<br/><br/><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=892568b5-c5ef-4d44-90d1-488041bc26b4' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Greg Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03774505937870180105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341510464437500295.post-32947242853597443702008-11-26T11:38:00.000-08:002008-11-26T12:04:32.721-08:00Season Coaching 4 Teams Ends Cold But WarmFor just a single season I've been able to glimpse the true insanity with which my older brother lived many years while coaching his 4 sons' soccer teams. These last few months I've spread myself a little thin and coached all 4 of my kids' teams, though under different pressures from my brother. All 4 of my teams are recreational teams which means limited travel (radius of about 30 miles of which we're the center point). I'm a board member which translates into having great control over when and where we play, including practices. I'm not totally insane on the game though some would beg to differ on that statement.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30153066@N00/3062075332/" title="christmas_prep2008-11-15_12-21-49_nikon by austinsdkeyscouter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3219/3062075332_3e9a39650a_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="christmas_prep2008-11-15_12-21-49_nikon" /></a><br /><br />Regardless, the season is now over, the fields are shut down for the next 2 months and it's time to relax a bit and prepare for the Spring season. We elected to not run indoor with the kids' teams and just scale back and enjoy the holidays. So 2 weekends ago we celebrated the conclusion of the season with what seemed like a wintry ending to a normally warm season.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30153066@N00/3062076886/" title="christmas_prep2008-11-15_12-41-13_1_nikon by austinsdkeyscouter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/3062076886_e4bfd286cf_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="christmas_prep2008-11-15_12-41-13_1_nikon" /></a><br /><br />Despite the apparent cold, my morning ended with warm hugs and cheers as L's team completed their first season and were rewarded with trophies, a serious thing for such gigglers. It was a great start to the blustery day and a great ending to a fun season.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30153066@N00/3062073952/" title="christmas_prep2008-11-15_13-25-27_nikon by austinsdkeyscouter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3173/3062073952_2e575cdfa3_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="christmas_prep2008-11-15_13-25-27_nikon" /></a>Greg Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03774505937870180105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341510464437500295.post-12384426913239227242008-10-17T07:13:00.001-07:002008-10-17T07:13:38.081-07:00FC Dallas Clinic Hit with Local Association<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>In appreciation of our sponsorship of the FC Dallas machine here in North Texas, our association was treated to a clinic, free to participants, by 6 of the FC Dallas crew/players. Our association and players love the attention, the opportunity to speak and interact with real soccer professionals. FC Dallas ticket sales loves the PR and at a cost of the gas and time to shuttle the players over it's worth it. Seeing all of the FC Dallas gear that was proudly worn by our KSA players, it seems as though the relationship is mutually beneficial.<br/><br/>What many in the association do not know, however, is the relationship is not free. When it's advertised as a free clinic, that's partially true. It does not cost the participants anything to register and participate on that day. But the association is burdened by a sponsorship cost which ultimately comes from the player registration fees since the association is a non-profit organization. Along with a bi-annual clinic, which is mostly a PR tactic, the association is blessed with pretty decent tickets to home games which are used to reward association loyals and those that contribute directly to the success of the association.<br/><br/>When I titled this entry as the clinic being a "Hit," it is a double entendre: it is a hit in that it is a success with the locals but it's also a financial hit, or debit, in the association's budget. Worth it? Definitely.<br/><br/>All four of my kids participated and loved the event. When asked how much they learned, none of them could reply that anything was learned. But when followed up with the question of whether it was fun and worth it, the response was unanimous in the affirmative.<br/><br/>Well done FC Dallas!<br/></div>Greg Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03774505937870180105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341510464437500295.post-2109465299233288212008-10-08T08:34:00.001-07:002008-10-08T08:34:20.713-07:00Hanson Teams: No Swimming Before Matches<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Please note Hanson teams: Absolutely no swimming before our matches regardless of our win/loss records.<br/><br/>"A Zimbabwean soccer player drowned in a crocodile infested river during a ritual to cleanse his team of bad spirits before a match", <a href='http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSTRE4967ZF20081008?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews' target='_blank'>a state newspaper reported on Tuesday</a>. First mistake may have been the location as the river has a strong current and the next that there are plenty of crocodiles and hippos in this location. Next is it's by Victoria Falls; duh!<br/><br/>Anyway, my soccer players are hereby banned from swimming prior to the games. Please take action if necessary ;)<br/></div>Greg Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03774505937870180105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341510464437500295.post-41586184174690411052008-10-03T12:03:00.001-07:002008-10-03T12:18:35.823-07:00Poor Ref'ing to Our AdvantageLast night our U9 boys played a 6pm game against a fellow board member's team. The importance of who we played against is being critical of the ref while maintaining control of our own composure and sidelines was within our duties of being on the board. Let's just say the level of judgment the referee displayed in the match was less than adequate and our referee director will be receiving a note.<br /><br />The advantage in this came when one call of handling the ball, which results in a direct free kick, was called. From my view I could not tell whether it was in our out of the opposition's penalty area but the hand came up signaling direct and my son placed the ball amid the confusion, stepped back and shot the ball up and over and into the back of the net. The goal counted.<br /><br />Now, whether the referee confused the situation and awarded our team a direct free kick outside the penalty area or should have delayed and set up a PK is irrelevant to this portion of the post. What I was pleased with was how quickly and intelligently my son placed a quick kick to our advantage. The confusion likely contributed to his success but I found his thinking logical and timely.<br /><br />Way to go J!Greg Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03774505937870180105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341510464437500295.post-10508194307075889312008-10-01T04:37:00.000-07:002008-10-01T06:33:56.451-07:00First Time Ref: Son to AssistI'm pretty excited to start a new chapter in my soccer career this weekend. Since I certified with my son as Grade 9 referees back in Aug. I just haven't had the opportunity to put my cert. into action (schedule is just too busy). But this Sat. all of that will change. Not only do I get to referee, I get to center referee with my son as an assistant or AR. I'm a little nervous as making my debut where the parents and coaches are considerably more vocal in their dissent can be daunting. That being said, I believe I'm prepared to handle it. Should be fun. I'm also excited to have this experience with my son whom I absolutely adore and love. Wish us luck.Greg Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03774505937870180105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341510464437500295.post-14186960413689058182008-09-23T07:58:00.000-07:002008-09-23T08:32:18.841-07:00Well Oiled Machine...Er TeamSome times I wonder whether my oldest team is a bit too relaxed and last night both confirmed and mystified my expectations at the start of our Monday night match (yep, odd to have a Monday Night Football game). To avoid traffic I left the house quite early and arrived nearly 45 minutes prior to the start of the game. To contrast that highly paranoid behavior, my team on average arrived a mere 4 minutes prior to the start of the game, mostly meandering in toting their water: no hustle, completely relaxed. And how did they perform in the game?<br /><br />Relaxed, calm and controlled. From the start of the game they flawlessly executed basic give-n-go passes that freaked out the other team. With speed and determination, yet in complete control, the team worked together, pushing passed the opponents to take shot after shot. After the final 2 players trickled in we were up to 3 subs and never felt overly taxed on the field. Their grooming as a team was omnipresent (even the other coach remarked at how well they complimented each other's play) while individual contributions often lead to phenomenal, jaw-dropping plays.<br /><br />In a victory of 5-0 as visitors, especially after our opening loss as the home team, our spirits were lifted, our confidence strengthened and I believe we'll be ready for Saturday's match against a very talented GSSA team that has spanked us mercilessly in previous seasons. Hopefully the other team's confidence will be their downfall as my relaxed squad comes in and plays according to our rules, our style of play and out classes the other team.<br /><br />Something that stood out in my mind as quality and worth mentioning was how some of our developing players contributed in unexpected ways. From great personal hustle, taking the ball strong between players and passing based on patterns learned in practice, these players left memorable moments on the playing field rather than holes in their positions as in previous season. This great change, nearly metamorphic, seems distill upon these young men on a regular basis and it is absolutely gorgeous to witness.<br /><br />Congratulations to my well oiled team. You deserve last night's win and may they keep coming our way! Go Strikers!Greg Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03774505937870180105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341510464437500295.post-88786523739981969562008-09-17T07:02:00.000-07:002008-09-17T07:10:54.539-07:00Great Drill, Great CoachI'm not talking about me when I mention "Great Coach" in the title of this post. I'm referring to my friend Chip. While some may not think of him as great, he certainly is plugged into the sport of soccer and loves working with the boys we coach.<br /><br />Yesterday in the midst of my muddled state of mind, Chip picked up the usual slack and worked with our U9B team. The ending drill was very effective, so much so that I stole it and used it for my U13B with great success.<br /><br />The drill starts with two "striker" placed lines facing the goal and one center line facing the opposite direction. The ball is started from the backfield into the center line where the center drops it back and peels out either left or right. The wide swing creates space to dribble where upon approach to the goal the two strikers receive a cross from the outside and attempt to one-touch the ball into the goal.<br /><br />The effectiveness of the drill is in the quick pace, the timing of the strike on goal, the pass out to the sides and the accuracy of all passes. The drill can be varied through adding defensive players but for the sake of simplicity and timing was run without.<br /><br />Give it a try and tell me what works well for you!Greg Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03774505937870180105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341510464437500295.post-69004676907961107372008-09-16T13:12:00.001-07:002008-09-16T13:16:11.959-07:00Easier Soccer WeekWith the cancellation of last weekend's games due to hurricane Ike, this week seems like an easy going schedule. We only have 2 games scheduled for Saturday, one of which is away in Bedford, TX. The craziness is the number of pictures we'll be taking: 4 for 4 teams, 3 of which are prior to the first game of the day. My day will start with 3 hours field monitoring for the association, including opening up the park for the early birds. My morning will run from 7am at the park through about 4:30 at the conclusion of the last game whereby we'll dash off to our church's picnic social. Upon conclusion of the event we'll return to pick up our oldest son from his ref'ing gig back at the soccer complex. Much easier week :)<br /><br />Did I mention 8 hrs of practice between now and the first game on Saturday?Greg Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03774505937870180105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341510464437500295.post-81794653538375208882008-08-26T08:08:00.000-07:002008-08-26T08:15:04.464-07:00Crazy Schedule OutlinedFor those of you that may have wondered just how crazy my schedule as a recreational soccer coach really is, here goes:<br /><br />Mondays - <br /> --1st Monday of the month <a href="http://kellersoccer.org/board.cfm">KSA Board Meeting</a><br /><br />Tuesdays - <br /> --4:30 - 5:30pm U9B practice<br /> --5:30 - 7:00pm U13B practice<br /><br />Wednesdays - <br /> --4:30 - 5:30 or 6:00pm U11G practice<br /><br />Thursdays -<br /> --4:30 - 5:30pm U9B practice (and this week U6G practice at the same time)<br /> --5:30 - 7:00pm U13B practice<br /><br />Fridays - <br /> --4:30 - 5:30pm U6G practice<br /> --5:30 - 6:30 or 7:00pm U11G practice<br /><br />Saturdays -<br /> --any combination of 4 teams playing scattered from Lake Worth to Lewisville, TX<br /> --2 hours of voluntary field monitoring as a part of my service on the Board of Directors<br /> --possibly refereeing games when needed<br /><br />Sundays - <br /> --no games, no practices, merely rest (well, and a lot of meetings)<br /><br />How do select coaches function? Sure they get paid but I've known guys that have 9 teams. When do they eat and sleep? I enjoy this game, and my schedule is bursting but I can't imagine much more than what I have. If you're a select coach reading this, drop me a comment. How do you do it?Greg Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03774505937870180105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341510464437500295.post-325285068574243172008-08-25T20:15:00.001-07:002008-08-25T20:15:18.081-07:00Scheduling My Schedule<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Do you ever get so busy that you have to schedule time to schedule? I'm not quite there but rather quickly approaching it. Between work projects, family life, church duties, coaching responsibilities and board duties I'm thoroughly shot on free time. Part of the reason I asked for my iPhone was to help me organize a little better and have information at my finger tips. Well, the info is there but the organization is falling short because I actually need to schedule time to schedule.<br/><br/>Speaking of scheduling, this next week I'll be getting teams' schedules in working order just in time to start their season in less than 2 weeks. Coaches are anxious to find out when they play and I'm sure there will be plenty of backlash once they come out as everyone has the best reason to reschedule though no one is willing to offer those up prior to the scheduling, even when requested. So I find it ironic that yet again, I'll need to to schedule time to schedule, just in a different sense.<br/><br/>Life when it's busy is exciting, overwhelming and thoroughly exhausting. Two things I have to be conscientious of doing when I'm in this mode are: 1) exercise to mitigate exhaustion and stress and 2) focus meaningful time with my dear wife. So dear wife, if I fail to schedule either, please do me a favor and knock me over the head with either a kiss or my running shoes; either way I'll get the point ;)<br/></div>Greg Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03774505937870180105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341510464437500295.post-55063355455230056562008-08-22T20:48:00.001-07:002008-08-22T20:48:22.366-07:00Soccer Inequality Season<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>For those of you that know me, soccer is somewhat a passion but it's also an adventure in time management and equality for the recreational players. Yes, I'm competitive-minded and while I want my teams (4) to succeed, I do not educate/train my players at the expense of the recreational credo: have fun. I've grilled it into my player's minds that "my #1 rule is everybody has fun."<br/><br/><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/30153066@N00/2787914827/' target='_blank'><img src='http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/2787914827_e43be5eda3.jpg' style='max-width: 800px; float: left; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px;'/></a>Yet for some reason, this season I've started off with somewhat of a concern as I begin to analyze the new players on my teams. I see such a wide disparity among players, from my U6 girls team to my U13 boys, that I haven't seen in many other seasons. Maybe my perspective is clouded by last season's road to glory with my boys' teams and their incredible journey and victories. But this season I see so much that needs to be improved with handicaps that block that progression.<br/><br/>Through all of this I keep reminding myself that the heart of the recreational purpose is to have fun and develop the player, and collectively the team, not to rack up victories. While winning is always fun, it should never come at the expense of the individual regardless of skill set.<br/><br/>So to any player's parent that may keep up with this blog, rest assured your child will play, will receive a fair shake this season, and most of all will be given all opportunities to have fun. Will I work them hard? You betcha! Will we strive to perform to the best of our abilities? Certainly. But I will not let my teams, nor myself, lose sight of our goal: "Everybody has fun!"<br/></div>Greg Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03774505937870180105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341510464437500295.post-29930762089348079492008-08-22T16:13:00.000-07:002008-08-22T16:15:21.005-07:00What's Wrong with this PictureWhat's wrong with this picture? Who is at fault?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3wSbPzFol2PIkVL1YJ-UOiPZ5ivVRqOduYNpzgKBsUTwdDNWL6eqM1xkr-zOugDy7kV0EvDCnb-ztBssiCWkOu-H69uJ6q_peLH2xinXg3dPfz87O3PVk0KsQlpeJQC1pAMlYcqlk50/s1600-h/vieing_for_the_ball.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3wSbPzFol2PIkVL1YJ-UOiPZ5ivVRqOduYNpzgKBsUTwdDNWL6eqM1xkr-zOugDy7kV0EvDCnb-ztBssiCWkOu-H69uJ6q_peLH2xinXg3dPfz87O3PVk0KsQlpeJQC1pAMlYcqlk50/s400/vieing_for_the_ball.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237484507431084146" /></a>Greg Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03774505937870180105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341510464437500295.post-66926850017016011612008-08-14T07:48:00.001-07:002008-08-14T07:48:54.862-07:00Soccer Season Stresser<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>We've only had 1 full day of practices and things are already starting to break down in the Hanson home. Unbeknown to me, my dear wife has been stressing about the upcoming soccer season, the full days of games and weeks of practices for the last 3 weeks. Stress is not always are good thing in our lives as it can turn nasty in the blink of an eye. But it can also be a positive impetus to perform at a higher level of quality and produce greater than normal results. Time will tell how this will turn out.<br/><br/>What is required of this husband and father to make soccer related stress a positive producer? I need to step up more at home and make a greater effort in creating a more orderly atmosphere. Occasional dinner preparation probably wouldn't hurt either. Clear communication is essential and keeping our world in order prior to the Sabbath day is key, according to my wife.<br/><br/>With the 2nd day of practices kicking in today, we'll see how I perform for the betterment of the family.<br/><br/>R, hang in there and keep me up to date on stress levels.<br/><br/>Any suggestions on how to deal with the crazy schedule? Please hit the comment link below and let me know.<br/></div>Greg Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03774505937870180105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341510464437500295.post-36402870994558490252008-07-15T07:36:00.000-07:002008-07-15T07:45:03.910-07:00KSA Board Meeting Info: Coach's Lanyards MandatoryThere really wasn't much pertinent info for me at last night's meeting. Most of it was business as usual and little applied. But something I was interested was how NMSCL has been voting (and this is questionable) regarding coaches and their attendance on the field.<br /><br />An explainable plague has befuddled me for years now which is why parents that do not volunteer their time during practices see the need to stand next the coaching staff during the games. For the little guys they may see this as a motivator, an encouragement for their wee little child. As a coach, it's a distraction. As a ref (and I'm only guessing here), it's an impediment of control if things get out of hand. At KSA we've implemented a fairly strict parents on one side and the team/coaches on the other. This minimizes this confusion and strife. But even with this well accepted policy, the parents at times meander over to the team side of the field.<br /><br />The new ruling at the league level places the burden of identifying the coaches squarely on the shoulders of the association and the coach. Lanyards will be issued that identify a registered and background-checked coach and games will either be forfeited or not start until the coach's card on the lanyard is produced.<br /><br />Negative consequences? Well, for occasions when a coach either forgets or doesn't have an assistant and cannot attend the game this is an issue. But these cases are rare and can be managed. <br /><br />Benefits? Of course. Clearly marking which adults are authorized by not only the association but acceptable to the league is a good thing. It's good for the opposing coaches as well as we'll know which adults to address with the referee in the event things are out of control with the players (I've had to address this in the past).<br /><br />I welcome the change and hope that other coaches will welcome this too. Thoughts?Greg Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03774505937870180105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341510464437500295.post-10284431069355510162008-07-14T09:04:00.000-07:002008-07-14T09:08:13.182-07:00Gearing Up for Fall SeasonIt's amazing how quickly the summer flies by, especially when you're not involved continuously with grooming teams, working practices and skills and constantly out on the fields for games and monitoring. With little more than Board meetings to attend, my summer has been virtually soccer free.<br /><br />That's gonna change here soon. With just over 2 weeks left of July, soccer practices will be starting with a vengeance. I have so much to accomplish in so little time. I check my building rosters this morning and to my disappointment very few have returned. This was expected of my oldest team and while disappointing, I've come to terms with it. The surprise was on the other 3 teams (yes, I'll be coaching 4 teams).<br /><br />So it's time to beginning the solicitations and beefing up of the teams before I have to scramble just before the season starts.<br /><br />Let the near insanity begin!Greg Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03774505937870180105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5341510464437500295.post-83949147133957923022008-07-03T09:18:00.000-07:002008-07-03T09:31:34.544-07:00Knee Injury Impetus for Temporary RetirementYep, you correctly read the title. I'm going into a temporary retirement. What exactly is a temporary retirement? Well, it's more like an indefinite hiatus. I reserve the right to return to the game but may not do so immediately. <br /><br />Why would I give up playing a sport that I love, look forward to each day, and actively participate with my own kids? That's a hard question to answer. The bottom line is this. I'm old and am prone to injuries. OK, I admitted it, finally. Well, I'm not that old and there are certainly other players on my team and in the league that are certainly older. But honestly, I don't like pain and love being healthy. When I'm healthy, I feel uninhibited. Today, inhibition is all I feel.<br /><br />Yesterday I saw my ortho and while I did sustain a contusion on the upper tibia and a tear on the the lateral meniscus, he said I should be playing in another season, if I chose to. Well, at this time, my choice is to sit it out and enjoy life in other ways.<br /><br />What does this mean for the blog? Nothing. I'll still write about my kids and their adventures in soccer. I'll still write about FC Dallas games I get to attend. I'll still write about serving on the KSA board. But I'll be fairly silent as to my own adventures in soccer. And quite honestly, it makes me a bit sad to think about giving it up.<br /><br />That said, here's to an early retirement. Anyone want to take a guess as to how long it will last?Greg Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03774505937870180105noreply@blogger.com0