#7 Navigating the Off-Season

[RashfordU]

CPT #6

Mikko tends to try not to train too much.  Each season can be gruelling, and rest is an extremely important part of growth as a player.  But this off-season was different.  Mikko knew that he needed to get better.  He was coming off a decently successful campaign, but he wanted more.  and with the league expanding, he wanted to make sure he left his mark within the toughest division in the SSL.  Mikko decided to meet up with his Father and brothers to train hard.  His brothers, Mikko Rashford III (an attacking winger), and Mikko Rashford IV (a central defender), were great to bounce ideas off of and to play against one on one.  The third, really helped The second find new attacking angles to exploit against defenders.  Thinkingg more as a complete attacking player rather than a striker opened his eyes up to new opportunities in the offensive end of the pitch,  Whereas the fourth, while a few years younger, help Mikko understand what the next generation of defenders were being taught as they were working their ways through the different academy systems around the SSL Universe.

Mikko's father was impressed.  Never one to light up the back of the net each night, Mikko Sr. was full of praise for his oldest son.  Evenings often meant reviewing film from the previous season.  It was always fun to watch video of Hollywood with his father, a long-time member of the storied franchise, Mikko Sr. knew that fortunes can change rather quickly, and if a team wants to remain at the top of their game, long-term commitment from everyone involved was required. 

As the season grew new, Mikko met up with his teammates early in Reykjavik to get some training sessions in before the season started, though it was tough to get out of bed when the weather was nice, he knew, it was time

Approved 

[norththegreatestshowman]

CT6

Thomas Hohenhahn was finally approaching his prime. He was fully aware of this, as was his club, which had made him its European ambassador. Such responsibilities made his off-season very busy.

Every morning at 8 a.m., he would get up and start with a set of 200 push-ups, sit-ups, and jumping jacks. He would then go for a 5-kilometer jog through the French Square, where he had recently started running into Shanghai's new defenseman, Petter Lind (@Canadice), and the fourth overall pick in the last draft, Arsène N'Goussou (@Pandar). He would chat with them for a few minutes in French to practice the language in a way other than Duolingo. Sometimes, the team's goalkeeper, Shingo Takechi (@Darthus), would join them to tease them about their limited understanding of French.

Once his jog was over, Thomas would enjoy a series of hot and cold baths in his personal spa to relax his body and strengthen his mind. After that, he would cook a light meal, usually made with toast, cottage cheese, sesame seeds, and a glass of sparkling water to revive himself. He would then generally take a half-hour nap, with headphones playing white noise in his ears.

His afternoons were generally more varied. On Mondays, he participated in video analysis sessions with the few players who weren't on vacation. On Tuesdays, he was invited by the club president, Kermit McFrog, to play a round of golf on his private green north of town. McFrog had a tendency to launch into long, rambling monologues, but despite his size, he was a formidable golfer. Wednesdays were dedicated to remote tactical meetings to analyze each of the Major teams with the entire squad and a new coach from Denmark.
Thursdays were reserved for media appearances with sponsors, and Thomas was often accompanied by his friend and colleague, the Slovenian midfielder Marcel Voda (@Daleks), to represent the club.
Friday afternoon, however, was sacred to Hohenhahn. He would then religiously retire to his room with an orange juice to spend the rest of his day playing video games with his friends from all over the world.

He therefore regularly met up with Daryl McManus (Buenos Aires), Benecio Aguilera III (Sao Paulo), Henri Fantobens (Kaapstadt), James Asprey (Budapest) and some of his teammates at the Shanghai Dragons to spend hours playing together and relaxing. (@cake307, @CROney3, @Fantobens, @Ghost)

383 words

Approved

[CROney3]

Link to part 6: https://forum.simulationsoccer.com/showt...8#pid87788

Fresh off of the SSL Majors championship victory, Benecio knew better than to be complacent with the season that they just had. The entire organization, which included the Parisian club, were amped to celebrate the victories. But the job isn’t finished. The dynasty has just begun. And that meant the offseason was no time to start slacking.

After seeing the season that Joao Cancelo (@Dmac1200) just had for Paris, Benecio knew that both keepers could learn many new tricks from each other. While neither faced an extraordinary amount of shot attempts (thanks to their wonderful defenses!), both did all they could to ensure the shots they did see never made it past them.

Joao made it known to Benecio that yoga and pilates played a very important role in keeping himself limber and flexible. Benecio ensured that Joao had the stamina to make it through an entire season without losing steam. These two keepers are lucky that both of them have excellent squads in front, with masterful tactical plans to keep them out of harm’s way, but they both know that they have to be prepared for the worst.

Luckily, Joao and Benecio have one of the best striker’s in the entire major and minor league, in Eric Belmont (@Belmont). This best just put up 30 goals this season, breaking his own record (don’t fact check that, but I’m pretty sure it’s true). So who better to pepper these 2 keepers than Belmont himself. These 3 made a great trio to practice together. Belmont gets to work on his incredible shots against some of the best keepers in the league while Joao and Benecio get to work on their own techniques against the sharpest of sharpshooters.

Unfortunately for the rest of the league, there doesn’t appear to be any slowing these incredible players down. They are only just beginning. Scary thought, eh?

Approved

[piza]

CPT 6


Nikolai Ahmed had a mixed season. In terms of individual performances, he was not at his best at all, bagging 4 goals in 15 shots on goal and providing only 1 assist with 11 chances created. The fact is this: Nikolai is not clinical enough and his decision making isn't at the elite. Ahmed knows he is soon reaching the height of his career, and if he wants to get to the world class stage, only training in season won't cut it.

Nikolai decided to take a trip a little far from the training grounds of CF Catalunya and visit the beaches of Guanacaste, located in Costa Rica. He ringed up his friend Kuba Kunicki (@Chillybro) to aid him with his training as well as learn from Kuba, who finished the season netting 7 goals. 
,
Nikolai's personal coach would join the pair on this trip fully paid by Ahmed, who at this point in his career, is starting to enjoy the lavish life from all the riches he is earning. A series of drills were set up, such as Ahmed scanning before doing an action. The personal trainer would hold up a number 1 through 3. Number 1 meant drifting left and whipping a cross for Kuba to finish. Number 2 meant threading a low driven through ball between two sets of cones, then running through his pass to finish off a lay off. The trainer would call out an area to finish the ball around 2 seconds before he shot it. Number 3 would be a simple one-two with Kuba, who could lift the ball for a volley or set it normally, but the finish needed to be right footed. Other simple drills like this were implemented into their training plan. In the afternoon Kuba and Nikolai would watch film- 10 minutes of only mistakes, and a detailed run through from the trainer on how to improve on them. The other 10 minutes would be the top plays that the pair created throughout the session, mainly to help with morale. 

With the first friendlies coming up, Nikolai will need to be in a top shape and start performing at another level if he wants to be remembers in the SSL and gather more awards for his cabinet.

Approved

[donut]

CPT #6

This off-season was different for Julian Rubio. After missing out on the Golden Boot yet again and finally lifting his first major trophy with União São Paulo, the Andorran striker knew exactly what he needed to work on, his finishing. Getting into dangerous positions has never been his problem (in fact he might almost be too good at it), but converting those chances into goals consistently has been the difference between good seasons and great ones. Rubio spent most of his summer training alongside Ashito Aoi, AS Paris's talented wingback who's now making the jump to defensive midfielder with their senior squad. At first glance, they seem like an unlikely pairing, but that's exactly why it worked so well. Aoi has an incredible footballing IQ and understands spacing, timing, and creating angles better than almost every player Rubio has trained with. They'd spend hours working on combination play and simulation game situations, with Aoi delivering crosses and through balls while Rubio focused on his first touch and shot placement. Aoi would study Rubio's movements and positioning, offering insights from a former wingback's perspective. In return, Rubio helped mentor Aoi on what it takes to be a star defensive midfielder, sharing everything he learned from playing with the world-renowned passer Chef Gagne, União São Paulo's former midfielder, who was recently traded away. Rubio and Gagne had developed world-class chemistry over the years, and passing that knowledge to Aoi would become a key part of trying to win another title. The work was grueling, but necessary. This season isn't about almost winning the Golden Boot, it's about claiming it while winning a back-to-back title with União São Paulo. With Aoi now stepping into Gagne's role and their off-season chemistry already established, Rubio believes the pieces are in place for something special. The nearly-perfect seasons are over, this year is about finishing the job.

Approved - Rubio just becoming more and more dangerous every season

[Jiggy]

CPT 6

The older you get, the less you can afford to have a maximally strenuous offseason training routine. As it ages, the body simply refuses to bounce back as quickly and as fully as it did in youth, when a footballer could throw physical caution to the wind and grind out two-a-days and sometimes three-a-days on the pitch and in the gym to get bigger, faster, stronger, quicker and better.

For George Shaheen, who has now officially entered his seventh season as an SSL professional, training routines hinge less and less on strength training and more and more on durability training. He has incorporated lengthy stretching routines to maximize flexibility and muscle resilience. He has shifted his focus from plyometrics aimed at increasing explosiveness to low intensity, high repetition exercises aimed at building endurance.

Shaheen chooses not to train with teammates. He has found that taking an offseason away is more beneficial to his mental health. Don’t get Shaheen wrong, he adores his Reykjavik teammates. He would run through walls for them. Btu during the season he is with them essentially all of the time. At home, on the road, on the pitch, in the locker room, at dinners, in the hotels, on the planes and team buses, at media events, at family events. There is nary a waking moment during the long and winding season where Shaheen has time to himself. To rest and recover his mind. To clear his head of the clutter that comes with professional sports and to focus on self. By getting away from teammates and training in solitude, Shaheen is able to clear all thoughts from the season that was. He presses “reset” so that he can approach his chosen offseason regimen without angst, animosity or bias from the hauntings of the ghosts of seasons past. This allows him to keep his eye on his chosen target of doing those things that will make him a better footballer next season, considering his aging physicality and the wear that professional athleticism for going on seven years now has taken on his competitive psyche.

Of course, when the offseason end approaches, excitement to rejoin his Reykjavik teammates builds with an exponential fury. That, too, helps fuel his ambition and his resolve to play at the peak of his potential when games start up again. Consider it another benefit from the choice to train alone.

Approved - Sometimes getting away from the noise is the best way to get better at your craft. 

[Jumbo]

CPT 6

Cade Power is entering his 6th season with the SFV organization. His 3rd season in Majors with Schwarzwälder FV. He knows every season is going to be a grueling test of health and endurance. The only way to prepare for each season is to train hard in the offseason. Power knows that each offseason, he has to train harder and harder. This offseason was no different. Power trains with only his physical trainer. He has no distractions or any outside influence on his training regiment. This was to put all his effort and all his mind to it. Dedication to it. Training hard each and every day. It was split into 3 different stages. Endurance, Speed, and Weights. For Endurance stages, Power would run long distances.  3-5 miles to start and going up to 10-12 miles. This was to greatly improve his endurance in a 90 minute match. Speed training involved sprinting, HITT (High-Intensity Interval Training), and Agility type moves. Sprinting was focused on trying to get faster. Sprinting hills, A-Skips/B-Skips, High Knee Sprints, etc. Anything to build a better technique for faster, more powerful sprints. HITT was training focused on training short bursts of intense activities with minimum recovery time. The game does not allow you to take time off. So you have to be ready to go all out when it's time. Agility training, like cone drills, ladder drills, shuttle, and even jumping drills, is needed as the game direction changes instantly.  And of course weight training. Building muscle is very important just in life but professional athletes need it even more. Power packed on 20-25 pounds of muscle by hitting the gym hard this offseason. He did it  to ensure he is ready for the upcoming season. Power does not want to let anyone down including himself. Powers' training is second to none and he's ready to lead SFV back to relevance.

Approved 

[Voodooman]

CPT #6

Another offseason has hit for Pablo Kawasaki, as they barely snuck their way to promotion after such a strong season. Even crazier, is that even he scored a penalty! He hasn’t been able to touch the spot after his several misses on Seoul. However, we get to the offseason, and Pablo realized as one of the strong players and leaders on the team, that he has to start thinking about the future of the club.

Pablo decided to take a larger focus on the club on building of the future, to get directly involved in the scouting, and recruitment of additional players for the club, so that when he close to retiring, the next phase can take over. Right away, his eyes diverted to Luke Walker! He is a player that always caught his eye when over at Xelaju, and heard that he might be available. He immediately went to the club management, to tell them that this is the striker that they need to build towards the future. Luckily, they club agreed, and were able to bring in one of the top young strikers. After helping to recruit four more players for the Seoul team, Pablo went to training with each one of them to see if they have the potential to grow into future Catalunya players. One of those players in Shevchenko, Pablo feels has that potential after working with them.

Otherwise, you can catch Pablo hanging out with the firecracker himself in Fuecoco, who is constantly trying to play a game of 20 questions on the pitch, to see if they can figure out what crazy thing they want to do next. Their new goalkeeper which just got promoted nicknamed the “Sloth” is anything like one. He has quick movement, and they have established a quick chemistry bond, that will be full enveloped this incoming season.

So at this point in the career, Pablo realized that they have the knowledge, and the skills, but for the team to grow, he has to teach the others to reach that level!

Approved

[Daleks]

CPT 6

Heartbreak.

Heartbreak is all that can describe the feels Voda is experiencing after Shanghai's narrow title loss. What seemed to finally be the ultimate way for Voda to prove to himself that he belongs here, that he truly deserves to be on this stage and that he deserves all the hopes and expectations that were set upon him.

Everything vanished in minutes. Yet again, doubt sinks in deep into Voda's chest.

No... it is not over yet.

As off-season starts up again, Voda once again finds new ways to improve, to innovate, to surprise. What used to be his greatest weakness, physicality, has now turned into one of his strengths. While he once was the calm and collected player who would sit behind and deliver passes accross the field, things have changed. While a lot of his identity remains, he finds himself further up front now. Having succeeded massivelly in the attacking midfield roles, Voda yet again experiments what limits he can truly break. Could he be reinvented and find himself infront of goal?

Thomas Hohenhahn has been one of his biggest influences in Shanghai Dragons. An experienced striker who has taken a great risk, coming from an extremely promising club to start ventures new. With him, he brings the skill and passion that is important in front of goal. If Voda was to learn the ways of the striker, Hohenhahn would be the perfect teacher. Alongside Hohenhahn also stands Thomas Jimotheus. Coming from the same class as Voda, Jimotheus has already gone through the journey of learning how to play the position. Though for Jimotheus, the move from CAM to ST is less of a jump than Voda's. It is not often a natural CM/DM moves completely up front. Strikers are usually not marked as being creative, but why not? The sport of football is complex, and the best team is always the one who has found a way to innovate new game defining ways to control the game, to unsettle opponents, to take advantage of weakness that no one knew existed before.

So, as Voda is navigating a melancholic off season, he finds himself once again renewed with an ever-burning flame. This story is not over, the opportunity has not yet passed by, and you best believe that Voda is going to do everything to finally bring home a trophy to everyone who has ever believed in him, to the generation of players playing alongside him that are going through the same story.

The book has been in the works for so long, but we have only just finished its first chapter. The story of Voda and Shanghai Dragons is one not yet printed, and the ink is fresher than ever. Now begins: Chapter 2.

Approved

[TooDear]

CPT 6

Last season Predrag came into the Major league for Romana after a big transfer and grabbed the bronze boot. Almost got them into Division 1. Managed to get Eastern Europe into the WSFC quarter finals. Twenty six goals in twenty nine games. Truly a break out performance. This season...zero goals in eleven games. Zero goals out of thirty shots. Zero goals out of 4.32 xG, unthinkable for any Major striker, let alone the best rookie of the last season. Many rumors have been circulating over the preseason as Romana prepares again for a promotion push. "Was it all a fluke?", "Is Predrag overrated?", "Does he have the yips?". Predrag hasn't scored since the WSFC quarter finals where he failed to score his 3rd penalty and win the game, leading to their eventual loss to Central Europe in extra time. Many fans have started to think that he was cursed.

To Predrag, its all just noise. There's nothing the media and fans can say that he hasn't already heard or that he hasn't already said to himself. It is unforgivable. It can not...no it MUST not happen again. Last season Predrag put a lot more focus into his Set Piece play, leading to him only getting 3 assists this season as compensation. This season he's planning on focusing again on being a pure number 9. No fancy tricks. Just be fast, be strong and shoot well. With the expansion of games in the season, it also mitigates the chance of bad luck ruining the season. While Romana's performance wasn't up to par with their previous season, Predrag being a big part of that, they also got a bit unlucky in a few games which caused them to finish 4th in Division 2.

But all of that is in the past now. This season there's only one thing to do. SCORE 
Predrag has spent the whole preseason developing more shooting techniques. It isn't enough to return to his previous high accuracy style, he needs to shoot with more power, shoot more often, lob keepers and round them. Any way, any how, he must find the back of the net. Romana will be promoted to Division 1 this season and Predrag will get this curse off his back if its the last thing he does.

Approved