A Ball, Some Friends, and a Soccer Goal
...ll through a rectangle shape appropriately called the goal. Though the rectangle is standard, goals can be made by placing any two objects a few steps apart. I have personally played in neighborhood games where the goal posts were chairs, barrels, younger siblings, and shoes (if you're playing barefoot, make sure no one is wearing cleats). Kicking the ball below head height and more or less between the makeshift goal posts constitutes a goal, though you will find each goal will be heavily debated.
Competitive leagues almost always require shin guards, and you can usually pick up a decent pair for pretty cheap. Even in a friendly park setting, players can get pretty passionate, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to wear them during the game.
The rules are simple and easy to learn. The basics you need to know are that you should try to avoid kicking people, you can't tackle people like in american football, and you can't use your hands. In that sense, except for the hands restriction, soccer is a lot like life. Other rules apply more in competition, but it wouldn't hurt to read up on them at www.fifa.com.
As with any sport, the most important thing is to look good, so go out and buy yourself some silky soccer shorts and jerseys. Long hair and an Italian accent certainly won't hurt your chances of going pro - but if neither of those is an option for you, just remember to have fun and play fair.more
Champions league - second Round Preview
...t this stage last season and were only edged out by a single goal against Chelsea in the quarter finals.Verdict: AC Milan to qualify at 4/6.
Liverpool vs Benfica
The Reds take on the team who dumped Manchester United out of the Cup and are firm favourites to progress to the quarter finals. Liverpool were unbeaten and hadnt conceded a goal in 11 league and Cup games until Sao Paulo denied them the World Club Championship on 18 December. Benficas 2-1 win over Manchester United was a shock result, but one they are unlikely to reproduce. Ronald Koemans side are only sixth in their domestic league and are likely to see their interest in the Champions league come to an end at this stage of the competition.Verdict: Liverpool to qualify at 4/9.
Barcelona vs Chelsea
This was the most "anticipated" draw in terms of a replay of last seasons second phase encounter. Barcelona have won 13 games straight in La Liga, while Chelsea have topped the Premiership since August, losing just one match, against Mancheste...more
The Continuing Demise of Aston Villa Fc - Defeat at Doncaster
...I feel compelled to write something regarding a football club which I have supported, albeit mainly from a distance, since I was a boy. The last disgraceful episode in the history of Aston Villa Fc was the 3-0 defeat at Doncaster in the league cup. I can take nothing away from Doncaster, who played like lions on the night. They were full of running and pressurised us from the word go. However the point here is that a team of Aston Villa's obvious size, standing and sometimes glorious past should have been far too much for even the bravest of lower division teams. This was not a one off; sadly it was indicative of the general malaise which seems to have set in at the club over the last two years.
Here is a good example. Our 9million pound club record signing, Juan Pablo Angel strolled round the park (when he did actually move) looking like he did not want to be there. For the most part he loped towards the opposition penalty area when we got forward and then stood around waiting for something to happen. I am no expert in the art of striking, but from many hours watching some of the best strikers in the world even I can tell that a good striker will make something happen, not wait for it to fall into his lap. The fact that he has only managed to score this season against lowly Wickham Wanderers, in an earlier round of the cup, I think says it all.
Liam Ridgewell had a nightmare against Doncaster, giving away a penalty and being lucky not...more
Cooling Down Phase for Soccer Training - A Coach's Perspective and Focal point
...th the fresh experiences that have just occured. Let the team discuss the events first before the coach talks or the meeting is held in the locker room. Young minds need to also voice opinions to each other before they talk to the larger group. This helps build unity within and a power of responsibility throughout.
It is a time to also talk about the other aspects of sports activities. These are nutritional and additional aspects of concentrating on mental focus.<...more
