get better at soccer

This week, I’d like to stay stronger on the ground. Not exactly sure how I’ll accomplish this – but I’d like to fall less.

I played in a league this Sunday that is a step down from my usual league. I was definitely better on this pitch than on my own team’s. I will try again next week and this time focus on breaking down the other players.

The obvious thing to start with is to just play more. I played most of the game last Sunday. Some as a midfielder and some as left fullback. I played pretty well as fullback – still I could focus on short passing a little bit more. I’m playing this Sunday in a charity game. But the season is over and finding a regular Sunday game may be a challenge.

Well, there you have it. I need to get more playing time in the off-season.

I played today. On the positive side, I hustled really well. I was able to run in open spaces and create chances. I took some great corners. On the negative side, I missed a lot of chances – two shots that I should have had done better with and a few passes that I just either overhit, underhit or telegraphed.

More practice – I guess. I’ve got to figure out a way to measure improvement. I have the skill NOT the confidence. How does one measure confidence when all I can think about what I did wrong in any given game?

Defining the areas of improvement is key. But, one area that I noticed that I’d really like to get better at: Turning with the ball. Once I receive the ball, I tend to just get stuck and nervous. That usually just ends up with a stupid mistake.

So here’s what I’m planning. 1. Practice turning in real situations (I did that tonight) 2. In real situations, continue to think about turning successfully.

Practice one more time this week before Sunday’s game.

Nothing. I didn’t even touch a soccer ball and we’re playing the best team in the league this weekend. I’d just like to relax a little more when I receive the ball. I can’t expect much improvement if I don’t do anything – but somehow, by writing it down, I still do.

I’ve played for 20 years and now play in a coed recreation league. I still get all jittery when I get the ball and I’d like to work on that. There are so many areas that I’d like to improve – but the two that I think I can start on are: General soccer fitness and my field awareness. I think that if I’m able to get in better shape and see what’ around me – I might settle down a little.