Natural Talent

[Antonio498]

Not trying to show off about this or anything, but people say to me that I have natural football talent. I've just turned 17, but only started playing at 14 and am now probably better than most of my friends who have played since they were like 5 or 6. When I tell people how long I've been playing they are always suprised and some reckon I could have turned pro if I'd played from a young age. Is this natural or have I just picked it up quickly :confused:? Does anyone else feel they have natural ability, or is it all learned?

Interested to hear what people think.

[Owen4ever]

Not trying to show off about this or anything, but people say to me that I have natural football talent. I've just turned 17, but only started playing at 14 and am now probably better than most of my friends who have played since they were like 5 or 6. When I tell people how long I've been playing they are always suprised and some reckon I could have turned pro if I'd played from a young age. Is this natural or have I just picked it up quickly :confused:? Does anyone else feel they have natural ability, or is it all learned?

Interested to hear what people think.

i am almost the same as you but i've been playing since i was 12/13 and i'm now 15 and am better than any other teenagers i know. but then again i have worked my fat ass off day in day out.

[metropolis2k]

I've been playing since I was really young but I feel I have a natural ability to hit the right pass. With a lot of passes and shots I really don't aim - I just seem to know where the ball needs to go and can deliver it there without any thought. It's nice to have something like that but I feel I lack the same ability in other parts of my game to make me a better player.

[thedefender23]

what do you all classify as "natural talent"

[Antonio498]

Uh...something you just seem to be able to do well without much learning I guess, though that isn't just it. Basically if you are good at something without having practiced repeatedly, as opposed to someone who has gotten good through alot of practice. Hard to put into words really, like when people say someone is a natural finisher. You have strikers who have learned to become strikers (Owen, Henry etc) and those who are naturally good at goalscoring (Ronaldo, van Nistelrooy etc).

[bigredfutbol]

Uh...something you just seem to be able to do well without much learning I guess, though that isn't just it. Basically if you are good at something without having practiced repeatedly, as opposed to someone who has gotten good through alot of practice. Hard to put into words really, like when people say someone is a natural finisher. You have strikers who have learned to become strikers (Owen, Henry etc) and those who are naturally good at goalscoring (Ronaldo, van Nistelrooy etc).

Henry looks pretty natural out there, to me. The knock on him is that he's not passionate enough--I think that comes from being so graceful and, well, natural. But that's just me. Have you read something which suggests otherwise?

[Antonio498]

I didn't mean that Henry wasn't a natural footballer, but that he wasn't a natural striker which he isn't (I was using the analogy of 'natural goalscorer' which is often heard). Henry started out as a left winger but was converted to a forward by Wenger and despite the fact that he is very good at it this means that playing as striker isn't natural to him. Someone like van Nistelrooy is a natural-born finisher and knows where the goal is at all times, but would be useless in any position aside from forward.

[reddevil07]

I don't mean to argue this point, but Henry seems to be one of the most naturally talented player in the EPL, if not the world. I think bigredfutbol got it right by saying that he isn't passionate; sometimes he looks as though he doesn't even want to be out there. But seriously, did you see that back-heel goal that he recently had? He knows where the goal is.

[Antonio498]

Again, I'm not disputing the fact that Henry is a natural FOOTBALLER. What I'm saying is he isn't a natural striker. He is a forward manufactured from a left winger, evident when he drifts out to the left on numerous occasions each match. He has natural instincts to go out wide left.

[bostonsoccermdl]

Not trying to show off about this or anything, but people say to me that I have natural football talent. I've just turned 17, but only started playing at 14 and am now probably better than most of my friends who have played since they were like 5 or 6. When I tell people how long I've been playing they are always suprised and some reckon I could have turned pro if I'd played from a young age. Is this natural or have I just picked it up quickly :confused:? Does anyone else feel they have natural ability, or is it all learned?

Interested to hear what people think.

I suggest you go to a regional soccer camp. THis will help put thing in perspective on your talent. I am not saying you arent, but you will find out what you need to work on, and raise your game to even higher levels this way.

I do believe in natural ability, butI wouldnt even worry about that. All that means is you are possibly a very good athlete, or pick things up quickly. It is up to you to push yourself to the highest level you can. LAways put yourself in situations and games against better players. It will keep you hungry and wanting to imporve once you realize they are better. Good luck.

[tomas_brolin]

i was reading a while back about the movie 'bend it like beckham' and supposedely if keira knightley started at a young age she could have been very good and she supposedely has the natural talent of michael owen :O !

[serieAfan89]

my theory is that there is a certain skill level that every soccer player can reach easily, and then if you continue to get better, you possess "natural talent"

[JohnR]

Not trying to show off about this or anything, but people say to me that I have natural football talent. I've just turned 17, but only started playing at 14 and am now probably better than most of my friends who have played since they were like 5 or 6.

Because you have a lot more talent than they do. However, if you move around in a wide enough circle, you'll start to encounter other players who also have natural talent, but who started at age 6. And they'll toast you.

Still, keep pushing. You could become very good indeed. Seek better competition. You learn most from playing against superior competition.

[safe hands 01]

Not trying to show off about this or anything, but people say to me that I have natural football talent. I've just turned 17, but only started playing at 14 and am now probably better than most of my friends who have played since they were like 5 or 6. When I tell people how long I've been playing they are always suprised and some reckon I could have turned pro if I'd played from a young age. Is this natural or have I just picked it up quickly :confused:? Does anyone else feel they have natural ability, or is it all learned?

Interested to hear what people think.

in answer to your question there are only certain things you can be taught you cant teach natural ability ie a footballing brain or agility true u can improve it but if (take me for example i play ingoal mi coahes have told me i have great agility and reflexs however i can only keep the sharp if another keeper were to come along with better agility and reflexes he would be at the advantage) any way it sounds to me you have natural ability so go and use it for gods sakes

[bostonsoccermdl]

in answer to your question there are only certain things you can be taught you cant teach natural ability ie a footballing brain or agility true u can improve it but if (take me for example i play ingoal mi coahes have told me i have great agility and reflexs however i can only keep the sharp if another keeper were to come along with better agility and reflexes he would be at the advantage) any way it sounds to me you have natural ability so go and use it for gods sakes

I always found it surprising that the key to great goalkeeping is quick feet and positioning. (agiliy and reflexes of coruse dont hurt, esp in indoor)

Many of the best keepers dont have to make "spectacular saves" b/c they are properly positioned. That is why I get a kick out of latin american keepers. they make the most routine saves look like highlight real saves either b/c they well suck, or act like they are auditioning for a stunt movie