Position

[WishHoustonHAdATeam]

Guys, firstly, i havent played competitive soccer since the age of 10, but i want to get back into the game. Obviously i am a lot different, being 17, than i was at the age of ten. What position should i go for being 6'2", very muscular, flexible but with limited ball skills and pace

[benito camelpene]

By the way you described yourself, I think that center-back will be the perfect position for you. You should be able to win aerial battles with your height, and overpower forwards to win the ball back with your strength. Since you say you have limited ball skills, I don't think you should try to dribble your way out of the back. Either make a simple pass to your right/left back or the center midfielder. If your under a lot of pressure, then just clear that sh-t. Kick it out of bounds or something but don't try to dribble it out because you're sure to lose the ball in a dangerous position for the opposition.

[#1Keeper]

You could also try being a keeper. 6'2'' is a pretty good height for a keeper...

[Mini Shay]

Totaly agree. 6 foot 2 would be ideal for a keeper.

Im a keeper too and wish I was as tall. Im 5 foot 5 by the way! :o

[loden]

You can play any position you want. It's all a matter of how hard you're willing to work to improve your ball skills.

I started playing soccer at 21. I'm 6'2/185lbs and I started off as a defender. While I was working hard on improving my ball skills, I learned how the defense plays, how forwards make room to strike, how the midfielders penetrate. Now, I'm kicking some serious ass as a forward, and I will possibly play for my college in the upcoming season (assuming I make the cut).

Being tall gives you some serious advantages on the field.

On the defensive end:
-tall players are harder to dribble around
-long leg reach makes for easier tackling
-greater leverage makes easy playing long balls
-easier defensive heading

On the offensive end:
-if you explode into your first steps, you can easily dribble around opponents with speed, provided you keep your torso in control
-if you'll learn how to connect with crosses in the air you'll be lethal
-longer legs means easier making of space for a shot
-if you spread your arms you can hold off your opponents while dribbling indefinately

Size is an advantage. Exploit it. Don't listen to these fools who tell you not to attempt certain things. Just keep pushing your technical limit and you'll be alright.

[loden]

Oh yeah, one more minor point; when a tall guy dribbles, even if he keeps his head down, he can still see a LOT from his vantage point. ;)

[#1Keeper]

Im a keeper too and wish I was as tall. Im 5 foot 5 by the way! :o

I also wish I was a little bit taller; I'm only 5'8"!

[Jeff_Chicago]

The coach! LOL! JK!!!

[htafc]

I also wish I was a little bit taller; I'm only 5'8"!
only 5 foot! but then again only 13 so a lot of growing left in me but im still small for my age, and i do play on a full size pitch in full sized goals!

[servotron]

if you're strong and 6'2" which describes me as well you can pretty much play anywhere you want and use your size and strength to your advantage. However it's all about the stamina. If you're a even little weak in the stamina department, I might suggest staying away from the midfield for the time being and concentrate on central defense. Even if you've got just a "passable" amount of skill on the ball your keeper will be glad he's got a big guy in front of him that keeps people in check. Just keep in mind that if you don't have the pace, playing your position is going to be very important. You are going to HAVE to stay on your mark, and play your space between the ball carrier (or your mark) very carefully. You could become a very important part of whatever team you're on if you work especially hard on winning the ball in the air, using your head and height to your advantage.

You could also go up front and be a forward, but that requires a lot more ability on the ball, and not just playing your position tight and getting a foot in when the time demands it. It also doesn't hurt to be able to win a 20 yard sprint and still be able to shoot or pass accurately when it's time.

[mrelkane2u]

With some work on first touch and just a general knowledge, CB will be easy for you. I also suggest playing a lot of computer games like Winning Eleven or FIFA. :cool:

[servotron]

hehehe.... I don't know about those games... I think actually practicing will do you a lot more good :)

[loden]

hehehe.... I don't know about those games... I think actually practicing will do you a lot more good :)

I concur...fun to play, zero educational value.

I suggest going to reedswain.com and picking up a few good DVDs

[mrelkane2u]

LOL see people think games are just games... T

he problem about just practicing is unless you're absolutely willing to learn as much as you can, you won't learn much more than how to play just your position.

I actually learned a lot on how to use spaces, when and how to make runs, where to make long passes, and other strategic stuff, all from playing games. Just as how I learned to control the car in extreme conditions from driving games like Gran Turismo and actually got to use that knowledge to avoid a couple of accidents. People pay a few grand to take safety driving courses from places like Bondurant School, but what they don't know is there are cheaper alternatives.

[Ray Luca]

Guys, firstly, i havent played competitive soccer since the age of 10, but i want to get back into the game. Obviously i am a lot different, being 17, than i was at the age of ten. What position should i go for being 6'2", very muscular, flexible but with limited ball skills and pace

Bench and never leave it