Discussion about confidence. Tips needed!

[BuckeyeScoot]

First, let me introduce myself, since this is only my second post on Big Soccer. I am a 35 year-old male who really got into playing this beautiful sport, almost five years ago. Prior to that, I had played in a church league as a 10-11 year old. I stopped after that, and then tried to get into it in high school, but by then, my peers had surpassed my in terms of technical ability, and I didn't even crack the varsity squad. So I stopped.

So, right about late 2001, with the glory of the World Cup coming, I decided on a whim to try playing indoor. I got a team of guys and girls together to play in a co-ed open league. Needless to say, my first game was atrocious. I mean, I tripped on the turf over and over! I couldn't touch the ball and control it. Thus, I resorted to just trying to boot it away, and even that was "hit or miss".. literally! I'm not ashamed to admit that I felt scared and intimidated. As I came to know, a lot of the players in the league consisted of college and club players (and still do). I felt like quitting, but my stubborn streak and fascination with the game prevented me from doing so. Unfortunately, one consequence of being unskilled, and having a relentless motor, is that such a player will likely get put on defense. Fast forward to today...

I still play co-ed open and have added co-ed 30+, and also men's 30+ league. I have the basics down, for the most part, and I can go a full game if needed. But, what continues to elude me is creativity during a game. I know that sounds strange, but I bolded that part because when I goof around (admittedly, at half or quarter speed), I can pull off some decent moves that I know would work against an opponent during a game. Unfortunately, during games, I do not have the confidence to try such moves even when I have the leeway to do it. I often don't have the leeway to do it because, as I said earlier, I play defense. Being the last man back too often means pressure to get the ball away, or do the "right thing" by distributing the ball, on the ground, to mid. With my teams, fooling around with the ball in the back (i.e. trying moves to beat someone) un-necessarily is frowned upon. And rightfully so, since doing that can lead to a strip and subsequent easy goal for the opposition.

So essentially, the game is starting to feel stale with me, because I have been doing the same thing (albeit better and better) for a long time now, and want to try a different role. I'll admit, confidence is a problem with me, but I also know that I am missing the experience of a large developmental period that most soccer players go through (i.e. playing all the way through from youth through college, in some form). Furthermore, while I can run fairly fast, and beat most people in my age group, the same cannot be said for when I play against the "youngsters". It's great when you can beat people with speed and some control, but when the others are just as fast and (often) faster, I know it's imperative to have the moves.

There are no camps for "older" soccer players.. so.. bottom line (after all of this ranting), does anyone have drill suggestions, that I can practice in a small amount of space? Agility drills.. on-the-ball drills.. whatever you've got, I'll take.

Thanks in advance!

edit: Oops! There is a similar thread below! My apologies to the moderator(s) and members.

[JOEnadinho]

Keep up the good work Buckeyescoot, keep the passion burning. Watch some quality soccer, Spanish liga or Holland. Try some 5 on 5, and pick up games at the park so you can goof around. It's also your chance to play an attacking role, or a holding roll. There are no camps for older players, but you can go and observe the youngsters camp or training and imitate. How about asking for a small roll as one of the assistant coach for the youth team.

[BuckeyeScoot]

Thank you JoEnadinho! I do watch quality soccer; for the most part it's whatever is on Fox Soccer Channel. I personally enjoy La Liga, and try to emulate some of the techniques I've seen.

I do need to look around for parks where pick-up games are played.

I hadn't thought about being a coach for a youth team.. perhaps that would be prudent. I guess I'll have to ask some of the parents on my teams how best to go about doing that.

Thanks again!

[loochy]

i suggest just juggling, shooting, and generally screwing around with a ball. when you see a cool highlight video or ronaldinho or something, pick one of his moves and try to do it. keep a soccer ball in the house and juggle it while watching tv or something. you say that you can pull off some moves when practicing, but when you really really get the moves down pat and when you get very good touch, the moves will just "happen." i dont think about moves i am going to pull off and i dont try to do them....they just sort of happen on the fly depending on my positioning, the defender's positioning, and where the ball is relative to my feet. just keep playing with the ball and you will become "one with the ball." i know it sounds cheesy, but thats how it happens (for me anyways).