[copaantl98]

Okay my confidence is being shattered. I used to play pickup with a couple of my friends, who are decent players. I looked great playing against them. I used to make some great passes and get off some good shots. I used to be able to hold the ball for awhile. I used to get lots of space. Lately, they haven't been able to get together to play. So I just play with this other group, who are much more skilled. I've notice that I don't get much space anymore. My touches have been failing me even when I do get space against these new folks. I get off bad shots. And my passes don't seem as good. Is there anything I can do to correct this? The second I get the ball, I get chased like crazy and have to get rid of it quickly. And the worst part is that I can't think as fast. When I attempt to dribble pass any one of the skilled players, I get shielded off. Worst part is they're about the same size as me. I usually play better in sneakers. But against these folks, I've tried cleats and sneakers. But still the same result. Anyways, I just wanted to see if any of you guys had any insights on how I can correct these. My skills and confident has been failing. I can juggle the ball and etc. But when the game starts against these folks, nothing.

[danjeb]

I'd say stop wearing cleats AND sneakers... four boots on your feet at the same time ain't gonna get you any quicker.


Seriously... I don't know how old you are but I went through about the same thing right out of highschool when I went to a better club team... there ain't really anything you can do about except concentrate more and work harder. I found it helpful to really up my "off the ball" game (defense, runs, creating space for yourself, etc...) and start playing by instinct, but that is something personal and again, just gets better with the effort you put into it.

I guess basically I'm saying anything that doesn't have anything to do with skill, just workrate, try to excel at... it will take your mind off the skills aspect of your game and relax you and probably make your skills better, since you'll be concentrating on playing faster, harder, stronger, whatever.

[j&bontherock]

you have skill and confidence as you said so, the only problem you have now is mental, you have to be able to play under pressure and hustle, try to put yourself in that situation in any practices, the more you play under pressure & hustle the better you will be

[bobo99]

tru nothing to do with ur skills.Thats Just the level of other players.

Its normal when you play with better players to be playing worse than normal,but for me after a few games i was alright.

I have the same problem.Always trying to get rid of the ball because the chase me.Now im better because u need some time to get used to playing on that level.Try to hold the ball more and dont panic when they'r chasing you.

good luck

[copaantl98]

I'm 19. What can I do to avoid being shielded? No matter what I do, these guys are one step ahead of me knowing what I'm going to do. They fly out of nowhere to block many shots as well. They are willing to go all out to sacrifice themselves even if it's just pickup. One positive thing I notice I'm good at against these players is the fact that they turn the ball over a lot when I pressure their defenders. Of course when I do steal it, they come towards me and win the 50-50. They seem to mark me very tight even though I've been horrible. Anyways, thank you folks for all your inputs. I will keep it mind.

[danjeb]

Originally posted by copaantl98
They are willing to go all out to sacrifice themselves even if it's just pickup.

Be more willing.

I don't want to be mean, but it sounds to me like you are whining a bit. I don't know if you where looking for sympathy, but that ain't gonna help you play better... actually, just ask they guys who you are playing with to stop trying so hard.

[Elninho]

Originally posted by copaantl98
I'm 19. What can I do to avoid being shielded? No matter what I do, these guys are one step ahead of me knowing what I'm going to do. They fly out of nowhere to block many shots as well. They are willing to go all out to sacrifice themselves even if it's just pickup. One positive thing I notice I'm good at against these players is the fact that they turn the ball over a lot when I pressure their defenders. Of course when I do steal it, they come towards me and win the 50-50. They seem to mark me very tight even though I've been horrible. Anyways, thank you folks for all your inputs. I will keep it mind.

How well can you sell a fake? If they go all out, they may be committing early. You could have people flying all over the place by faking a shot.

The other thing I notice is: a newcomer in a group of pickup players tends to get pressured a lot at first. If you can beat someone on the dribble just once, they give you a whole lot more space. Generally, a defender who marks too closely is forced to commit earlier, and therefore can be beaten more easily by someone with good touch and quickness.

If you pull of an especially impressive move, even if just once, people tend to overreact the other way. I remember once playing pickup with an unfamiliar group (a good number of whom were better than me), and getting marked very tightly right up until the moment I completely skinned a defender with a double scissors over the ball. I didn't have anyone pressuring hard, unless they had defensive support, for the rest of the afternoon.

[servotron]

Something you definately will need to do is create more opportunities for yourself when you don't have the ball. Make runs that you wouldn't normally try, use other defenders as a screen against the man stuck on you... and lastly, the fake shot thing is hilarious, it should work!

[Elninho]

I suggested it because of one really memorable play I remember seeing back in 97 or 98: Marco Etcheverry creating his own passing lane for an easy assist, by faking a shot three times in rapid succession to pull two or three defenders badly out of position. They came flying in to block a shot that never came, and in the process left a man unmarked in the box. Even if MLS wasn't that strong back then, those guys were still pros, and if pros can fall for that trick then so can the guys you're playing pickup games with.

I've also created a lot of good scoring chances for myself in Interhouse (intramural, but somewhat more serious since one is playing for one's House) games, by faking a shot and then sidestepping around the guy who's moving to block it.

[nyrmetros]

Originally Posted by copaantl98

Is there anything I can do to correct this?

Lower your cholesterol.............