[Bertico84]

Are pick up games really worth anything skill wise?

[NHRef]

Originally Posted by Bertico84

Are pick up games really worth anything skill wise?

Anytime you have a ball it can be beneficial. If the talent level of the game is equal/above you clearly its beneficial. If its below, then you need to make challenges for yourself to make it beneficial. A new move you are working on that needs practice at slower speed before used for real, creative passes, etc there are always things you can work on. Its clearly more beneficial than NOT playing

[smith07]

pick-up games will give you the opportunity to try high-risk/ high-reward and build confidence so that you can pull it off in a game. plus, you can play more relaxed than usual which helps

[dienasty]

HAHAHAHA how do you think the superstars learned how play. sorry for laughing but this just shows ignorance of the love for the game in America.

[jtowns3]

Originally Posted by dienasty

HAHAHAHA how do you think the superstars learned how play. sorry for laughing but this just shows ignorance of the love for the game in America.

I would have to agree. but i think what is being asked is...are pickup games worth while? I think they are. you can practice things you wouldnt normally get to practice against opposition, you can work out the things you dont have confidence in. basically playing soccer against different opposition is going to help. just dont develop bad habits.

[Bertico84]

Originally Posted by dienasty

this just shows ignorance of the love for the game in America.

What the hell are you talking about? I love the game, coming from a hispanic family and I play every weekend for like, 3 hours. I was just wondering what the general consensus was since whats mostly spoken about here is mostly collegiate or semi-pro stuff.

[smith07]

. just dont develop bad habits.[/QUOTE]

bad habits can be picked up against any oppenent that is slightly weaker the key is being mentally strong while playing

[Ringo]

of course they are. any time you have the ball at your feet is a good thing.
hell, even if all you're using it for is conditioning it's good.

[Ringo]

Originally Posted by dienasty

HAHAHAHA how do you think the superstars learned how play. sorry for laughing but this just shows ignorance of the love for the game in America.

it's not ignorance buttweed ... it's just some kid asking a question. stop being so full of yourself.

[servotron]

No kidding.

Pickup games are a fantastic way to gain skill and confidence. It's even more important if you and the people you are playing with try something new, like all-one-touch or you can only score with your head, or you can only score on a volley, etc etc. This is assuming there's no goalie, which there almost never is in a pickup game.

I'm going to play a weekly pickup game tonight, at a place I learned about here at BigSoccer (in Maplewood, MN at 6:00 PM if anyone's interested) . Tonight I'm going to try to convince the guys to play where you have to pass it in the air whenever possible, to work on trapping and touch skills.