I haven't played soccer competively since high school, and that was indoor. Over the past few years I have fell in love with the game and would at least like to acquire some skills to play decently in pickup games or maybe a rec league. Keep in mind that I'm 33. I'm looking for any pointers, suggestions, advice that anyone may have. Thanks!
I'm a lot in the same situation... ...except a bit older. I had the good fortune to fall in with a great group that holds pick-up games at a local indoor arena. It's been a wonderful experience and I think it's mostly because of the people I'm playing with. The average age is at least 40. It's co-ed. We have a 70 year-old keeper! Every good pass gets cheered and although we play competitive, there's strict rules like no slide tackling. If someone falls down the game stops until we make sure they're OK. I'm certainly not very skilled but I try to make up for it by playing good defense. In short, I say go for it. Check out the local arenas. A number of local supporters groups have unorganized kick-arounds. Too bad you don't like in Denver--you'd be young blood. Certainly not a geezer.
I have a couple of points to give you.... juggle the ball all the time, when you start out you might suck but keep doing it. Ball control is the #1 thing you want to have in soccer... Then run everyday if it is hard to run a mile or 2 then start out doing short distances... Then pratice moves alot to try to do new things watch soccer on TV (ESPN 2, Fox Sports World always has games on), who better to learn from then the pros...And always make sure your having fun!!!!
---------------------------- Old Geezer at 33? I have underwear older then you boy Buy a ball, take it wherever you go. Never touch that ball with your hands, walk with it, run with it, juggle with it even while your watching TV, and do the same when you take a dump . As you move from room to room in your house take the ball with you. Try not to touch the furniture with the ball. Then when you can do that run through the house with the ball. Don't take the car for short distances anymore, walk or run those distances take the ball with you. The more touches you get the better you get. See some strangers playing somewhere join them and play. You meet new people doing that. Work on your shot off the dribble. Change speeds off your dribble, change directions off your dribble. Then work on moves to beat people, and one move to reverse your field position without help from a team mate. Off that reverse your field move work on a quick shot as soon as you reverse your field. Then keep doing those moves to your own those moves to you can just do them without thinking about them. Also keep playing the ball against a hand ball court wall. Do that for the rest of your life, you should become a player before you die. Have fun doing it. ------------------ Also in your final will leave 20 percent of your millions to the local soccer club/clubs. Also try to be buried at your local soccer field, so you don't have to miss any future games after you kick off. It is illegal some you have to have people you trust plant you in the middle of the night. That is what I have in my will. I left out the part about being of sound mind. I guess you can guess why by now, Good luck always keep that love of game. Richie
Like already said - run to get in shape and dribble and juggle by yourself to get ball control. You can combine the three.
Thanks for all the good responses. Not to sound too daft, but how exactly does one learn how to "juggle the ball"? Is it mostly trial and error and slogging through it and eventually it gets easier and easier?
Cool, I shall start tonight, after I stretch for two hours, apply linement to my joints and take my Geritol...
Always remember. Let the ball do the work for you. Stretch really well before and after matches and drink lots of beer.
Re: Re: Old Geezer getting started Beware, my son and I try not to do this while my wife is present. I remember much better that he, and he has the scars to prove it.
Yeah, let me second the importance of stretching. I started playing again last year after 12 years of not playing - and hurt my quad 5 minutes into my first game. I've started biking to my games, and that's solved the problem for me, but be sure to stretch a lot.
I played in 4-6 grades, coached my two sons for 15 years, and took up playing about 3 years ago at age 52. Watching soccer on TV helps some. Juggling: I recommend doing it mostly on the laces. It's better to wear your soccer shoes. I recommend not counting, just concentrating on keeping it going. Playing: If you're in condition it helps a lot because a lot of players aren't. If you're in condition and others aren't the bigger the field the better you look. I played last night in the rain, 4 on 3 mostly, and got eaten alive by a Croatian guy who is very good. That will happen if you don't have the touch. I learned a lot, though. That guy was tough even when we double-teamed him. The best defensive strategy against guys like that is to not let him get the ball.