|
|
 |
Soccer is a simple game since players basically perform one of three actions:
Dribbling,
Passing, or
Shooting
The art of the game is in how and when the player chooses to perform any one of these skills. The purpose of using these skills, of course, is to advance the ball on the opponent's goal and score. Sounds simple enough, right? Well unfortunately it's so simple that the true objective is often ignored in everyone's haste to score. Phrases like "boot it," "get going," and "run faster, play faster" all lead to a jumbled mess without either team really having possession of the ball and control of the game. Yet one thing is for certain; without the ball you can not score!
It is true enough that young players make many errors in controlling the ball. In fact, the ball is often times a greater opponent for young players than even the opposing players. This is why the "boot it" style of play seems to work in the short term when observing the younger players in a game. However, the little ones grow very quickly and soon find themselves playing against skilled players that do not make many errors (certainly not enough to plan on them) and that spend all of their game time in search of possession of the ball. These skillful players would choose to either dribble, pass, or shoot the ball (whichever would be worse for you and your team) even before you have a chance to get near the ball. Therefore, an observant eye will tell you right away what skill level the teams are on.
Take a look at your young player's game. If your player kicks the ball away immediately forward so that the other team either touches the ball or kicks it back, then this is boot ball play. A soccer player wants to maintain possession of the ball and, if at all possible, never give the ball to the other team. Notice whether your player touches the ball and then successfully plays it to another one of his or her teammates, dribbles it behind the opponent without losing it or shoots on goal. These are the skills of a soccer player which lead to intelligent, creative, and entertaining soccer for everyone to watch and play.
As parents, you can help a great deal by reinforcing these ideas and working on them with your player at home. Encourage your child to practice these skills throughout the year. It will be well worth the effort when you see the player's skills advancing and probably even surpassing the skills of other players.
Soccer Slang
Words new soccer parents need to know
by Buzz McClain
Header: To hit the ball with the head.
Worm burner: A fast, powerfully kicked ball that barely clears the top of the grass blades.
Breakaway: When an attacker has the ball with nothing but green acreage between him/her and the goalie.
Marking: Covering a player so as to steal the ball when it is kicked to him/her.
Clearing kick: A defensive kick that puts the ball out of the defenders' half of the field.
Centering kick: A kick from the sides to the middle, so as to take a shot with the foot or the head at goal.
Off-the-ball: What happens away from where the ball is, i.e., moving into a position to take a pass.
Trapping: Stopping the ball with your foot. Also, catching an attacker off-sides.
Chip-pass: A swift, usually short pass that goes over a defender's head.
Dribbling: What most parents do with their drinks when their kids get near the goal with the ball. No, really: Running downfield with the ball at your feet.
Linesman: The assistant referee with the flag who tells the referee when the ball is out of play or when an attacker is off-sides.
Referee: The sole judge of fact, law and time. Don't argue with the refs, because they cannot reverse their decisions.
101 Ways to Praise a Child
Wow
Way to go
Super
You're special
Outstanding
Excellent
Great
Good
Neat
Well Done
Remarkable
I knew you could do it
I'm proud of you
Fantastic
Super Star
Nice work
Looking good
You're on top of it
Beautiful
Now you're flying
You're catching on
Now you've got it
You're incredible
Brave
You're fantastic
Hurray for you
You're on target
You're on your way
How nice
How smart
Good job
That's incredible
Hot dog
Dynamite
You're beautiful
You're unique
Nothing can stop you now
Good for you
I like you
You're a winner
You're spectacular
Remarkable job
Beautiful work
Spectacular
You're darling
You're precious
Great discovery
You figured it out
Magnificent
You've discovered the secret
Fantastic job
Terrific
Hip, Hip Hooray
Marvelous
You're important
Bingo
Phenomenal
Super Job
Super work
Creative job
You're sensational
Exceptional performance
You are exciting
You're a real trooper
You are responsible
You learned it right
What an imagination
What a good listener
You are fun
You're growing up
You tried hard
You care
Beautiful sharing
Outstanding performance
You're a good friend
I trust you
You're important
You mean alot to me
You make me happy
You belong
You've got a friend
You make me laugh
You brighten my day
I respect you
You mean the world to me
Thats correct
A+ job
You're a joy
You're a treasure
You're wonderful
You're perfect
Awesome
You're A-OK
My buddy
You made my day
Thats the best
A big hug
A big kiss
Say I love you
P.S. Remember a smile is worth a thousand words!
| |
|
