Monday, August 8, 2011

Just for kicks

Soccer season is once again upon us. This year, AJ has graduated to the U-8 level, which means he's now learning to do more than simply run around in a pack chasing a soccer ball. He's actually learning some skills. Thus the intense look of concentration on his face.


At Sunday's practice, the team focused on ways to kick the ball other than with their toes. They used the top and inside of their foot for a few drills. It got really entertaining when the coach tried showing them how to "flick" the ball with the outside of their foot.


Talk about a test of their coordination and balance! Bless the coach for his patience and sense of humor.




Next up, stopping the ball and then kicking it backward.



I asked AJ if he remembered what the various kicks were called. Um, uh, uh, no. He remembered he was supposed to dribble the ball forward, and then pull the ball backwards and switch directions when the coach yelled "Pizza", but if he yelled "Apples", then he was supposed to leave his ball and move forward to the next ball. (Another entertaining drill to watch.)


Always good to know which parts of practice leave a lasting impression.

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