Things you need to know...

Some simple basic rules:

·         A match is played in two 45 minute halves, by two teams of eleven players each. The game begins with the toss of a coin, and the winning captain decides which goal to defend or to take the first kick off.

·         All players must use their feet head or chest to play the ball. Only the goalkeeper is allowed to use their hands, and only within their designated goal area. The aim of the game is to score a goal, which is achieved by kicking or heading the ball into the opposition team's goal

·         If the ball touches or crosses the side line, it is thrown back in by the team that was not the last to touch the ball.

·         The game is controlled by a central referee, and two linesmen. They award free kicks and penalties when rules are broken. For continual breaking of rules or for a bad foul, the player may be sent off.

Common nutrition issues:

·         Soccer requires a combination of speed, agility along with strength. High carbohydrate levels are required for the high aerobic workload of training and competition. Low body fat levels are an advantage to assist with speed and agility. Hydration is also a concern for players given the game format doesn't allow for regular player changes, or on field drinks.

Physical Fitness:

·         Physical fitness is one of the most important aspects of soccer performance. A skillful player will go a long way in the sport, but without the fitness part of their game they will not be the complete player.

·         Aerobic endurance fitness is one of the most important physical fitness attributes for soccer players. Players need to be able to maintain a high level of intensity throughout the 90 minute game. Another very important fitness component is anaerobic fitness, which means running speed and particularly repeat sprint ability. Players also need good agility, strength, power and flexibility.  

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David Beckham

          Like I said before, there are many different teams and players that play professional soccer. For example, David Beckham; he is currently on the England team but he will be returning to the LA Galaxy team next month after he trains with the Spurs. Beckham has a guaranteed $6.5-million salary a year in his 5-year LA Galaxy contract. Did you know…David Beckham also has a blog that he updates everyday!

David Beckham:  “I hope I become a better player day after day. This is one of my goals. I want to improve in every situation, but when you are playing along with top figures, it is a quality bonus and a bigger effort. Besides, the Spanish Liga also gives you the chance to progress and improve.”

I chose this quote because it is inspirational. It tells you not to give up on yourself and not to quit. It tells you to give it your all and improve yourself everyday. Go up against the best and you’ll improve within time.

          David Beckham is one of the top soccer athletes I know other than Mia Hamm. Mia Hamm actually wrote a book on her daily routines and workout logs and her experience. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to finish the book because I lost it. But from what I read, she gave it her all and tried everyday. She put her heart and effort and hard work on the field twenty-four-seven.

          If everyone who is serious about soccer and wants to get better everyday, you have to commit. You have to put your heart out on the field and give your all twenty-four-seven. Soccer is an amazing sport and you’d be surprised on how fun you’d have when you step foot on that field. Because when you do, it’s a whole other ball game!

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A little scoop inside soocer...

There are a ton of different professional soccer players. Just like there are a ton of different professional soccer teams other than the United States team. The question is…does each player get paid the same amount of money? The answer is no! Each player as an individual gets paid differently all depending on how good they are. For example, Ronaldo gets paid around $7.6 million dollars a year while David Beckham gets paid around $10 million a year.

                Soccer is a physical sport. If you’re not in shape, you won’t play right. When you’re tired, the first thing to go is your touch. You’re never going to be perfect at anything and you’re always going to make mistakes. But the only mistake you can really make is if you mess up and just give up. If you make a mistake don’t dwell in it and fix it. For example, if you get juked, don’t stop and hang your head, get back and fight for the ball…don’t leave your team hanging.

                Briana Scurry is one of the many different professional soccer players. She was the goalie for the Women’s U.S soccer team.  One of her famous quotes is...” A champion is someone who does not settle for that day's practice, that day's competition, that day's performance. They are always striving to be better. They don't live in the past.”(http://www.inspirational-quotes-and-quotations.com/famous-soccer-quotes.html) I think what she's trying to say is that if you want to be the best, you can't settle for good, you have to keep trying and pushing yourself everyday.

Heart of a ChampionBy Rodsflickr☆  Favorite

Soccer!

            Welcome to my page! One of my favorite hobbies to do is play soccer. To me, soccer is fun and it’s a good way to stay in shape. I play soccer basically every day of my life! I’ve been playing soccer ever since I was four or five years old. Right now, I am currently on a U18 girl’s team in Satellite Beach. I also play for the Space Coast Jr. /Sr. High School’s Varsity team. What you need to know about soccer is that it’s not all about running around and kicking a ball. You need to be in shape; for example, you need to have agility, speed, and good ball skills. All of that takes practice. Soccer is something you should want to do not be forced to do because if you don’t really want to play than it’s just a waste of time and effort. To me, soccer games are my favorite part.

            There are plenty of advantages of playing soccer. One is you stay in shape. Two is you can get a scholarship to go to college and play. Three is you can go pro and get paid a lot of money! Four is you can just have fun and play with your friends. And five is you can get your anger out by playing physical but in a legal way.

            What got me into soccer was my brother. He was the first one to play in my family and my sister and I followed him. My dad has been my coach my whole life except for when I played for Merrit Island and Satellite girls. I played on his boy’s soccer team for two or three years before I went back to an all girls team. Soccer is what I plan on doing for the rest of my life. I do not plan on going pro but I do plan on playing on an adult league on my free time.

            Soccer was officially separated from rugby during the second part of the 19^th century. Soccer is famous worldwide but mainly in England.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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