Soccer Viruses and Remedies
Unbeknown to the soccer population, VIRUSES have infected our soccer world for generations,
and I would like you to be aware of the damage it’s done to our great game. I would like you
to be on the alert of these strains of deadly viruses that attack every game with damaging results.
They are:
(1)DRIFTINITUS
This evil virus is at its invisible work throughout a game. Sadly too many coaches and even players
delight in vandalizing space at every opportunity. They have gone beyond the mere trashing of space
to blitzkrieging it any open area form of assault. However, help is on the way as a new serum has
been invented by the Chinese offshoot of the Huns & Cossacks that will give only temporary relief to
half time. Then it’s back to the mess again. How bad is it – the Wanderers of Bolton, once a top team,
was that bad that they started a game in Bolton & by half-time were on London’s outskirts, over 160 miles
away. That’s chronic Driftinitus, and as yet, there is no known cure. The whole team is in permanent isolation
at the foot of D3.
REMEDIES.
-Improving techniques, especially in the arts of passing & first touch skills. Add to these vital skills
the importance of making angles around every pass.
-By spreading out both lengthways and stretching the field as wide as possible when in possession.
-Speed of Play. Learning to play quickly and composed soccer -1 and -2 touch play and never letting the ball die.
(2) BALLWATCHINITUS
Or, “BALL WATCHING” is another phrase for losing. The more you study the ball, the game gets smaller and the ball larger.
Opposing players have field days sneaking behind such defenders who get hooked to find out where the ball was made.
The trouble is that terminal watching of the ball is like living in a tunnel with the game passing you by.
REMEDIES.
“GAME WATCHING” – Is very much about winning and thinking faster than your opponents. The more ‘game film’ you take
is like doing your soccer homework early. The result is like school homework, and you get an A+.
-Good players are constantly asking themselves, “IF THAT BALL COMES TO ME NOW, WHAT’S “ON?” Good Attacking players ask
themselves that question over 1000 times in each game. Great players like Johan Cruyff take over 7,000 game pictures per
match. Cruyff was always looking to see where his teammates were and what opportunities the opposition offered. Any weakness
or slack in defensive play was equivalent to a boxer dropping their guard and exposing their chin. He was always planning
and scheming. Any weakness or sloppy defensive play and trouble was on its way. He wanted to win the game, not study the ball.
–BODY SHAPE– as often as possible, players need to get these two things into view to see the bigger picture.
They are: SEE THE OPPOSING GOAL and SEE THE BALL in the same picture frame.
TOUCH & VISION: Good touch often earns you the privilege of playing with your head “up.” The vision of the field will open up a whole menu of ideas.
(3) GIFTINITUS
Generously turning the ball over to a waiting opponent.
Remedy.
-Scan, Plan, and Play.
If you suffer from any of these viruses, get into strict isolation and call me —
Doctor Ramsay @ The Soccer School (ramsaysoccer@yahoo.com)
