Soccer Styles

Managed to play soccer again. =) It seems so hard these days with busy schedules, fitness levels, and other excuses, and that's just for me, gotta multiply that by many more for other people in order to have a good game. Pretty cool that we've managed to get some sort of regularity going with our weekly games, and it's nice to see familiar faces (and playing styles) at the pitch.

Maybe because of this, I may be more willing to shell out for new boots, because the new Adidas Lethal Zones look so tempting, while my current (rather new pair, worn less than 20 times) is chafing my ankle a bit. I am playing fine and scoring well with them though, hence my reluctance to go out and change a winning formula (aside from the steep price of the LZ!).

I have found that adapting my playing style to the small game as well as my physical state (getting older!) takes some getting used to. Most of what i do on the pitch these days involve making space for myself in order to pass or shoot. This can be simply running into space and receiving the ball, at this point of time i usually stop running. This is the nature of the small game, it is really hard to run with the ball, and is far easier to run off the ball. By doing so, you are more balanced when you pass or shoot. There are people who are really skilled and can do so, but not me. LOL

If i'm static and/or marked out by a defender, then making space becomes trickier. The basic premise is to push the ball away from the defender. If push short, then i have to turn, run on to it and shoot. If push long, then it becomes a pass (provided someone receives it!). The skill involve usually is first timing the ball, as that first contact is all-important and sets up your next move. Erring on the side of caution leads to the ball really close to me, and i'd be static and either: i fall over the ball as it is stuck under me, or i'd have to trick my way out (unlikely), or i'd have to pass back (happens 80% of the time). Going strong on that first touch would usually lead the ball astray and i'd have to chase it down (and usually lose it unless defender is out of position and out of shape lol).

Interestingly enough, my goals yesterday were a good mix of cross-and-tap-in, placement shots, power shots, volleys, rebounds, and one-on-one dinks (i felt like Torres!). Being able to shoot with both feet is definitely an advantage. I even had a header but that was saved. LOL

Tidbits from the toddler

As she is picking up more phrases and increasing her vocabulary, we see more tidbits from our toddler daughter in our daily interactions.

We were having a meal and we thought she was done with dinner, so her Mama finished off her rice (Japanese rice! Yum!), and when she found out, she said "You ate my rice?!? I'm sad." and made a face. LOL

She has picked up the habit of saying "Yah" instead of "Yes", and she does so, I'd try to correct her and she'd dip her head and say (with a note of exasperation) "Yeeeeeees".