Footballing Thoughts (in difficult times)

March 25th 2020

Football Thoughts is a little break in difficult times for us all currently. 

At TTi we are often asked our opinions and whilst we give them, we give the best advice from the neutral position which we are in. We are truly able to guide without bias and help on an individual basis.

I thought about how to connect with the parents and players as we navigate the uncharted territory in which The World currently stands. I have personally enjoyed the interactions from local clubs and those afar. Particularly I have appreciated the clubs in La Liga and Premier League. Their interaction with the supporters has been wonderful to see. At TTi we will not rush out to create a platform for interaction on social media or through online meeting platforms. We will however start to give a little more perspective from the staff at TTi.

Here are some pieces of the game I wished I would have worked on if I when I was younger and of course, if I had unlimited time(!).

Non-Dominant Foot

If you have both feet you solve half the games problems. Simple!

Use a wall – different distances, different angles, different surfaces and pace of pass for as long as you can stand! 

Timing on Aerial Balls (Headers & Volleys)

One of my finest memories in the game was a volley that rocketed into the net off the underside of the bar. But it troubles me to think just how many I sliced or chose to head (or vice versa) or just whiffed! I wonder how many I didn’t get to for assumption the defender would get there. Was I not brave enough to wrap my body midair to connect? Surely not!

Timing is everything.

Throw a tennis ball, clap in between, follow the flight of it. See the ball into your hands. Graduate to a football and see if you can control off of a wall.

Physiological Understanding

There are several buzz words that follow the game at the moment. ‘Periodization’ is one of them. It is generally aimed at the Physical. We have so many choices – Physiological, Psychological, Technical and Tactical. One could go as far as to throw in Social…..

Understanding why you ache and what to do is a piece I could have done with as a young player. I played through agony at times, that I shouldn’t have done. Truth, more like is that I was not hurt - I was injured. I did not understand the difference. I wish I could have been introduced to yoga and stretching earlier in life. Knowing when to push and when not too outside of the competitive realm (games) is really important.

Hard work doesn’t beat talent, talent come in all shapes and sizes! Talent is recognizing when to play and when to rest!

Yoga!

Nutrition

I wish I did not have a penchant for the unhealthy food and drinks! I picked it up after playing when I could ‘eat what I wanted’. I wish I had more guidance on eating healthy when I was younger. How to eat as a player is vital to success. Eating correctly is the most important part!

You are what you eat – maybe write it all down. It will help habits!

Academic Study

I have not appreciated my studies as much as I do now. Amazing that even now I draw from classes and licenses I have attended many years ago. Now more than ever I really enjoy learning, I had to really teach myself to love it. 

Be planned out, manage your time right. A great GPA, Test Scores and Personality will help you get into schools!