As a high school soccer player, I prided myself on my physical presence
on the field. I saw it as my duty to protect my teammates from
aggressive opponents. When I noticed a bully-type player pushing our
team around, I made it my mission to neutralize that threat. My approach
was simple: match their physicality and show them we wouldn't be
intimidated.
This strategy proved effective. By standing up to these aggressive
players, we sent a clear message that their behavior wouldn't be
tolerated. It's worth noting that despite my physical style of play, I
managed to avoid serious disciplinary action. I never received a red
card, though I did accumulate a few yellows over the years.
Interestingly, despite my aggressive play style, I emerged from my high
school career unscathed. The real irony came years later when I tore my
ACL in a non-contact incident, simply by planting my foot awkwardly.
I believe my success with this approach was partly due to my size.
Having some mass allowed me to hold my ground against most opponents.
However, I recognize this strategy might not work for everyone. My son,
for instance, is smaller in stature. For players like him, a different
approach might be more effective. Smaller, agile players often excel by
using their low center of gravity to absorb contact and maintain
possession, essentially "bouncing off" larger opponents while keeping
control of the ball.
In soccer, as in life, it's crucial to adapt your strategy to your
strengths. While standing up to bullies worked for me, the key is
finding a method that allows you to compete effectively and safely
within the rules of the game. Do you tell your player not to get pushed
around?
on the field. I saw it as my duty to protect my teammates from
aggressive opponents. When I noticed a bully-type player pushing our
team around, I made it my mission to neutralize that threat. My approach
was simple: match their physicality and show them we wouldn't be
intimidated.
This strategy proved effective. By standing up to these aggressive
players, we sent a clear message that their behavior wouldn't be
tolerated. It's worth noting that despite my physical style of play, I
managed to avoid serious disciplinary action. I never received a red
card, though I did accumulate a few yellows over the years.
Interestingly, despite my aggressive play style, I emerged from my high
school career unscathed. The real irony came years later when I tore my
ACL in a non-contact incident, simply by planting my foot awkwardly.
I believe my success with this approach was partly due to my size.
Having some mass allowed me to hold my ground against most opponents.
However, I recognize this strategy might not work for everyone. My son,
for instance, is smaller in stature. For players like him, a different
approach might be more effective. Smaller, agile players often excel by
using their low center of gravity to absorb contact and maintain
possession, essentially "bouncing off" larger opponents while keeping
control of the ball.
In soccer, as in life, it's crucial to adapt your strategy to your
strengths. While standing up to bullies worked for me, the key is
finding a method that allows you to compete effectively and safely
within the rules of the game. Do you tell your player not to get pushed
around?
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