Are there any personal trainers for football out there?

[Tim]

Random question but figured I might ask anyway (apologies but didn’t think it necessary to start a new strand). At the ripe old age of 47 I’ve started playing competitive soccer and am looking to find someone who wants to earn a few dollars and is capable of teaching me a few things (proper kicking technique etc). Does anyone here know of any suitably qualified persons for such a role? Any help would be appreciated, cheers, Tim

 

[Ozhammer]

Would someone within your club not be prepared to provide you with some one on one coaching Tim? That is what we typically would do at my club for someone in your position.

Btw, props to you for giving it a go.

 

[Tim]

Would someone within your club not be prepared to provide you with some one on one coaching Tim? That is what we typically would do at my club for someone in your position.

Btw, props to you for giving it a go.

They probably would Ozhammer, but I wouldn’t mind some one on one training where I’m a paying customer so can get what I think I need (ideally from someone decently qualified to assist).

Thanks, it’s been and challenging so far...

 

[Allreet?]

My only advice Tim is be prepared to be patient.

I've known a few chaps take up the game in their 40s and of those, only one became what you might call a useful footballer, and it took him at least five years. (He was naturally fast and strong also.)

That's not to discourage you - just to let you know that it will take a while. It's also not to say you can't have a lot of fun in the process playing the best game there is. If you do want to make yourself useful as quickly as possible - concentrate on learning to trap and pass. Once you master that you can learn about team shape, marking and moving into space at the right time.

But it starts with trapping and passing.

 

[Allreet?]

Something I always advise new players to do also...

Get a tennis ball and put it in a stocking, then walk around your house, or in the yard, kicking the ball gently - gradually learning to control it - left foot, right foot. By the time it feels natural your technique with a football will have improved out of sight.

 

[midfielder]

Tim

In Football there are only two things to learn... and both are different....

They are Touch & Shape

Touch is that technical skill I think you are wanting, i.e. how to kick a ball, how to trap a ball... what you need to learn at its very basic is how to pass a ball in the direction you want, second how to both control and shield a ball passed to you, learn over a ball when you pass it, lean back if you want to lift a ball off the ground..... the secret as I am sure you will find out is endless practice of maybe at the start no more than four or five things.

Shape, is knowing were to go on the field and understanding were the other side is likely to go... different positions require different things.... this can also be learnt watching teams play .... its easier to learn than the technical side and arguably its more important in many ways... you will hear lots of terms, like "goal side", "hold em" "man on", "push up", "drop back" etc.... shape also changes constantly during the game depending on what part of the field you are on...

Shape also changes depending on what system you play so things you have more than likely heard like 4 4 2, ...4 2 3 1... 3 3 3 1 etc these are all formations.... and each position in these systems requires different positioning ...

Ask your team for guidance on shape, most are only to happy to advise... also if you wanta have a chat about shape at the next Mariners home game PM me and I can have a chat with you and point out what the Mariners are doing and once you start to understand shape your appreciation of Football will grow.

Back to the technical side of things its not a bad idea to get some advise on the basics as you plan... just practice practice practice practice... a brick wall and a ball is often good to practice on...

 

[Tim]

Thanks for your thoughts guys, much appreciated.

 

[adz]

I've moved this convo to a new thread for better visibility - hope you find someone @Tim

 

[Big Al]

Random question but figured I might ask anyway (apologies but didn’t think it necessary to start a new strand). At the ripe old age of 47 I’ve started playing competitive soccer and am looking to find someone who wants to earn a few dollars and is capable of teaching me a few things (proper kicking technique etc). Does anyone here know of any suitably qualified persons for such a role? Any help would be appreciated, cheers, Tim

Tim what is your level of play.

Are you a total beginner running around in an old age comp where you’re team mates get the shits you can’t kick it within 5mtr of them and can’t trap a ball and would like help with the basics

or are half decent and want to learn techniques like bending a ball or trapping a long ball etc.

I think people have assumed you are a beginner and nothing wrong with that just might help so we can give drills etc.

 

[Tim]

Thanks, Big Al. I’m not a total beginner but definitely at the “gun end” of my competitive playing. I think I just need a bit of time with someone who is patient and technically astute so I can learn the basics a little better. I’m a big fan of trying to learn the right way from the start, if possible. I appreciate the responses and will take them onboard and keep an eye out for some help, cheers

 

[Big Al]

Thanks, Big Al. I’m not a total beginner but definitely at the “gun end” of my competitive playing. I think I just need a bit of time with someone who is patient and technically astute so I can learn the basics a little better. I’m a big fan of trying to learn the right way from the start, if possible. I appreciate the responses and will take them onboard and keep an eye out for some help, cheers

@Wombat can help with kicking the opposition. There is an art to it let me tell you and it’s just as valuable to the team.

Like anything practice is the key. Repetition and practice and use the instep of the foot on the ball and studs on the opponent’s legs

 

[priorpeter]

studs on the opponent’s legs

This is the most important lesson. Whatever you do, always keep this in mind.

 

[turbo]

If you do want to make yourself useful as quickly as possible - concentrate on learning to trap and pass.

This is definitely a great starting point. Throw in some tackling practice and you'll be useful in a few places around the pitch. Build up from there.

They probably would Ozhammer, but I wouldn’t mind some one on one training where I’m a paying customer so can get what I think I need (ideally from someone decently qualified to assist).

Your club is still a good place to start, likely a coach working through their certs that might take on a project. Why not offer some cash - a bit to the coach and a bit to the club. Everyone wins then.

 

[FFC Mariner]

This is the most important lesson. Whatever you do, always keep this in mind.

Coat hangering players is also a good skill to learn

 

[marinermick]

Coat hangering players is also a good skill to learn

Or taking out opposition goalkeepers

 

[FFC Mariner]

Or taking out opposition goalkeepers

That was an accident

 

[marinermick]

That was an accident

Yes it was. Two weeks in a row.

 

[priorpeter]

Or taking out opposition goalkeepers

Jeez I miss west gosford indoor

 

[booney]

Trapping,passing,heading and tackling are all necessary skills to learn and practise.Also practise running backwards so you know where the ball and oppostion players are all times.

 

[Wombat]

@Wombat can help with kicking the opposition. There is an art to it let me tell you and it’s just as valuable to the team.

Like anything practice is the key. Repetition and practice and use the instep of the foot on the ball and studs on the opponent’s legs

Dont knock the dark arts Big Al. Alot of it is subtle stuff, like using your chest and not you arms. The elbow is a key weapon and simply bracing your body at the right time. I tried to teach it to a Kung fu blackbelt (who was also a tireless centre mid) but when he tried he would always overdo it and give away a free kick.
Even a simple block tackle (you will always win if your body weight is over the ball) can set the tone early for an easy afternoon. My style of tackling was Alou Koul style sliding....which you can't get away with those these days. Also a bit of sledging, can be useful....not rude or stupid.....but good to involve the opposing fans...something like....can you send on another winger, this one is too easy.