Game-Day Jitters (8 page)
Ben looked around the field. The sun had finally broken through the clouds, and the air had warmed nicely. It would be a great afternoon for a run or a football game or basketball.
“Can you come out this afternoon?” Ben asked.
“Sure thing. Let’s get some other kids. Have some kind of basketball tournament or something.”
“Good deal. You’d better be ready to run.”
“I’m always ready for that,” Loop said with
a big smile. He picked up the soccer ball and started walking toward the goal. “Maybe we can replay that penalty kick. Let me get even.”
Ben laughed. “No way. Like you said, you have to make the most of your chances when you get them. No do-overs.”
“All right,” Loop said. “But watch out in basketball. I’ve got some good moves.”
“Thought we were going to be on the same team?”
“You never know. Either way. On to the next sport. And then the one after that.”
Ben looked back at the soccer field as they left the park. His first real sports season was behind him now. Second place in the league was a pretty good start. He could accept that. He could be proud of it.
Especially since there were so many sports seasons ahead.
EN’S
T
OP
T
EN
T
IPS FOR
S
OCCER
P
LAYERS
•
Always warm up before a game or practice. Try some jogging and jumping jacks.
•
Keep the ball close to your feet when you dribble. Don’t just kick it and chase it.
•
Pass the ball. It’s the best way to move it. After you pass, move to an open space so the ball can be passed back to you.
•
Sometimes the most effective pass will go backward.
•
Be a supportive teammate. Say positive things and encourage everyone to work hard.
•
If you usually kick the ball with your right foot, try using your left. You’ll be harder to stop if you can use both feet.
•
Talk to your teammates on the field, letting them know when you’re open. Call “Trailing” or “Support” if you’re coming up from behind, for example.
•
Pass to a player who has space to work with, not one who is tightly guarded by an opponent.
•
Keep control of your emotions. Getting angry or frustrated won’t help you play better.
•
The most important rule: Have fun!
RICH WALLACE
is the acclaimed author of many books for young readers, including
Sports Camp; Perpetual Check; Wrestling Sturbridge
, an ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults;
Shots on Goal
, a
Booklist
Top 10 Youth Sports Book; and the Winning Season series. He coached soccer for several years, beginning when his older son joined a team in kindergarten.
Rich Wallace lives in New Hampshire with his wife, author Sandra Neil Wallace. You can visit him on the Web at
richwallacebooks.com
.
