Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

Anything- players, teams, controversies, strategy, moves, tricks etc. Anything, but MLS.

And yes, I know it's actually "football."

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

Why does soccer suck so much?

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

[ QUOTE ]
Why do we suck at soccer
so much?

[/ QUOTE ]

FYP.

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

Worst FYP ever.

Soccer blows.

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

why do italians and south americans where their soccer socks low instead of up to their knee?

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

[ QUOTE ]
Why does soccer suck so much?

[/ QUOTE ]

Ha. Knew that was coming. Football is a beautiful sport. There is a reason it is the most popular game of the world. It's exciting, energizing, and emotionally compelling (watching and playing.) Skill trumps speed and strength (not in college soccer though).

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

Why does nobody ever want to play in defence?

I played in defence tonight as i always do and it's awesome fun.

Also, Jose Mouriniho (sp?) - love him or hate him?

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

[ QUOTE ]
Why does soccer suck so much?

[/ QUOTE ]
By-Tor, I don't understand how you got your custom title when you are asking honest, red-blooded American questions like this one.

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

[ QUOTE ]
There is a reason it is the most popular game of the world.

[/ QUOTE ]

yes, but it's only partially b/c of these reasons

[ QUOTE ]
It's exciting, energizing, and emotionally compelling (watching and playing.) Skill trumps speed and strength (not in college soccer though).

[/ QUOTE ]

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

Why do you think you are qualified to run this thread?

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

[ QUOTE ]
Why do we suck at soccer
so much?

[/ QUOTE ]

Partly because of the way soccer is coached here at the grassroots- as a "play-based" game, much like basketball. This stunts vision and the free-flowing play that we see in South America and Europe. Primacy is given to speed and stregth- the US players are some of the fittest in the game.

Also, soccer here is institutionally weak.

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

Isnt Liverpool the best team to support in the entire world?

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

[ QUOTE ]
why do italians and south americans where their soccer socks low instead of up to their knee?

[/ QUOTE ]

Hmm... I'm not sure what you mean. In professional soccer the Italians and South Americans definitely wear their socks high. Socks are worn high when you wanna wear shin-guards.

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Why do we suck at soccer
so much?

[/ QUOTE ]

Partly because of the way soccer is coached here at the grassroots- as a "play-based" game, much like basketball. This stunts vision and the free-flowing play that we see in South America and Europe. Primacy is given to speed and stregth- the US players are some of the fittest in the game.

Also, soccer here is institutionally weak.

[/ QUOTE ]

Kids soccer coaches here are a joke. They don't know the rules, have no clue about strategy, and don't know how to teach and encourage the youths. I thought I was gonna have to throw down with my 6 yo son's coach this weekend when he got all pissy after I called him out on one of his misdeeds.

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

best way to develop soccer talent is to simply let the kids play. no coaching. no drills. small fields. focus on fun.

when they reach adolescence, say 10 thru 13, its time to focus heavily on ball skills and core movements.

by high school tactics and tactical speed should be incorporated.

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

[ QUOTE ]
best way to develop soccer talent is to simply let the kids play. no coaching. no drills. small fields. focus on fun.

when they reach adolescence, say 10 thru 13, its time to focus heavily on ball skills and core movements.

by high school tactics and tactical speed should be incorporated.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is generally the brazilian approach is it not?

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

jaffa, im not sure but its just the approach that makes the most sense to me after playing for 20 yrs.

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

ankle do you play soccer? what is your relation to soccer and your history with it

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

[ QUOTE ]
Why does nobody ever want to play in defence?

I played in defence tonight as i always do and it's awesome fun.

Also, Jose Mouriniho (sp?) - love him or hate him?

[/ QUOTE ]

Mostly glory- people wanna score goals, make plays and beat defenders. Most people who like playing D are fast and aggresive.

As for Mourinho, he's a master tactician and good motivator. I think he's a slag heap though, after his stunts with Barca.

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

[ QUOTE ]
There is a reason it is the most popular game of the world.

[/ QUOTE ]

Because most people are poor.

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

Worst injury you've ever seen?

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

what makes you an authority on soccer?

are you from the US? if so, what ODP and club teams did you play for growing up?

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

[ QUOTE ]
Why do you think you are qualified to run this thread?

[/ QUOTE ]

Good question. I've played soccer for around 15 years, watched it since I was a kid. I've written about it, and continue to play. I'm also involved with soccer freestyle stuff. I've been on club teams, and captained a few.

While I don't have professional credentials, there are a handful of things I'm knowledeable, and soccer is at the top of that list.

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

[ QUOTE ]
Isnt Liverpool the best team to support in the entire world?

[/ QUOTE ]

They're a good team- individual talent and cohesiveness. What I like most about them is that they aren't overrates. Sweet champions league run.

Still, not my favourite team, or even in my top 5.

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

[ QUOTE ]
best way to develop soccer talent is to simply let the kids play. no coaching. no drills. small fields. focus on fun.


[/ QUOTE ]

Mostly true. I feel a few fundamentals should be taught (instep shooting, and a few 1-v-1 moves so as not to encourage bad habits).

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

[ QUOTE ]
ankle do you play soccer? what is your relation to soccer and your history with it

[/ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]
what makes you an authority on soccer?

[/ QUOTE ]

See above. I've also coached a bit. Mostly, I just love honing my balls skills and tricks (yeah, easy jokes here) as well as watching and analyzing European soccer.

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

Do Watford stand any chance in staying up this season?

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

Which club team did you play for? Were you a benchwarmer?

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

[ QUOTE ]
Worst injury you've ever seen?

[/ QUOTE ]

Personally seen a bunch of ankles break, knees give way and faces get smacked.

This vid has some bad ones. Check out 1:38 I think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdF2d1otghA

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

who do you support?

why cant west ham win since tevez and mascherano came on board? [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

[ QUOTE ]
Why does soccer suck so much?

[/ QUOTE ]

I read this quote once and agreed with it.

""The thing I love about professional soccer is the contrast of the play. A big part of it is the chess-like nature of the game (you can call it boring) broken up by some unbelievably athletic bang-bang-bang goals. And near misses. And great saves. For me, it's baseball meets football in terms of play. It's like watching a pitchers' duel when all of a sudden Elway is on the field dodging a blitzing safety and then throwing downfield 50 yards for a TD. And maybe it's that contrast that does it for me. It's that tension of when is that next unbelievable goal going to happen. … I love the World Cup. Where else do Switzerland and Togo get together?"

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

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Do Watford stand any chance in staying up this season?

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Yes, albeit a small chance. There isn't much quality at the bottom of the league.

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

[ QUOTE ]
Which club team did you play for? Were you a benchwarmer?

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I was a benchwarmer until freshman year high school. I got a lot better after that. Played for some small club teams outside the U.S.

[ QUOTE ]
who do you support?

why cant west ham win since tevez and mascherano came on board? [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

EPL- Arsenal and Newcastle
Spanish league- Barca
Also, any team that Zlatan plays for.

As for West Ham, I'm not sure. Maybe they don't add to the team chemistry. Also, it doesn't help when the Argeninian coach publicly claims that Tevez and Mascherano won't be successful at West Ham and must quit. My prediction is a better run for them for the rest of the season.

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

Were you recruited by any colleges?
Did you play club soccer within the US, and if so, what club and year?

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

Of all the sports Ive played soccer is by far the best and hardest. I have no desire to try and explain/debate soccer to someone who just always says "soccer sucks". Its a shame people in this country cant understand and enjoy soccer.
As far as defense goes, I have always been a defensive player and loved it.

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

breaker,

What team is currently ranked #1 in the fifa world club rankings?

How did that UEFA Supercup final go?

Which league do you consider better the premiership or la liga?

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

Would you mind giving your honest opinon on current rules on penalty kicks?

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

Good topic...

I played in the 2004 NCAA Final 4, my college team was ranked #2 in the country the entire year last year until an early exit with 1:30 left in the sweet 16.

I've won 3 youth state championships, my club team was ranked #1 in the country for 2 years and top 5 for 4 or so years after that.

I have also trained at Charlton in England, and Glasgow Uni in Scotland.

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

im a typical "just watch the world cup" US soccer fan. every time i've seen landon donovan he's been absolutely horrible. is this sample size, or do i not know what to look for in a soccer player?

is goalie the most important position?

Re: Ask Anklebreaker about soccer
 

dp, how old are you? who did you play for in college?