Shooting Techniques

There are many ways to strike a soccer ball. And with the way modern day soccer balls are made, there is much a shooter can do. Choosing the correct way to strike the ball in the right situation could result in scoring a goal. I'll discuss the two most common types of shots and the most basic way to perform them so that you can adjust them to be your own.

Power Shot
The easiest way to hit a powerful shot is to hit it with your laces. Point your toe and strike through the ball. Be sure to keep your knee directly over the ball so you do not strike it into the ground sail it deep over the crossbar. Once you are satisfied with technique and how much strength you want to put behind it, you can start to mes around with different variations. One of my personal favorites is striking the ball dead in the middle so that the ball does not spin at all, resulting a knuckle motion. This will help when shooting from further out, as the goalie will have trouble following the ball on it's way to the net.

Finesse Shot
When shooting for accuracy, put some spin on the ball to help you hit your spot. To do so, you want to strike the ball with the inside of your foot by turning your ankle outward. By doing this, you will generate spin on the ball and it will curve. It will take practice, but you'll get a hold of it. Now if you really want some whip (serious curve in your shot), you'll have to put some power behind it as well. Just some spin on the ball is not enough. You have to get the ball make an egg shape along with the spin in order to get a lot of hook.

Choosing which shot to use in certain moments can set you apart from other players. Everyone likes to score goals and spectators like to see them. So use your shooting skills to your advantage.

Turf vs. Grass

In professional soccer, you always play on grass. When you watch on TV, you can see it's always perfectly cut, patterned grass pitches that look fake almost. However, aside from the pros, nobody else gets that treatment. In youth soccer in particular, the surface can play a huge part in the game. Here's the breakdown of the differences in playing soccer on turf vs. grass.

Artificial turf is usually preferred by young players who are starting to play at a higher level. You don't have to worry about bumps in the surface messing up passes and traps. That being said, there are different types of artificial turf. AstroTurf is not great for soccer because it's basically carpet. It's alright for indoor soccer, but not full field. The preferred type of turf is grassy turf. Per it's name, it's made to feel like real grass. It sticks up like grass and it doesn't grow, so it's always at the right length.

Grass is what most players will play on growing up since, well, there is grass everywhere. Grass is not always maintained well though. If you're not playing on short, thick grass, you're going to have problems. When you get to a higher level  of play, it can really effect how the game is played. You end up playing very sloppy soccer because you can't string passes together. However, grass is still preferred by most players, as long as it is nice grass. I have always liked nice grass because it plays like turf, minus all of the heat, plastic and rubber pellets that get everywhere (including in your eyes).

Dynamic Fit vs. Traditional Fit Cleats

In the new era of soccer cleats, there are so many new technologies in play. Anything from the weight, to the materials used, to shape, they're all very different now. The most noticeable change is the dynamic fit cleats that have a sock like attachment or collar. Nike was the first to release one with Adidas and Puma quickly following.

The dynamic fit cleats look almost like high-top soccer cleats, which is a weird concept. Initially, everyone thought they for added stability in the ankle, but that's not how they feel. No matter which one's you have (Nike, Adidas or Puma) they all have a similar feel. It basically feels like you took a thick sock and added laces on top and a stud plate on the bottom. Most, but not all, dynamic fit cleats are a very soft sock like material throughout the upper of the shoe. It does not make for more support, but rather it gives you a very natural, barefoot feel (or just wearing a sock feel).

Traditional cleats have utilized new technology as well. The Puma's shown above use a very thin, synthetic, one-piece material to make the lightest cleat on the market. The biggest difference between the traditional and dynamic fit style of cleats is really how it feels on the individual. I have worn both and they feel very different. I prefer the traditional fit because I have odd shaped feet and the lower cat feels more comfortable. I would recommend, as always, trying these different styles on before deciding which you prefer.

Bruce Arena Hired as USMNT Coach

Last week, the United States Men's National Team made the decision to fire head coach Jurgen Klinsmann and re-hire former USMNT head coach, Bruce Arena. All of this comes after a poor showing in the past couple of World Cup qualifiers for the USMNT. Many were upset after the team's 4-0 loss to Costa Rica and it seemed change was inevitable.

Bruce Arena coached the USMNT from 1998-2006 and has taken the team further in the World Cup than any other coach in U.S. soccer history (quarterfinals). He has also coached at various NCAA Division 1 schools, D.C. United, New York Redbulls and most recently the L.A. Galaxy.

There are not many reports yet on what the future holds for Jurgen Klinsmann. I personally think he may end up back in the Bundesliga coaching. He ended his USMNT coaching career with a record of 55-16-27.

USMNT vs. Mexico: What does this loss mean for the USMNT?

On Friday night, the United States Men's National Team took on Mexico in a critical World Cup Qualifying match. Unfortunately for United States fans, it ended in despair. Mexico won by a score of 2-1 off of a late goal from a corner kick. So what does this mean for the USMNT going forward? In my opinion, a lack of confidence that will need to be fixed by next Summer.

When the USA plays Mexico in soccer, it's like our version of El Classico (Barcelona vs. Real Madrid). It's one of the biggest soccer events in the United States when it takes place, especially when it's on U.S. soil. Although the score line was close, I did not feel confident that the USMNT would be victorious. In their World Cup qualifiers leading up to this, they were winning, but not playing playing well in my opinion. Even when playing teams like St. Vincent and the Grenadines, we still had trouble controlling the game and putting balls in the back of the net. That simply won't fly against Mexico and definitely won't fly at the World Cup next Summer.

The team will need to figure something out in the next couple of months to make sure they prepare themselves for the World Cup. Whether that means Klinsman sticks with one lineup and stops changing out parts all the time or a veteran of the team such as Michael Bradley can rally the guys together, they need to improve...quickly.

New vs. Old Style of Cleats

Cleats have changed a lot in the past 10 years. Although it may not seem like it if we still have a couple old pairs laying around that we still like to wear, but it's true. The two pairs above (Adidas X 16 Purechaos and Adidas Predator Absolute) were released 10 years apart. Both had new technology on them when they came out, but very different technology.

The X 16 (top photo) was Adidas's first step into the Techfit collar which does indeed look a bit goofy compared to traditional cleats. The Predators (bottom photo) had a special compartment in the insole for sand that would shift with your foot. Two completely different technologies, both innovative nonetheless. So what are the biggest difference across the board between new cleats and old cleats?

There are two big ones in my opinion: weight and material, which go hand in hand. Older cleats were usually made of leather. Back in the day (I say that like I'm old for some reason) it was all about kangaroo leather. A lot of players still prefer it, but most younger players do not. Younger players are obsessed with speed. That is why newer cleats tend to be made out of lightweight, synthetic materials. There is no denying that the speed of the game has gone up, especially with players like Jamie Vardy and Neymar. Speed is everything  now and I think that is what has caused the most change. What do you think?

Review: Adidas Ace 16.1 Primeknit FG

The Adidas Ace 16.1 Primeknit have one standout feature: the techfit collar. However, that is not the highlight of the shoe for me. The highlight is Adidas's Primeknit material. That being said, I will still give my opinion on both features.

The techfit collar is Adidas's response to Nike's dynamic fit collar. Now there are differences if you thought they are the same. Nike's comes up a little higher on the ankle and does lend an "extra layer" feeling. Adidas's sits a little lower on the ankle and practically feels like nothing. I kind of like it because it helps keep a secure fit without intruding on your touch (on the ball). All in all though, the shoe would be just as great without it because the Primeknit material is the key.

Adidas's Primeknit upper feels almost like a mesh material that's holes was filled in with a jelly, water resistant material. I know, that's a weird description, but that's my honest reaction. It is very soft, but still thin so you do not get that "too much cushion" feel on the ball. That being said, it does offer enough thickness to protect you foot. Having the Primeknit material as a shell around the inner "sock" that makes up the techfit collar makes for a really nice, soft shoe.

Overall, it's a pretty innovative shoe. I like that Adidas responded to Nike by creating the techfit collar and I honestly like it better. With a lightweight Adidas Sprintframe slapped on the bottom, it' a really nice soccer cleat.

Top 3 USMNT Jereys

This is a list of my top 3 favorite United States Men's National Team Jerseys in the past ten years or so.

3. 2010 Away White Jersey

This jersey was worn in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The USMNT made a nice run that year gave hope that the U.S. would become a top nation in soccer. As for how this jersey looks, it is very sleek. I was always a fan of all white uniforms, so this is definitely one of my favorites. The blue (home) version of this jersey had the same color stripe across the front, which made all the players look like beauty pageant contestants. The white one, however, looked pretty cool I think.

2. 2008 Home White Jersey

This jersey was not worn in a World Cup but is still one of my favorites. Perhaps one of  my favorite things about it is the fact that it looked different on TV than it did up close. On TV it looked like just a white jersey, if you looked close you could see the red stripes. Up close however, you get to see not only the red stripes but also the grey tint in every other thick stripe. It made it feel extra authentic to own one of these in my opinion.

1. 2004 Home White Jersey

This has always been my favorite jersey, regardless of whether it had a USMNT logo on it or not. Nike's Total 90 campaign was by far my favorite line of soccer equipment. The circle around the number gave the jersey identity. The circle let everyone know you were wearing Nike Soccer equipment, and was cool. This was when Nike began the evolution to modern soccer equipment.

Review: Puma Evospeed 1.4 sl

The Puma Evospeed 1.4 sl was the lightest cleat ever made when they came out and would still be the lightest if Puma hadn't kept messing around with how light cleats can get. Everything about this shoe is made for speed and nothing else.

The Upper
The upper material is basically the same material you rain jacket is made of...but thinner. As shown in the picture, you can pretty much see right through it. It is a one-piece upper without a single stitch mark. Put simply, it's like playing barefoot (or as close to that as you can get). Some player like a barefoot feel on the ball and the Puma Evospeed 1.4 sl offer just that. And when I say "just that," I literally mean the shoe does absolutely nothing else. It was built for pure speed.

The Sole
The stud plate (also a super light, thin, plastic material) has a cool looking stud on the inside of the heel. It's rounded for easier pivoting. To me, this doesn't seem to serve much of a purpose. I can't remember a time when I ever pivoted with my heel planted in the ground. Pivoting is more of a toe thing; and even if you pivot on your heel, the rest of the studs are in the ground as well, preventing you from pivoting.

The Verdict
These cleats come with a little sticker on the bottom that explains how Puma made a shoe that would barely last one training session (the exact words are above; I paraphrased). The materials are so lightweight that they will rip almost immediately. The pair I had separated from the sole plate a mere 30 minutes into my first session wearing them. That being said, I knew that was the case going in. I bought them because they are somewhat of a novelty shoe. And that is exactly what they are. They're just kind of cool to have and wear every once in a while because they are so different. A better alternative would be to buy the leather version. They are not quite as light, but still one of the lightest cleats out there and will last longer if you maintain the leather.

Bob Bradley: Will Swansea See Success?

This month, Bob Bradley was announced as the new manager at Swansea City A.F.C. He is the first American couch in the English Premier league. Will he flip the club and have success or will he flop?

Bob Bradley's professional coaching career:
- Assistant Coach to Bruce Arena at D.C. United 1996-1998
- Head Coach at Chicago Fire 2000-2002
- Head Coach NY Metro Stars 2002-2006
- Head Coach Chivas U.S.A 2006 season
- Head Coach Men's United States National Team 2006-2011
- Head Coach Egypt Men's National Team 2011-2014
- Head Coach Strabaek Fotbal Club 2014-2015
- Head Coach Le Havre F.C. 2015-2016
- Head Coach Swansea City A.F.C. 2016- Present

Bob Bradley has quite an impressive coaching history, regardless of his record. That being said, I think the most important job he had was the USMNT Coach for two World Cups. Although the U.S. Men did't have the best results in those two tournaments, they still showed well and showed the rest of the world that U.S. soccer is on the up-rise. I credit Bob Bradley with a lot of the wins that team had during those years. With Bradley's experience at the international level, I think he will be able to bring some intensity and even some creativity to Swansea.

Review: Adidas Messi 15.1 FG Solar Slime

The Adidas Messi 15.1 FG Solar Slime is part of the second color pack released in the Messi 15 series. It has an interesting design with the Messi "M" symbol (sort of) on the top of the toe. However, if you are like me, it is not about how they look mainly, but more how they feel. So, let's get down to it.

The Messi 15.1 is a very different shoe in the heel than it is in the toe. In the picture, you can see the heel cage-like webbing device. The only purpose this really serves is keeping the shoe tightly on your foot when tied. The laces are strung through that system, so it really keeps your heel locked down. It is definitely one of the better features on the shoe. As you move through the mid-foot, the material changes to a softer synthetic, similar to a thin leather. It is very soft right out of the box and feels nice on the ball. The Messi logo on top is a little sticky. I'm not sure if it is that way for a purpose, but it doesn't seem to serve a purpose after wearing them.

The stud configuration is a little odd. The stud plate doesn't cover the entire bottom of the shoe as seen in the picture. It also uses triangular shaped studs instead of round. This doesn't really make a huge difference, to me at least. The whole bottom is stiffer than I expected, but I think that was also due in part to the heel cage.

Overall, it is an okay pair of cleats. They definitely do not feel like a high end pair of cleats, from both the materials and the way they feel. I do like, however, the soft upper material across the toe box. For me, it is the highlight of the shoe.

Pogba and Ibra: Why do you need both?

Two of the biggest signings recently have been Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba at Manchester United. One has made an outstanding impact and the other has been less than sufficient (for lack of a better term). I am not a United fan myself, however I am surrounded by them everyday because for some reason, everyone I know is a United fan. Being a soccer fan in general though, it is hard to look away when a team signs two of the biggest names in soccer.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of my personal favorite players. The Swedish national is know for show-stopping goals and an absolute cannon of a shot. Since signing with United, he has taken on the role of the goal-scorer. In fact, he scored in his first appearance with United.

Paul Pogba is also a "high-light reel" type player. The French national is only 23 years old and somehow has us all convinced he is worth more than any other player in the world. He signed with United for 100 million Euros. Let that sink in for a minute. 290k Euros per week. This is all great and everything...except for the fact that he has not produced for his club since singing. Some would say it was a bad signing on United's end. If you ask me, I think they just have too many superstars playing on one team, which can cause a power struggle as well as a chemistry issue.

Credit to Manchester United for flashing the big bucks and going out and getting some of the best players in the world, but it all means nothing if you do not win games. I am not saying this was a bad decision, or that Pogba is not a good player. I am simply raising the point that United may have gotten a little greedy with their signings and did not think about what could go wrong from a team perspective. Let's hear what all the United fans out there have to say, leave your comments below!

Review: Adidas Ace 16.1 Synthetic FG

The Adidas Ace 16.1 Synthetic is the baby brother to the new Primeknit generation of Adidas cleats. They basically took the techfit collar off and changed the upper to a synthetic, less soft material. I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a pair of these for an extremely low price, as they are definitely not my usual choice for cleats (based on material and colorway).

Upper
The upper, as I have mentioned, is a synthetic material. Adidas kept the web shape design as seen in the picture above. Honestly, it does not to much technology wise. The shoe is very stiff and rigid out of the box, but does loosen up over the first couple of training sessions. Adidas did add slots on the tongue that the laces go through all the way down the tongue. The Ace 15.1 model had problems with the tongue sliding to the side, so this is a nice addition and it actually does make a difference. The material on the upper has a very "unnatural synthetic" feel to it. Some players like that, especially because it is lighter. However, it feels very odd until you break them in well.

Fit
As I said before, they feel odd out of the box, but they do break in well. They will not mold to your foot as well as a leather cleat would, but comfortable nonetheless. They are definitely a more wide fitting shoe. The Ace 16.1 is still tight through the mid-foot, as it should be, but really opens up in the toe box. If you like cleats that will let you wiggle your toes, but not be too big size wise, these are for you. They fit almost like a running shoe which is actually very comfortable, especially by the time you get 80th or 85th minute of a game.

Overall, it is a pretty average cleat. If you like synthetic cleats, but are not a fan cleats like the Nike Mercurial Series that are very tight and narrow, Then I would recommend testing out a pair of the Adidas Ace 16.1 Synthetic FG.

Shin Guards: Big, Small, What Kind?

A lot of players do not like wearing shin guards, others don't mind. For some reason, it has become a topic of debate whether teams should wear shin guards in practice or not. However, that is a debate for another day. Today, I will discuss the differences between different types/sizes of shin guards.

Ankle Shin Guards

These are the first shin guards every player wore growing up. It had an ankle strap for extra protection around the ankles. As you got older, you probably did not like the bulkiness of it and switched to a smaller, slip in shin guard. This type of shin guard, however, is very comfortable and offers a lot of protection. You do not have to worry about your shin guard sliding around while you play, which is the most annoying part of wearing them.

Slip-in Shin Guards

Slip in shin guards are the most common shin guards. Per their name, you just slip under your soccer socks or inside of a shin guard sleeve as seen on the left side of the picture. They're light, durable and comfortable if you find a pair that fits your shin nicely. They do not offer nearly as much protection as ankle shin guards, but most players eventually give up on ankle and shin protection. I know I have, I can't really explain why.

Size
Shin guards come in a bunch of sizes. There are recommendations based on your height, but it really comes down to comfort. Many players prefer a smaller shin guard that's low profile and only protects the upper, exposed part of the shin. If I had to recommend a size, I would say find one that is comfortable. Don't sacrifice comfort for protection when it comes to shin guards. If you are a confident player and you know how to go into tackles properly, you shouldn't have to worry too much about protection.

Review: Adidas X 15.1 Leather FG

Back in 2015, Adidas released their new X and Ace series'. Both were released in a synthetic, as well as leather version. I always liked the leather feel, so I picked up a pair of the X 15.1 leathers for myself! Here are my thoughts:

Upper
The upper is a mix of leather and synthetic materials. From the heel up to the toe box is synthetic. It is fairly flexible, but still stiff enough to keep your foot secured. The toe box, on the other hand, is made of kangaroo leather, which is a premium material. Now I went a half size down because I knew that king of leather would really stretch and mold to my foot. Luckily, I was correct. It really stretched out nicely during the breaking in process.

Sole
Adidas started using a new stud configuration on the bottom of the shoe that mixes traditional firm ground studs with artificial ground studs. I have to say, it helps a lot if you play on artificial turf often. Where you really feel the difference is in pivoting; you really feel locked into the ground for ample traction.

Fit
The fit is a little odd. Like a mentioned before, the leather on the toe box stretches nicely for a comfortable fit. However, these cleats do not have the best heel lock. I have noticed the feeling of my heel coming out of the shoe while running. It seems like the back of the shoe does not come hi enough on the achilles to really lock your foot in. That being said, the more you wear them, the less noticeable it becomes.

All in all, it is a nice hybrid cleat if you like some leather, but a lighter shoe that won't stretch too much over time. If the heel problem does not arise with you, than I would recommend them, but definitely make sure you try them on a walk around in them before making the purchase.

Top 3 World Cup Balls

This is my list of the top 3 World Cup edition soccer balls that have been released for each tournament. Here we go:

3. The Teamgeist from 2006 in Germany

This was the first ball to be used in the World Cup that did not feature the traditional hexagonal pattern. Instead, this ball had a four-panel stitching pattern on it. The idea was to make the ball as round as possible by eliminating a lot of the stitching. This was also the first World Cup ball to be a part of the more modern, lighter era of soccer balls that we use today.








2. The Jabulani from 2009 in South Africa

The Jabulani in 2010 became a nightmare for goalkeepers. The triangle stitching pattern ended up making shots knuckle all over the place (not it's intended purpose). Me as an attacking player, I absolutely love shooting this ball! Although it sometimes ends up way off target, you can do some pretty fantastic stuff with this ball; particularly on free kicks.









1. The Fevernov from 2002 in Korea and Japan

If I am being perfectly honest, this is my number one ball for one reason: IT LOOKS SO COOL! Something about the "ninja star" design on has always looked great to me, especially when the ball is spinning through the air. I know it is not the best criteria to judge on, but if you disagree, comment below and give me your top three!

4-4-2 vs. 4-5-1 Soccer Formation

Throughout my playing career, I have played a bunch of different formations on the field; everything from a 4-4-2 to a 3-5-2 to a 4-3-3. However, the two most consistent formations I have played and played against are the 4-4-2 and the 4-5-1. Which one is "better" you say? Let's find out!

4-4-2

The 4-4-2 is your most popular and most common formation, especially in youth soccer in America. It consists of two center backs, two outside backs, two center midfielders, two outside midfielders (or wingers) and two strikers up top. It is the most balanced formation in my eyes, allowing outside players to assist in attacking plays while still having enough players behind the ball to stop counter attacks (at least in theory).

4-5-1

The 4-5-1 is a little more rare than the 4-4-2, but appears as a more defensive formation for a team who likes to possess the ball. Having three center midfielders can help a team dominate possession of the ball. One great thing about the 4-5-1, however, is that you can push one of the center midfielders forward in a supporting striker role. Having a linking player between the midfield and strikers can wreak havoc, especially in the final third.

The Conclusion
These two formations are pretty much interchangeable because of how similar they are. If you are playing a 4-4-2 and one striker holds and plays beneath the other, it could be considered a 4-5-1. It all comes down to how the players on the field move. That being said, I like the idea of having three central players in the middle of the field, especially if you are playing on a wide surface and the outside players can really stretch out the field. Controlling the game starts from the middle of the field, so if you can lock that down, you will have the majority of possession. As long as you are confident in your lone striker's ability and the ability of your team to support that lone striker when attacking, the 4-5-1 is a great option. Let me know if you feel otherwise! Comment below!

Trusox: Are they worth it?

If you spent some time around a soccer field or even just like to watch games on TV, you may have seen some little black or white dots on the back of some player's ankles. That would be because they are wearing a pair of Trusox, shown in the picture above. The are essentially a no-slip, no-blister sock.

So what they have done is make a premium sock and added small little grip-pads along the bottom and up the back of the heel. They also put these little pads on the inside of the sock. This ensures that your foot will not slip inside the sock and the sock will not slip inside your shoes. The dots that go up further on the ankle do not serve a purpose...I guess they just look cool.

I own two pairs of Trusox and they truly (no pun intended) make a difference. The little grip-pads are almost like a soft towel material that actually get more grip as you sweat. The feeling at first is a little odd against your foot because you can feel them. However, you soon forget about them as soon as you start to play. The pads do not go all the way up to the tip of your toe, so you can still wiggle your toes around with them being stuck down to the shoe. All in all, they do offer more grip and really do feel better in your soccer shoes or cleats than traditional mid-calf socks or soccer socks. Comment below to let me know what you think or if you have any questions about them!

Messi or Ronaldo: Which would you want on your team?

For the past four or five years, soccer fans across the world have been debating who is the best player in the world: Lionel Messi or Christiano Ronaldo. Although you can through other names into the hat, these two have been the focus of the discussion. If you break them down by statistics and playing styles, it is really hard to say who takes the top spot.

Statistics: 

Messi scored 41 goals during the 2015-2016 year in in 48 appearances with 21 assists.

Ronaldo Scored 51 goals in 47 appearances with 15 assists in all competitions.

Playing styles:

Messi plays more of a central attacking role with Barcelona. He serves as a linking player (playing between midfielders and the strikers) which has become known as the "10" spot. It allows him to distribute, as well as go forward on attacking plays and counter attacks.

Ronaldo primarily plays on the outside with Real Madrid. He is the "highlight reel" player, providing a dynamic attack from a wide position, which can cause serious defensive breakdowns for a back line.

If you had to choose one for your team, I think it comes down to the role you need to fill on the field. Ronaldo scored 10 more goals than Messi last year, but Messi provided 6 more assists. If I am looking for a player who can stretch the field and provide quick counters when needed, I would go with Ronaldo. If I am looking for someone to help distribute the ball and help possess in the final third, I would go with Messi. I personally have always sided with Messi, but mainly because I have always played a central midfield role and looked up to his ability to control a game and strike at the drop of a dime. That being said, the discussion (or most times argument) over these two shall continue.