I can't help but comment on the new Gatorade commercial about the U.S. going to the World Cup. It has the "take me out to the ballgame" instrumental going on the background...amid all the hostile, evidently middle eastern, fans; the NFL-like tackles; the battered bodies; at least they thought about putting in a goal at the end. jeez. What a horrible commercial. When I saw this, the first thing I thought was "is this what Gatorade thinks is attractive to market this sport to Americans?" Cuz hey now, we have to admit, football the beautiful game, is not in high regard in the U.S. So unfortunate. A commercial like that in other countries would most definitely be about some fancy footwork and some combination play resulting in a breathtaking goal, the supporters going crazy celebating. Poor taste to show a group of fans with a sign saying "go away yankees" to get people psyched about supporting your team, rather than focusing on great performance from the players. Disappointing.
It's pretty difficult being a football/soccer coach here because of the heavy influence of the "big 3" american sports, moreso the NFL and the NBA. These sports have promoted such a limited appreciation of a more dynamic game, and players' creativity, that young players have a difficult time understanding and digesting the more multi-dimensional aspects of football. wow that was a mouthful. It's diagonal, it's horizontal, you can play backwards...and then I can't even begin to touch on the skill level required to use every body part except your hands to play. But I diverge...
I mean really, basketball has a shot clock: you don't hit the rim/score = turnover; "football" 10 yards: you don't make it = turnover. Focus on only forward movement and the coach draws up the plays. (It's a lil bit annoying having to deal with kids who are only encouraged to boot the ball forward) Of course, these sports have their own great players, no denying that. But it all seems so programed at times...What happens if the coach says Play 1 but the team runs Play 2? More like the coaches playing than the players. The demand for a winner, the inability to simply enjoy a good contest I think somehow takes away from the whole experience. A 26 inning game? Just to get a winner?! Come on now?! In Japan they call it a tie after the 12th. Shake hands and accept it. Appreciate the other guy was as good as you today. Celebrate the brilliant moves, the skill, the passion to play.
If you've never done it before, you should find a sport you like and go play pick up in a park or something, figure out everything yourself, refine your skill that way. That's what the Brasilians do and they have 5 World Cups to show for it.
ok its getting kinda late now, i wish i could sit and write one of these things without doing other stuff in between, takes FOREVER. I have to include here one of my favourite skills videos
Tricky Football and also a closing thought:
Why is it called the "World Series" when it doesn't involve the world?
