This kid can play soccer

Mitchell

Shot my son's middle school game today for their yearbook. This one kid is an incredibly strong player. Look at the elevation he has here muscling over the defender. This kid is 13 years old!





This didn't go in, but he scored two goals later.
<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

johng

Mitch - great first shot. It really is amazing to see how some kids just "get it". For example, I helped coach my son's 4-year-olds team in flag football. At 4, most kids weren't even running in the right direction. But there was one kid on another team - he's already understanding how to block and stay in front of a defensive player and keep his hands in. Obviously he has the running thing down. But it really is amazing to see the all-stars emerge as youths. You just like to see grounded parents though to go along with it. I've seen a few athletes over the years whose amateur "careers" were diminished because their parents created uncoachable monsters.

Mitchell

johng wrote: »

Mitch - great first shot. It really is amazing to see how some kids just "get it". For example, I helped coach my son's 4-year-olds team in flag football. At 4, most kids weren't even running in the right direction. But there was one kid on another team - he's already understanding how to block and stay in front of a defensive player and keep his hands in. Obviously he has the running thing down. But it really is amazing to see the all-stars emerge as youths. You just like to see grounded parents though to go along with it. I've seen a few athletes over the years whose amateur "careers" were diminished because their parents created uncoachable monsters.

Thanks, John.

I agree with your comments. This kid is not particularly good at most other sports, but he "gets" soccer. His anticipation and skills are amazing to watch. He's also a selfless player who loves to pass. Best of all, his parents downplay the whole thing.

Jacobovs

Nice shots! That high kick is a bit worrisome though. Enjoy it while you can! I had to go through soccer withdrawal when my eldest decided not to play college soccer and I had to go cold turkey for a while. Luckily my youngest has picked up the mantle. I have another 2 years before soccer rehab. I still plan on shooting other kids playing, at the very least it will keep me off the streets.

ThatCanonGuy

Been there, done that. Played youth sports, shoot youth sports. (Don't have 2.8 glass like that though ;~). But you know what? When those superstars get older, the other kids catch up to them. I'm talking about the same kids on that field. They'll catch up soon. Usually the average players surpass the superstars. I'm not talking about all-star teams and stuff, I'm talking about those same kids his age in that league.