Pele, the greatest soccer player of all-time

 

Perhaps no other person in the rich and colorful history of world football is as revered and universally loved as Pele. 

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Born in 1940, Pele like so many other Brazilians, grew up poor. Pele’s father was a professional soccer player, and quite a good one at that. However, a tragic leg injury shortened his career. John Eilermann. 

Pele picked up where his father left off by showing skill and talent at an exceptionally young age. His father, although injured, still took the time to train the young Pele. Because of a severe lack of funds, Pele used a grapefruit as a ball and a sock filled with newspaper as footwear during practice. John Eilermann.

However, Pele would not let poverty get in his way. He continued to practice, and he performed magically in local minor leagues as a forward. Pele’s coach, Waldemar de Brito, who was a famous player of Brazil, brought the youngster to the professional club Santos FC when he was 15 years old. John Eilermann.

Two years later, at only 17, Pele would be instrumental in leading Brazil to capturing the World Cup.

Pele would go on to weave his magic on football pitches everywhere in the world. To put things in perspective, and to perfectly encapsulate what Pele meant to football and the world, two countries at war even held a ceasefire because Pele was playing a game in the region. John Eilermann.

The best soccer leagues every fan should follow

There is no disputing the fact that soccer is the king of sports when it comes to global popularity. The World Cup alone beats every sporting event, including the Olympics, in terms of overall viewership and sales. The dozens of leagues around the world have their own legions of fans who follow their favorite teams religiously.

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On that note, here are three of the leagues every soccer fan should know. John Eilermann.   

German Bundesliga

The German Bundesliga is one of the top European leagues and is home to some of the best European teams in history. Teams such as Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Hamburger SV, have all made waves on the European scene and have dominated a league filled with formidable teams. John Eilermann.

English Premier League

As far as numbers are concerned, the English Premier League is the world’s most popular league. Hundreds of thousands of fans fill up the stadiums while millions more watch games on television. And why not? The EPL has always had some of the brightest and most interesting soccer superstars and coaches in the world. John Eilermann.

Spanish La Liga

The teams from La Liga in Spain have the most awards in both European and world leagues. The records of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have remained unmatched for decades. La Liga is both fun and intense, and like the other leagues on this list, home to many of the greatest soccer players in history. John Eilermann.

What to look forward to when playing football later in life

Soccer, or football in other parts of the world, is an obsession all over the world. People from all walks of life band together to watch their favorite teams dominate the field. From young kids to older adults, the sport makes the body and mind stronger. John Eilermann.

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Many adults have played football when they were younger, but have given up the sport as they aged. Playing football later in life may be a health risk for others. For some, the mere idea of getting on the field and tumbling while kicking the ball is a fair ground not to get involved in the sport. The main thing that can hold one back from enjoying the game is the fear of getting injured. If one takes that out of the equation, they can reap the benefits of playing the sport. John Eilermann.

During the British Science Festival in Birmingham back in 2010, scientists contented that middle-aged and older adults should play football, as it would promote better health. Research published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science discovered that untrained men and women who took part in regular soccer two to three times a week for one to two hours each session have shown improvements in their cardiovascular health and bone density. John Eilermann.

Older adults who play football will have fewer chances of having broken bones when they age. In addition, there are mental and social health benefits in participating in regular soccer later in life. John Eilermann.

Soccer as a hobby for people in their 30s and 40s

What makes soccer such a popular sport is that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Kids play in summer leagues while teens who train intensely in it go on to play varsity.

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However, soccer can also be a game for adults. Even if a person has never really played the game, he can still learn. John Eilermann.

Fitness plays an important role in adult life, especially considering that the body changes. Metabolism slows down, and the muscles and joints need constant movement to stay in shape. Soccer provides the perfect avenue for exercise.

Playing pick-up games, even if only once or twice a week, can have a huge impact on a person’s health. In fact, it’s great cardio routines that can even double as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with the occasional sprinting. John Eilermann.

However, adults need to understand that though soccer is an extremely simple sport, it’s highly physical. There’ll be bumps and bruises along the way, which are all part of the fun. And every game affords a new experience. Sometimes, if they’re lucky, adults may even experience games in the rain. John Eilermann.

Now, all one needs to do is buy the proper gear. Soccer boots, shin guards, and a ball will suffice. And if one has enough space near their area, they can practice dribbling through some drills, and strengthen their legs by kicking the ball toward solid walls that bounce the ball back. John Eilermann.

Football in the rain: How hard is it?

John Eilermann. Anyone who’s ever played football (or soccer as it is known in the U.S.) will testify to how much the game changes with the weather conditions. Typically, football players get to play in clear conditions. But every now and then, the skies darken, and the downpour begins to drench the field.

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John Eilermann. However, even with all the challenges rain presents to people playing football, many players welcome it. For one, the water pouring down cools their bodies, which are hot from all the activity on the field. And if the game is played between friends, it becomes a lot of fun.

Many people have even likened playing in the rain to beach soccer. The ground becomes unstable, and the ball doesn’t bounce around as much, as the surface absorbs the impact. John Eilermann.

Football players need to adjust once the rain starts pouring. They have to anticipate that passes from teammates won’t go as far and that they may need to kick the ball a bit harder than normal.

All in all, playing football in the rain is a whole lot of fun. It’s just important to stay safe. When there are lightning strikes all around or when the rain turns into a storm, then it’s best to pack up and head to the nearest coffee house for some hot tea. John Eilermann.

What football managers want to see in their defenders

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While strikers get all the glory, people seem to forget just how important defenders are in football. For this blog, we’ll be paying tribute to those mighty defenders with nerves of steel and unwavering resolve.


On that note, here are the top qualities of football’s best defenders.

Tenacity

Defenders have to be relentless in hounding forwards and midfielders to win back possession. Against teams that love the possession-type game, defenders need to run back and forth tirelessly to block the passing lanes.

Fearlessness

You can’t defend properly if you’re afraid you’ll get hurt. A defender’s life is mainly comprised of him challenging forwards and midfielders for the ball. He’ll be defending against the best ball-handlers of opposing teams. He fails if he gets intimidated.

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Strength

Since defenders often hit and get hit on the pitch, a strong defender is a reliable defender. Defenders can’t be hit once and fall out of position. They need to have a solid constitution, especially in a game that bats people around.

Speed

Often, defenders will have to race against opposing forwards and midfielders to get to the ball. This is where speed comes in. Always remember that forwards are like gazelles; they run like the wind. To stay in time, defenders need to have speed and pacing.

Hello, I’m John Eilermann, a huge football fan. Learn more about me and the stuff I love by following me on Twitter.

Soccer training: The weak foot

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Having a weak foot in soccer is perfectly normal. Even the greatest players in the world have a weak foot which of course, over time they’ve trained to make it stronger. And so should you. Here are a few pro tips on increasing the proficiency of your weak foot.


Juggle with the weak foot as often as you can.

Juggling is a great way to increase your control over the ball, and it’s as dazzling to see as it is to do. As such, having your weak foot get used to juggling will make it more adept in overall control when it comes to kicking.


Practice trapping and catching with the weak foot.

Trapping is such an underrated skill for soccer players. Toss the ball up and kill the bounce as soon as it lands with your weak foot. Another way of killing the bounce is catching the ball with your weak foot. Alternate between trapping and catching to increase the weak foot’s control.

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Dribble with the weak foot.

Try running at different speeds, but instead of dribbling the ball forward using both feet, use only your weak foot. This is another great drill for control.


Practice free kicks using the weak foot.

This drill improves control and increases power of the weak foot. Experiment with your shots as though you were using your strong foot. Watch your form as you do this drill.


Hello, I’m John Eilermann, a World War 2 and soccer enthusiast. Follow me on Twitter for more updates.

The importance of Lionel Messi to Barca

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Lionel Messi is considered to be one of the best footballers, not just of this generation, but of all-time. He has won dozens of awards, with only the World Cup eluding him. Be that as it may, Messi is still a hero in his home country of Argentina. And on the club level, he is considered a football god.


However, beyond the stats, awards, and accolades, just how important is Messi to the football club and the city? The short answer is, very.


The president of the football club himself, Josep Maria Bartomeu, has worked doggedly to keep his Argentine superstar in the team. With greats such as Luis Suarez and Ivan Rakitic in the roster, having Messi means the organization can keep its spot atop European club competition.

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Barcelona is just as thankful of Messi as the superstar of the city. Since joining the city’s football club in 2001, he was shown up for the team over 350 times and scored over 300 goals. He has won the Ballon d’Or on multiple occasions and has been assured of his spot in the team as long as he is able to play the game.


While much of Barca’s success in the 2000s is attributed to the trio of Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta, not having the Argentine in the group would not translate to as much success.


Hi! I'm John Eilermann, a huge football fanatic. Check out my Twitter page for more on the stuff I love.