Pickup soccer allows players of all skill levels to play together without needing a coach or trainer. You may also find teaching on the field, and new players are welcome to join. No expensive uniforms are required. You can use bags for goals, shoes, or even portable goals. You need something that is round for your feet.
Pickup soccer is a popular sport in many cultures. Kids are taught to play it from the moment they can walk. Sometimes even earlier! It’s like learning a language. You will be fluent the sooner you begin basic soccer skills.
Pickup soccer has many benefits.
Not only for youth players but for all ages & skill levels:
- The most significant benefit of the game is its teacher. The teacher is the most crucial benefit to players. They can experiment, learn from their mistakes and successes, and are not afraid to try new things. When a coach is helping players to learn from their mistakes, this is often only possible sometimes.
- Communication will be easier for players. Players must communicate on the field with one another, as no coach can give orders. This will increase awareness and understanding.
- The soccer ball encourages personal growth through short-sided soccer. Individual footwork, skills, and tricks are encouraged when playing in small groups. This will increase confidence and improve players’ ability to handle the ball.
- It would be best if you played on both sides of a small-sided pickup game. This helps players learn to support one another and move from offense to defense. Pickup soccer emphasizes the importance of width and depth in the game.
- Pickup as an adult can be an excellent way for you to keep fit and allow you to continue playing the fantastic fun you love, as long as your physical abilities permit.
Pickup Soccer Is A Lifelong Passion
My family played organized soccer growing up, and sometimes, we would play pickup during the off-season. There was an “off-season” back then, but it wasn’t as varied as simply showing up on a field and playing with anyone.
Today’s kids are often admitted to formal programs sooner than ever. They have to be more disciplined, which will only allow them to play in a team if they are coached or performing at a certain level.
Because they didn’t have one, I didn’t participate in the college’s soccer team. The club team at my school was very cliquey. Most boys were from close families and had played together since childhood. I was fortunate enough to play pickup with international students from all over. There were also players from the Caribbean, Russia, Africa, Germany, and other European countries. This was the time I learned essential soccer skills. There wasn’t any pressure from coaches or my need to win.
I played defense my entire life, so I wasn’t comfortable carrying the ball. I was able to learn, try again, and make mistakes. I could learn how to shoot and many other things. The teacher was playing soccer. We were not trying to master technical skills but trying out new tricks in a friendly environment.
Get out and play pickup!
Pickup soccer can be a great way to relax, have fun with friends and keep learning and growing in the sport you love. Get out on the field or take up Futsal at your local gym. You only need a soccer ball. You can grab some portable soccer goals or use bags or shirts to serve as goalposts.