Why Can't Soccer Players Have The Same Dedication As Tennis Stars?
By Janey1966
@Janey1966 (24170)
Carlisle, England
February 20, 2012 4:21pm CST
Tonight was a case in point. Settled down to watch Carlisle United play Brentford away (on telly) and my team Carlisle lost 4-0. To say it was an embarrassing, lack-lustre display is an understatement.
Now, one thing I CANNOT STAND with footballers is their severe lack of skill, especially in the lower divisions. There is none of this "using both feet" lark. The great Bobby Charlton actually practised shooting with his left foot and many people thought he was naturally left-footed as he was so good. He wasn't. He was naturally right-footed.
So why don't today's players have the same dedication? It's embarrassing watching them go round in circles in order to keep the ball on one foot, rather than using both feet in equal measure. What's so difficult about it?
Hubby once told me that the rather wonderful Rafael Nadal plays tennis with his left hand BUT is naturally right-handed. He trained himself to play left-handed because it's harder to play AGAINST a left-handed player, apparently. If I played I would use my right hand but only due to the fact I'm ambidextrous.
After watching Carlisle play tonight I'm glad we don't possess season tickets. Couldn't stand watching that team every fortnight!
Now, one thing I CANNOT STAND with footballers is their severe lack of skill, especially in the lower divisions. There is none of this "using both feet" lark. The great Bobby Charlton actually practised shooting with his left foot and many people thought he was naturally left-footed as he was so good. He wasn't. He was naturally right-footed.
So why don't today's players have the same dedication? It's embarrassing watching them go round in circles in order to keep the ball on one foot, rather than using both feet in equal measure. What's so difficult about it?
Hubby once told me that the rather wonderful Rafael Nadal plays tennis with his left hand BUT is naturally right-handed. He trained himself to play left-handed because it's harder to play AGAINST a left-handed player, apparently. If I played I would use my right hand but only due to the fact I'm ambidextrous.
After watching Carlisle play tonight I'm glad we don't possess season tickets. Couldn't stand watching that team every fortnight!6 responses
@changjiangzhibin89 (16761)
• China
21 Feb 12
Lost 4-0,what a shame,your team Carlisle took a terrible beating.If it was because they played away.I admire Rafael Nadal for his professional ethics.No wonder he was once six grand slam winner of tennis.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
21 Feb 12
Unfortunately, Carlisle play rubbish at home as well, hence the reasoning behind no season tickets this year. They've never been the best side in the world but the last 4 years (I blame the current manager "Abbott Out!") have been really bad. No ambition at all and the thing is, if they did go up into the higher league we may get a new stadium built. You would think that would spur them on to do well? But, if they stay where they are a new stadium is out of the question.
Oh well, at least there's "Raffi" to admire! Such a nice man too, as most tennis players are these days.
@changjiangzhibin89 (16761)
• China
22 Feb 12
Yes, they do it at all, do it well so that live up to the expectations of Carlisle people.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
25 Feb 12
To be honest, there's only a small proportion of footballers in this country that are on the really big money, namely those at Manchester City and Chelsea, due to their extremely rich owners. Having said that, you're right..they get paid huge sums so why bother learning to use both feet equally well? In Bobby Charlton's and George Best's day they were so dedicated to their team that it was natural for them to learn to be the best they could. Nowadays, if the bigger-paid players don't get their wishes granted off they go to far-flung places like China..not where the best teams are but the MONEY. No loyalty, in other words.
It's so unfortunate how it's all panned out. I blame Sky!
@samaire (154)
• United States
20 Feb 12
It's because nowerdays they have stars. They are in each news all over the world! And sometimes they forget that they are athlets. And maybe the most important thing is that to win a soccer game you will need a whole team but to win a tennis game you'll need only you. So they are more dedicated to their careers. And they have so much tournaments throu the year so they just can't stop!!!!
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
21 Feb 12
I really am full of admiration for tennis players. You're right, they do play a lot of matches throughout the year and don't know how long each match will last do they? With the soccer it's 90 minutes (sometimes extra-time, etc) and that's it for another week. You also get managers complaining if their teams have to play more than twice a week.
Awww, diddums!
@NoWayRo (1061)
• Romania
20 Feb 12
I think we hear more talking of "raw talent" in soccer than in other sport. They rely too much on it, instead of training and practicing their skills. We have a saying over here, it became a cliche regarding young (and old) players: "he's an eternal hope" (was a young hope, but never confirmed).
I find bad games much more bearable on the stadium than on TV, at least I can vent my frustration without feeling like talking to an object. Now that I think of it, that's probably why I keep buying tickets - because the game stinks anyway. That's a good reason
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
21 Feb 12
Haha! My husband has supported Carlisle a lot longer than me because he was born and bred here (and he's seen it all) but even he is embarrassed to be a fan at the moment. Funny thing is, the manager told fans to "stay away" from Brentford and to buy a ticket for the upcoming home game instead.
Fat chance!
@way2vision (613)
• Canada
21 Feb 12
Team play vs solo play. In team work usually they rely on each other, unless of course there is a hog in the team. The problem is, as Michael Jordan pointed out which is relevant to all sports team, the more a player gets paid the more they under perform.
The thing is soccer players get paid plenty, and having the ability to rely as a team probably makes it worst. Whereas, tennis players get paid plenty, but also have no-one to rely on but themselves. If tennis players under perform, they loose all that money or not get sponsored as much. In soccer, a player can hide behind his team and only shine every other time, therefore he can under perform and get paid due to contracts etc.
That's my general understanding, I am not 100% on specific players, but Michael Jordan said it best, and its relevant to all teams whether its basketball, soccer, or possibly even tennis.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
21 Feb 12
The thing is, in the lower leagues of soccer in this country, the players are on nowhere near the wages of those in the top two divisions..so maybe the lack of money compared to them stops them from performing at their best? Having said that, Carlisle aren't on telly that often so if it were me I'd put on a show just in case some big manager was watching.
