Not Understanding Soccer

[Goldeneagle]

Lots of good reasons to watch.

[ATTACH]562972[/ATTACH]

Leggy for the WIN!

[elkbowhunter]

Leggy for the WIN!

naaaaa

[VorTexan]

Lots of good reasons to watch.

[ATTACH]562972[/ATTACH]

Just a couple.

[Coon]

Lots of good reasons to watch.

[ATTACH]562972[/ATTACH]

That's 2 pretty good reasons!

I have a problem with the clock counting up instead of down. I know it's still the same amount of time, but when I'm so bored that I keep checking the clock and it keeps showing more time, I freak out thinking I have to stay even longer.
D

[DawgOnIt]

Watched my kids grow up playing soccer. Didn't understand it, was bored crazy. Used to ask the soccer moms to let me know when I should cheer!
Over the years, I watched the boys develop their skills all the way from the runt leagues, into select teams, and on to HS Varsity. I learned a bunch and became a big fan! My son became the goalie for the high school, and has now graduated and is off to college. I find myself let down as I grew to love watching him play! I actually catch myself watching it a bit on TV now and understanding what's going on.

[elkbowhunter]

Looks like I have to watch some better teams after reading some of your posts. Looks like this thread is going south with the inappropriate posting of photos of a few. This was not the intent of the thread. Thanks again for all the positive responses.

[iamntxhunter]

If you like watching third world sports watch Cricket.

[cbail13]

Looks like I have to watch some better teams after reading some of your posts.

NBC is now broadcasting an English Premiere League match on Saturday mornings.

[BigRed323]

If you like watching third world sports watch Cricket.

Apparently the US is the only country that isn't a third world country in the entire world cuz its pretty much the only country where soccer isn't the most widespread, most highly celebrated sport.

What I like truly love about soccer is that anyone can play the game. Rich, poor, short, tall, skinny, fat, anyone can play. American Football on the other hand, if you're not a behemoth, you have no hopes of playing outside of high school.

[elkbowhunter]

NBC is now broadcasting an English Premiere League match on Saturday mornings.

thanks! will have to check them out.

[Roscoe]

Soccer is a pretty darn cool sport. All the rediculous flopping seriously takes away from it though.

[VorTexan]

Apparently the US is the only country that isn't a third world country in the entire world cuz its pretty much the only country where soccer isn't the most widespread, most highly celebrated sport.

What I like truly love about soccer is that anyone can play the game. Rich, poor, short, tall, skinny, fat, anyone can play. American Football on the other hand, if you're not a behemoth, you have no hopes of playing outside of high school.

Your are probably right...

Welker, Cole Beasley, come to mind, fridgertator Perry, Dez, Let's see we have small, fat, poor, tons of skinny, and surely we can find a few rich guys

[Pedernal]

As mentioned already, Watch some the European teams play and you will see the ball stay in bounce and you will see some of the most talented athletes in the world... As fun as football once was, all of the rule changes are making it very hard to watch...

[Neohighlander]

I wouldn't necessariy agree that you have to have grown up watching soccer to appreciate it. Growing up the American raise son of a Scotsman who played semi pro soccer in Scotland, I was more interested in american football, baseball and basketball. It was only when I went to live in Scotland that I really started watching soccer (or "football". Ours is "American football". And before everybody jumps on me for calling it football...really...which makes more sense? Calling a game where you're not allowed to use your hands and mostly kick the ball, football....or a game where the majority of the game is played with your hands? Makes sense to me!)

Anyway, when I moved to Scotland I was 22 or 23 and really had very little interest in soccer. I, like most Americans, found it confusing, a little boring, and different. However, I am lucky to have a Scottish cousin who, when we sat down to watch the matches together, would explain to me the nuances of each play...the actual passing and display of skill that sets up a goal, or a particular maneuver of the ball or player to get into position. Once I started to understand what was happening on the field, it all became really very exciting, as because, as some other people attest to, the level of skill that is needed to play at a professional competitive is immense. These guys (and gals) are very, very talented.

As far as it being a "third world country" sport...man...that is just ignorant. There are probably more teams per capita in the UK alone than most of third world countries. Last time I checked, the UK was a first world country. And soccer players are some of the highest paid athletes in the world. Also, I'm pretty sure Manchester United, financially, is a more valuable team that the Dallas Cowboys. Financially speaking. Google it.

Also, what we have to remember as Americans, is that soccer is so impassioned in people "over there" because there is no separation of religion and state like over here. That is, most of these soccer clubs are based out of a particular religion. So, the rivalries are not just "my city vs. your city", buy "my city AND my religion v your city and your religion". Now does that necessarily make it better? No, but it can explain why there is such a vehement rabid fan base for each team.

As with anything, to enjoy something, you need to learn a little bit about it. Soccer is one of those things. If you have the patience and desire to learn the rules and nuances, it is a very exciting and enjoyable sport to watch. if not, there are plenty of other sports around to enjoy! Like bowhunting

[gigem95]

Yeah, if only the ball didn't go out of bounds like in Football or basketball. Oh wait . People who don't like soccer don't understand the game, the strategy or the level of skill it takes to be successful. In this country we don't grow up watching it the same way other countries do and therefore don't appreciate it. Think about this. A guy kicks the ball 50 yards in the air to his teammate on the opposite side of the field who is running full speed. That player "catches" the ball with his foot in full stride and keeps on trucking towards goal. Now, he may not score and he may ultimately end up losing the ball, but that play was extremely difficult and they made it look easy. I'll admit, some games are boring, just like any sport. Try being new to baseball and not understanding the strategy or rules. How boring is that? Heck, I understand and still find it boring. I find American football boring as well. 4 hours to play 1 hour worth of playing time. That's A LOT of downtime. But, in American football you find small accomplishments that you understand. Gaining 3 yards, getting a first down, etc.... That doesn't necessarily turn into points, but you feel like you have small victories. And the play stops so you can "celebrate" those small victories. Soccer keeps moving so even if you gain 90 or 100 yards, if doesn't seem like much because it is going back the other way. If you ever want to appreciate it a little more, grab a ball, go in the back yard and try to do even the simplest of moves with the ball. Might give you a new perspective on the game.

Nailed it. I admit that it can be bring to watch on tv. Heck i don't watch the NFL much anymore either. And i find baseball extremely boring to watch on tv unless its the playoffs. Much better in person, like baseball to me. Go checkout a Dynamo game in person next year. I don't watch much soccer on tv but still play at 40 and love it. Much more skill involved than the haters can understand. Never have understood the hate for soccer.