There’s a proverb that says, “Chaos is bad, but order is much worse.” Although the author is unknown, I have a feeling that he or she must have watched a few minutes of pickup soccer.
Characterized by a free flowing playing system, unconventional goal posts and, at times, an unequal number of players, pickup soccer is the most common display of the beautiful game anywhere in the world. Forget the ticket stalls, the FIFA referees and the matching uniforms. It is on those cement courts, plots of sand and grassy patch areas that young players around the globe develop their technical prowess and mental fortitude, while their seasoned counterparts showcase their vision and the occasional ball trickery. These unstructured competitions train participants to quickly adapt to possession changes, develop ball control skills and draw upon creativity and poise in tight spaces.
Contrary to these images, the bulk of our American youth players receive their introduction to soccer through a series of orderly drills and games. Although there is high repetition and skill development, I have often witnessed international coaches marvel as they observe our players’ exercise “disciplined rigidness” in their playing style.
What is the effect of our organized formula? On one occasion, I have heard an American collegiate player speak of their disdain for pickup games because “people are all over the place, and I just don’t know where to go.” In another instance, a high school coach has commented to me that he punishes players for trying any semblance of creativity on the field. Could our insistence on methodic play be the barrier preventing our players from stepping out of their comfort zone and into the chaotic, beautiful and transformative process that is pickup soccer?
Some could say that the pickup players in our U.S. parks lack the talent to be shining examples for developing players. However, I have had the good fortune to randomly play alongside and learn from guys who represented their international team at some point in their playing careers. Others could argue that some of the situations in pickup games are “simply unrealistic.” Yet, I don’t know of a coach that would not value a player who could calmly utilize his or her technical ability to maintain ball possession in a high-pressure situation.
Most of the greatest players to touch a ball developed their abilities in the chaotic battlegrounds that we call pickup soccer. Our players can one day be named in that esteemed company if we allow them to be cultivated in the disorder of unstructured play.
- Qiana Martin, owner of Eat Soccer
Qiana Martin is an international athlete, global soccer ambassador and owner of Eat Soccer. Her for-profit and non-profit efforts introduce new communities to, and inspire participants of, the beautiful game. Most recently, Qiana was selected as a 2010 British Airways Face-of-Opportunity Winner and a featured presenter at 2011 TEDxGreenville. To learn more about Qiana’s work on and off the field, connect with her on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.
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