Soccer - can I still get good?

[Anonymous]

I haven't played football but I would like to start, just some questions:

When you see soccer on TV and the likes of Iniesta and xavi etc., all thinking so fast and they have amazing vision of the field - is this learned or were they born with it?

Same with positioning - moving in relation to your teammates to create chances etc. Is this also something you will learn along the way or is it mostly intuition?

PS: I'm 19 years and haven't played before. Can I still become good?

[Gawesome]

you can become good but with tons of practice. Join some rec leagues for real game experience. Work on your cardio since you're constantly running obviously. Positioning and strategy is mostly learned with practice with team mates. Guys like Iniesta, Xavi, Messi...those guys played since they were wee little kids and its a mix of natural talent, athleticism, and tons of playing and practicing.

I played soccer since I was a kid every day with friends and cousins until I was one of the best players in my school. Unfortunately, I don't play any more though.

[just_tired]

Players like Xavi and Iniesta are both natural players and have worked hard their entire lives to become that good. There's been a recent study that it requires 20000 hours to get to a professional level in a given sport. It probably varies on how natural you are, but it's a good ballpark.

You're not going to get to to the pro leagues, but work hard on it and you can start playing in a local amateur league.

[soccerchick4eva]

I started soccer at the age of 12, which is quite "late age" of some people, i thought i would never be good cause there's also sexist coaches but i kept going with what i want and I've played national league ever since :) Dont overthink about all the positions cause you'll learn it naturally :)

[Anonymous]

If you have the passion for it you can get very good, but you may not be as gifted as professional players, don't let that hold you back, stay determined.

[wickys]

Ofcourse. You just learn the techniques and you will become aware of your teammates the more you practice. And you will begin seeing openings and when to counter etc.

Sure, some people may have had a natural talent for the ball but you can always learn :)

[Anonymous]

Buy a soccer ball and practice for a few hours ever day. Practice kick ups (a good way to learn ball control) Passing accuracy (find something to aim at like a cone and keep trying to hit it from different angles and distance) Try and join a five a side team. Five a side increases skill level and positioning. With enough practice you will be good.

[Anonymous]

It is learned, and at 19 you'll never be very good as in you won't play professionally. But you can get enough to enjoy yourself, absolutely.

[Anonymous]

well you can but not to get proffesional in my opinion.

[Anonymous]

i think you can become a littke bit good but not pro good

[Anonymous]

i think it is too late buddy

[Anonymous]

No it's too late to be honest