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Soccer History
Where did the game of soccer really begin, and how old is it? To
understand how many different varieties of "soccer" there are, you need to
understand a bit about the older versions of the game and how they have
evolved.
Below, you will find a list of the predominant cultures that had a variety of
soccer, and learn how each one differs from what we play today. And no,
they never used anything like plastic shin guards back then either!
Chinese Soccer History
Japanese Soccer History
Egyptian Soccer History
Greek/Roman Soccer History
British Soccer History
Chinese Soccer History
To many, this is the oldest version of soccer to exist. However, there is quite
a lot of controversy of whether or not this is the oldest, or Japan's version is
the elder. The Chinese version of the game, originally named "Tsu Chu",
involved players on a field that had to hit a leather ball stuffed with fur into a
small hole. Like Soccer, no hands were permitted during the play of the
game, and it was considered an honor to be a member of a team.
The Emperor of the Han Dynasty, when the game was developed, was an
avid player and fan, and spread the popularity of this game all over China
during his reign. This roughly dates back to 300 B.C., although there is
controversy on the subject of dating, which could result in the origins of the
game being as far back as 5000 B.C. Regardless, this version of Soccer is
extremely old. Despite that, there is still a version of Tsu Chu played today.
While the two games are similar, Tsu Chu has had no effect on the modern
version of the game, as it was originally developed and created for play in
Great Britain.
Japanese Soccer History
Kemari, the Japanese version of "Soccer", is perhaps one of the most
different forms of the sport, in comparison to modern soccer. Kemari was a
game of "Keep it up", much like modern hacky sacks, although used with a
larger ball that was stuffed with saw dust. This version involves a "pitch", or
the field, designated by the selection of four trees, the cherry, maple, pine
and willow. Many great houses in Japan would grow trees to have a
permanent pitch, or field, established.
Kemari was normally played with two to twelve players. Established in
roughly 1004 B.C., it vies for position of the oldest game with China's Tsu
Chu. In fact, China's Tsu Chu players and Japan's Kemari players were the
first to have an "International" game of their versions of Soccer, which is
dated to have occurred in roughly 50 B.C., although a definite date of 611
A.D. is known. Regardless, this game stands with China as a sister sport to
Soccer, while it never affected the modern version of the game.
Egyptian Soccer History
While not much is known about Egyptian Soccer, or other ball games, it is
thought there was a version of a type of ball game played by young women
during the age of Baqet III. On his tomb, images of this sport were depicted,
although no one is certain how the game was played or whether or not it
truly affected the outcome of modern soccer. Recordings of this game date
as far back as 2500 B.C., although not much more is known asides the fact
that it was played with a ball. The lack of information on the sport and how it
was played has eliminated it from runnings as the first evidence of a game
similar to soccer.
Greek/Roman Soccer History
Perhaps the closest relative to modern soccer are the games that were
formed by the Greeks during the prime of their culture. They had numerous
varieties of football style games, some of which required hands, some of
which forbade hands. In the end, after the Roman conquering of Greece,
the game Harpastum is what modern soccer would be based from. This
game, probably a modified version of the Greek's "Harpaston", which
translates roughly to handball. While grossly misnamed, this game is what is
considered to be one of the precursors to modern soccer.
British Soccer History
In Britain during the 8th century, soccer was created, not as a recreational
sport, but as a war game. One of the stories of the original roots of the
sport comes from when a Danish Prince was beheaded, and his head was
used as a ball and was kicked around. Ever since this 'legendary' tale,
villages and other communities would play a game where they would have
to kick a ball to a specific goal. It was a violent game, where injury and
death were not uncommon, but it was popular nevertheless. In fact, it was
so violent, that in 1331, King Edward the III passed laws to try to stop the
playing of the game. It did not work, however, and the sport continued on.
There are even stories of soccer games that involved hundreds upon
hundreds of players. In these games, there were many deaths, some
resulting in the hundreds. It wasn't until 1815 when Eton College set up a
series of rules for the game that it became less violent and more of a true
sport. At this time, other colleges and universities took up the banner and
began to play under similar rules. Later, the rules were evaluated and
judged, and the Cambridge rules were created as a result in 1848. In the
Cambridge rules, shin-kicking, carrying the ball and tripping were all
forbidden. Rugby rules allowed these aspects, and the two varieties of
soccer, or football, split to form their own followings.
On October 26, 1863, London schools and sports club sent representatives
to the Freemason's Tavern, where the Football Association was formed.
Rugby supporters left this association to form the Rugby Association. This
is where the birth of modern soccer began. In 1969, the Football
Association finalized the modern game of soccer by forbidding the use of
hands in the game.
The term "Soccer" was coined when someone was asked if he was a
Rugger, which is a Rugby player. The -er signified that the person
participated in a a particular sport. The individual, Charles Wreford Brown,
replied with "Soccer!", taking the phrase from Association, SOC, and adding
the -er. The term stuck. While British individuals still call the game Football,
Americans and other countries call it Soccer, especially if they have heavy
support in American Football present. Ever since the foundation of the
Association, "Football" has risen in popularity, becoming one of the best
love games in the history of Earth. Now, hundreds of thousands play the
sport, although it lacks the initial violence present at its creation.
About the Author
Rebecca Blain is a professional and hobbyist writer who enjoys taking care
of her fish and educating people about preseason soccer training, soccer
team shirts, and other soccer topics.
Where did the game of soccer really begin, and how old is it? To
understand how many different varieties of "soccer" there are, you need to
understand a bit about the older versions of the game and how they have
evolved.
Below, you will find a list of the predominant cultures that had a variety of
soccer, and learn how each one differs from what we play today. And no,
they never used anything like plastic shin guards back then either!
Chinese Soccer History
Japanese Soccer History
Egyptian Soccer History
Greek/Roman Soccer History
British Soccer History
Chinese Soccer History
To many, this is the oldest version of soccer to exist. However, there is quite
a lot of controversy of whether or not this is the oldest, or Japan's version is
the elder. The Chinese version of the game, originally named "Tsu Chu",
involved players on a field that had to hit a leather ball stuffed with fur into a
small hole. Like Soccer, no hands were permitted during the play of the
game, and it was considered an honor to be a member of a team.
The Emperor of the Han Dynasty, when the game was developed, was an
avid player and fan, and spread the popularity of this game all over China
during his reign. This roughly dates back to 300 B.C., although there is
controversy on the subject of dating, which could result in the origins of the
game being as far back as 5000 B.C. Regardless, this version of Soccer is
extremely old. Despite that, there is still a version of Tsu Chu played today.
While the two games are similar, Tsu Chu has had no effect on the modern
version of the game, as it was originally developed and created for play in
Great Britain.
Japanese Soccer History
Kemari, the Japanese version of "Soccer", is perhaps one of the most
different forms of the sport, in comparison to modern soccer. Kemari was a
game of "Keep it up", much like modern hacky sacks, although used with a
larger ball that was stuffed with saw dust. This version involves a "pitch", or
the field, designated by the selection of four trees, the cherry, maple, pine
and willow. Many great houses in Japan would grow trees to have a
permanent pitch, or field, established.
Kemari was normally played with two to twelve players. Established in
roughly 1004 B.C., it vies for position of the oldest game with China's Tsu
Chu. In fact, China's Tsu Chu players and Japan's Kemari players were the
first to have an "International" game of their versions of Soccer, which is
dated to have occurred in roughly 50 B.C., although a definite date of 611
A.D. is known. Regardless, this game stands with China as a sister sport to
Soccer, while it never affected the modern version of the game.
Egyptian Soccer History
While not much is known about Egyptian Soccer, or other ball games, it is
thought there was a version of a type of ball game played by young women
during the age of Baqet III. On his tomb, images of this sport were depicted,
although no one is certain how the game was played or whether or not it
truly affected the outcome of modern soccer. Recordings of this game date
as far back as 2500 B.C., although not much more is known asides the fact
that it was played with a ball. The lack of information on the sport and how it
was played has eliminated it from runnings as the first evidence of a game
similar to soccer.
Greek/Roman Soccer History
Perhaps the closest relative to modern soccer are the games that were
formed by the Greeks during the prime of their culture. They had numerous
varieties of football style games, some of which required hands, some of
which forbade hands. In the end, after the Roman conquering of Greece,
the game Harpastum is what modern soccer would be based from. This
game, probably a modified version of the Greek's "Harpaston", which
translates roughly to handball. While grossly misnamed, this game is what is
considered to be one of the precursors to modern soccer.
British Soccer History
In Britain during the 8th century, soccer was created, not as a recreational
sport, but as a war game. One of the stories of the original roots of the
sport comes from when a Danish Prince was beheaded, and his head was
used as a ball and was kicked around. Ever since this 'legendary' tale,
villages and other communities would play a game where they would have
to kick a ball to a specific goal. It was a violent game, where injury and
death were not uncommon, but it was popular nevertheless. In fact, it was
so violent, that in 1331, King Edward the III passed laws to try to stop the
playing of the game. It did not work, however, and the sport continued on.
There are even stories of soccer games that involved hundreds upon
hundreds of players. In these games, there were many deaths, some
resulting in the hundreds. It wasn't until 1815 when Eton College set up a
series of rules for the game that it became less violent and more of a true
sport. At this time, other colleges and universities took up the banner and
began to play under similar rules. Later, the rules were evaluated and
judged, and the Cambridge rules were created as a result in 1848. In the
Cambridge rules, shin-kicking, carrying the ball and tripping were all
forbidden. Rugby rules allowed these aspects, and the two varieties of
soccer, or football, split to form their own followings.
On October 26, 1863, London schools and sports club sent representatives
to the Freemason's Tavern, where the Football Association was formed.
Rugby supporters left this association to form the Rugby Association. This
is where the birth of modern soccer began. In 1969, the Football
Association finalized the modern game of soccer by forbidding the use of
hands in the game.
The term "Soccer" was coined when someone was asked if he was a
Rugger, which is a Rugby player. The -er signified that the person
participated in a a particular sport. The individual, Charles Wreford Brown,
replied with "Soccer!", taking the phrase from Association, SOC, and adding
the -er. The term stuck. While British individuals still call the game Football,
Americans and other countries call it Soccer, especially if they have heavy
support in American Football present. Ever since the foundation of the
Association, "Football" has risen in popularity, becoming one of the best
love games in the history of Earth. Now, hundreds of thousands play the
sport, although it lacks the initial violence present at its creation.
About the Author
Rebecca Blain is a professional and hobbyist writer who enjoys taking care
of her fish and educating people about preseason soccer training, soccer
team shirts, and other soccer topics.
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Reprinted from ValuableContent.Com
www.ValuableContent.com.
www.ValuableContent.com.
The Nitty Gritty to Soccer Safety
As soccer is one of the most well loved sports on Earth, many children and
adults are lured into participating in playing on a daily basis. Due to this
wide spread popularity, soccer injuries are very common.
With over 80,000 adults and children going to emergency rooms every year
as a result of soccer, knowing the safety rules is vital. When playing and
watching, there are certain things that you should always be aware of so
that you and your teammates or family members are not among those hurt
through either playing or watching. There are several categories of safety
rules that you should be aware of. These consist of the following:
On Field Safety
Goal Safety
Stadium Safety
Equipment
Weather Safety
Miscellaneous Accessories
On Field Safety
Of all of the categories, on field safety is the one that players are constantly
aware of. This is where most children and adults are injured. Whether it is a
sprained ankle from tripping over the ball, collisions, and other accidents,
there are several things that you can do to prevent injury. Sprained ankles
are one of the most common soccer injuries, as there is a great deal of foot
work involved.
These injuries can be avoided by using a slight amount of caution when
passing or receiving the ball, as well as taking care when running down the
field. Proper foot position when handling the ball is one of the most effective
ways at preventing this type of injury. Unfortunately, accidents will happen,
regardless of how careful you are. By being diligent, you can make certain
whatever injuries you sustain are minor and should not interfere with future
game play. The key rule to preventing injuries on the field is to always be
observant. Know where the ball is and know who is around you.
Goal Safety
Whether you are the goalie, or a player on defense, the goal can
occasionally become a safety hazard. In most instances, collisions with goal
or goalie are caused by lack of observation. Whether you trip and fall into
the goal posts, or hit the goalie by accident, you need to make certain that
you are always watching where you going when moving in to score. Not only
can this action cause injury, it can also get you carded which could
potentially have you removed from the game.
Another point to consider when shopping for metal tube soccer goals, is to
consider goals with rounded posts instead of square posts. When colliding
with a post, you're more likely to skip off a rounded one and avoid serious
injury.
Stadium Safety
For parents, guardians and friends, there are a few stadium safety tips that
tend to be neglected when the subject of soccer safety comes up.
Occasionally a player can lose control of the soccer ball, and it enter the
stands where you are observing the game. Injuries due to being hit with the
ball, or any other piece of equipment that flies your way, can be easily
prevented by making certain you pay attention at all times.
Running through the stands, or through the player's area can be
dangerous to you and others. As a rule, common sense is the best safety
precaution you have. If it involves doing something that could harm yourself
or others, such as walking over the back of the bleachers, climbing over
people and tall benches, it should be avoided for your sake and others.
Equipment
Without soccer safety equipment, all of the in game rules would be
ineffective. Shin guards, cleats, jerseys and proper fitting shorts and socks
all work together to ensure that every player can enjoy the game without
being at high risk of injury. Shin guards are used to prevent bruising or
breaking of the lower portion of the leg, where cleats and soccer balls are
highly likely to hit you. Without these, such as lotto shinguards, you put
yourself at high risk.
Wearing a proper pair of cleats, such as the ones designed by Nike, gives
you more grip into the turf. This grip helps to prevent sprains and breaks in
the ankles. These shoes also give your feet adequate protection from other
pairs of cleats and impact with the soccer ball.
Proper fitting clothing, ranging from the jersey, shorts and socks, contribute
to player comfort. This is important, as distractions from the game can lead
to injuries to yourself and others. It is always advisable to wear your proper
jerseys to practice or to games. Specially designed jerseys and shorts are
designed to handle the rigors of soccer. The fabric in particular is designed
to stand up against grass stains as well as be comfortable.
Weather
One aspect of soccer safety that is forgotten by many players and parents
is weather conditions. Playing in the rain can be a fun, invigorating
experience, treasured by players for years to come. Despite this, playing in
muddy conditions is dangerous. The slipping and sliding that creates a
great deal of the enjoyment taken from playing soccer in the rain leaves
room for a wide variety of different injuries. If you choose to play soccer in
the rain, make certain you take every precaution possible, from wearing
cleats, guards and your protective gear.
When a full fledged storm comes up, complete with thunder and lightning,
game play should be ended immediately. A soccer field is the worst place to
be in the middle of a lightning storm, and parents as well as players have
been killed or maimed by lightning. If lightning is spotted and your referee
does not end the game, you should still leave the field as soon as possible.
Miscellaneous Accessories
Before you play soccer, you need to make certain that you are not wearing
miscellaneous accessories such as earrings, anklets and other pieces of
jewelry that could be broken or cause harm. Earrings in particular are prone
to being torn from earlobes when contact is made with a soccer ball. By
removing these pieces of jewelry and other items of this nature, you can
help prevent injuries to yourself that could be disfiguring. If you are
considering getting piercings and you play soccer, you may want to
consider planning to have your piercings done when the soccer season is
over.
If you keep all of these things in mind while playing or observing soccer
games, you should be able to enjoy the sport while being at low risk of
injury.
About the Author
Rebecca Blain is a professional and hobbyist writer who enjoys taking care
of her Siamese Fighting Fish and educating people about kid's soccer
goals, soccer history, and Everything Soccer!
As soccer is one of the most well loved sports on Earth, many children and
adults are lured into participating in playing on a daily basis. Due to this
wide spread popularity, soccer injuries are very common.
With over 80,000 adults and children going to emergency rooms every year
as a result of soccer, knowing the safety rules is vital. When playing and
watching, there are certain things that you should always be aware of so
that you and your teammates or family members are not among those hurt
through either playing or watching. There are several categories of safety
rules that you should be aware of. These consist of the following:
On Field Safety
Goal Safety
Stadium Safety
Equipment
Weather Safety
Miscellaneous Accessories
On Field Safety
Of all of the categories, on field safety is the one that players are constantly
aware of. This is where most children and adults are injured. Whether it is a
sprained ankle from tripping over the ball, collisions, and other accidents,
there are several things that you can do to prevent injury. Sprained ankles
are one of the most common soccer injuries, as there is a great deal of foot
work involved.
These injuries can be avoided by using a slight amount of caution when
passing or receiving the ball, as well as taking care when running down the
field. Proper foot position when handling the ball is one of the most effective
ways at preventing this type of injury. Unfortunately, accidents will happen,
regardless of how careful you are. By being diligent, you can make certain
whatever injuries you sustain are minor and should not interfere with future
game play. The key rule to preventing injuries on the field is to always be
observant. Know where the ball is and know who is around you.
Goal Safety
Whether you are the goalie, or a player on defense, the goal can
occasionally become a safety hazard. In most instances, collisions with goal
or goalie are caused by lack of observation. Whether you trip and fall into
the goal posts, or hit the goalie by accident, you need to make certain that
you are always watching where you going when moving in to score. Not only
can this action cause injury, it can also get you carded which could
potentially have you removed from the game.
Another point to consider when shopping for metal tube soccer goals, is to
consider goals with rounded posts instead of square posts. When colliding
with a post, you're more likely to skip off a rounded one and avoid serious
injury.
Stadium Safety
For parents, guardians and friends, there are a few stadium safety tips that
tend to be neglected when the subject of soccer safety comes up.
Occasionally a player can lose control of the soccer ball, and it enter the
stands where you are observing the game. Injuries due to being hit with the
ball, or any other piece of equipment that flies your way, can be easily
prevented by making certain you pay attention at all times.
Running through the stands, or through the player's area can be
dangerous to you and others. As a rule, common sense is the best safety
precaution you have. If it involves doing something that could harm yourself
or others, such as walking over the back of the bleachers, climbing over
people and tall benches, it should be avoided for your sake and others.
Equipment
Without soccer safety equipment, all of the in game rules would be
ineffective. Shin guards, cleats, jerseys and proper fitting shorts and socks
all work together to ensure that every player can enjoy the game without
being at high risk of injury. Shin guards are used to prevent bruising or
breaking of the lower portion of the leg, where cleats and soccer balls are
highly likely to hit you. Without these, such as lotto shinguards, you put
yourself at high risk.
Wearing a proper pair of cleats, such as the ones designed by Nike, gives
you more grip into the turf. This grip helps to prevent sprains and breaks in
the ankles. These shoes also give your feet adequate protection from other
pairs of cleats and impact with the soccer ball.
Proper fitting clothing, ranging from the jersey, shorts and socks, contribute
to player comfort. This is important, as distractions from the game can lead
to injuries to yourself and others. It is always advisable to wear your proper
jerseys to practice or to games. Specially designed jerseys and shorts are
designed to handle the rigors of soccer. The fabric in particular is designed
to stand up against grass stains as well as be comfortable.
Weather
One aspect of soccer safety that is forgotten by many players and parents
is weather conditions. Playing in the rain can be a fun, invigorating
experience, treasured by players for years to come. Despite this, playing in
muddy conditions is dangerous. The slipping and sliding that creates a
great deal of the enjoyment taken from playing soccer in the rain leaves
room for a wide variety of different injuries. If you choose to play soccer in
the rain, make certain you take every precaution possible, from wearing
cleats, guards and your protective gear.
When a full fledged storm comes up, complete with thunder and lightning,
game play should be ended immediately. A soccer field is the worst place to
be in the middle of a lightning storm, and parents as well as players have
been killed or maimed by lightning. If lightning is spotted and your referee
does not end the game, you should still leave the field as soon as possible.
Miscellaneous Accessories
Before you play soccer, you need to make certain that you are not wearing
miscellaneous accessories such as earrings, anklets and other pieces of
jewelry that could be broken or cause harm. Earrings in particular are prone
to being torn from earlobes when contact is made with a soccer ball. By
removing these pieces of jewelry and other items of this nature, you can
help prevent injuries to yourself that could be disfiguring. If you are
considering getting piercings and you play soccer, you may want to
consider planning to have your piercings done when the soccer season is
over.
If you keep all of these things in mind while playing or observing soccer
games, you should be able to enjoy the sport while being at low risk of
injury.
About the Author
Rebecca Blain is a professional and hobbyist writer who enjoys taking care
of her Siamese Fighting Fish and educating people about kid's soccer
goals, soccer history, and Everything Soccer!
Reprinted from ValuableContent.Com
www.ValuableContent.com.
www.ValuableContent.com.
Selecting Soccer Cleats ? Nightmare or Lack of Knowledge?
What kind of soccer cleats should you buy?
There are so many choices. And all this marketing nonsense out there.
Exactly. There is no simple answer to this question. Selecting the proper
soccer cleats could be very challenging but it does not have to become a
nightmare. With the adequate knowledge you can easily choose the right
soccer shoes for yourself or your child, if that?s the case.
So, let?s see what you should look for while buying soccer cleats. Besides the
price, you want to make sure they are comfortable. But how would you know if
they give you enough comfort, before you play in them at least few times?
You won?t.
But you can increase your chances of buying comfortable soccer cleats by
considering the following factors:
1.Manufacturer
2.True Leather or Synthetic
3.Studs Type
4.Size
Let's talk about these factors a little bit more.
Manufacturer
Adidas and Nike are the 2 most popular. For a good reason. They are
probably the best on the market.
While Adidas has manufactured soccer shoes ?forever?, Nike has made great
strides over the last few years. Both companies make equally good quality
soccer shoes.
I personally never played in Nike's shoes, so I can?t tell you about this brand
from my experience. My sons played soccer using both brands. After trying
them for a while, the younger son sticks to Nike while Pat (older) uses Adidas
shoes only. They both are very happy with their selections.
Do you know why?
Their feet are build differently. Pat has a much wider foot than his brother.
Adidas makes its cleats bigger in width than Nike.
Basically if you have:
Wide foot - look for a pair of Adidas Soccer Cleats.
Skinny foot - look for a pair of Nike Soccer Cleats.
It wouldn?t be fair not to mention 2 other brands, almost as good as the above
two:
Diadora and Puma.
Other brands like: Umbro, Kelme, Mitre, Lotto - only if you really can?t afford
the brands mentioned above or if you just simply like these brands.
True Leather or Synthetic
Upper portion of every soccer shoe is made out of either true leather or
synthetic material.
What is better?
True leather?in my opinion. And I recommend it to everybody who is serious
about playing soccer.
True leather gives you an uncompromising feel of the ball. It molds to your feet
producing great comfort. It also lasts longer than synthetic materials. And it is
healthier for your feet.
Synthetic materials don?t let the feet ?breathe? building up of sweat, potential
blisters and feet problem in the near future.
But?(of course there is a ?but?)
...True leather cleats cost more.
There are few different types of leather used to manufacture soccer cleats.
The least expensive is full grain. Sometimes full grain leather soccer shoes
could cost only slightly more than ?artificial?. Spending $10-20 more on much
better shoes would be really worth it.
The best leather out on the market is K-Leather (Kangaroo). Though more
expensive but it is softer, lighter and still durable.
If your feet are not growing like the speed of sound and your budget is not too
tight, definitely consider buying soccer cleats made from K-Leather.
There is another ?but? or an exception to my ?non-synthetic soccer shoes?
rule: soccer cleats made of high quality synthetic material.
These soccer shoes are manufactured with special microfiber technology that
upgrades synthetic material, usually a PU (polyurethane). It makes the PU very
soft, and strong, giving it similar feel to a natural material. Top
Super-Microfiber material can be just as expensive as some leather!
Nowadays almost all-leading sport?s footwear manufacturers use microfiber
materials. For example, Nike makes their top quality cleats from super
lightweight synthetic material called KNG-100 (Air Zoom Total 90) and
Nike-Skin (Mercurial Vapor). Even Adidas, for the first time, used microfiber for
its newest creation Adidas Predator Absolute (there is a Kangaroo leather
model as well).
So, my ?non-synthetic cleats rule? applies only to a regular (cheap) synthetic
material like PU or PVC (polyvinylchloride).
Studs Type
1. Molded Studs
There are practically two different molded soccer cleats on the market:
a) the traditional - contains a sole that has round studs (usually between ten to
fifteen).
b) the X-Grip (or bladed shape) - slimmer than round studs, strategically
placed in different angles to offer a player a better footing.
Soccer shoes with molded round studs (traditional) are more universal. What I
mean is that, this type of soccer cleats are good for hard and firm surfaces as
well as for soft grounds. However, they are not really reliable for extreme
circumstances like: very hard and dry fields (turf shoes will be the ultimate
choice here) or very soft and wet surface (screw-ins).
The X-Grip design is manufactured for specific field conditions. In this case,
with different length and angles of studs, we have to choose between soccer
cleats made specifically for either hard (HG), firm (FG) or soft (SG) ground.
Your choice then should be based on the type of fields you play soccer on the
most.
If you play on all kinds of surfaces, I would recommend-traditional round studs.
But if you really want to stick to new style, then buy X-Grip for firm pitch (FG).
Of course, the best scenario would be to have two pairs of soccer cleats for
different field conditions. But who can afford it? Not to many of us.
2. Replaceable (screw-ins) Studs
This type of cleats is very optional. Most young soccer players do not need
them. With the poor quality of most youth fields, screw-ins just wouldn?t get
enough use to warrant purchase.
Unless, you play a lot on great, soft fields and have extra cash (screw-ins can
not be the only soccer cleats you have). Also some leagues do not allow this
type of equipment.
Size
It is very important that the soccer cleats you buy must fit perfectly. This means
as snug as possible, tight to the foot (sorry parents, you can?t have growing
room in soccer cleats). Close-fitting shoes facilitate the best touch (the feel for
the ball).
Soccer shoes I usually get, for my older son (16 years old) and myself, are ?
size smaller. This is, because leather expands after a while and then molds to
the foot. For my 10 year old, since synthetic does not stretch and cleats in
junior size are not that expensive, I buy his exact shoe size.
Soccer Cleats - More Tips and Recommendations
About the author:
Adrian Gumowski has been involved in soccer for thirty years. As a former
player and now as a parent of two youth soccer players Adrian shares his
knowledge on soccer equipment and other soccer related topics at
www.my-youth-soccer-guide.com.
What kind of soccer cleats should you buy?
There are so many choices. And all this marketing nonsense out there.
Exactly. There is no simple answer to this question. Selecting the proper
soccer cleats could be very challenging but it does not have to become a
nightmare. With the adequate knowledge you can easily choose the right
soccer shoes for yourself or your child, if that?s the case.
So, let?s see what you should look for while buying soccer cleats. Besides the
price, you want to make sure they are comfortable. But how would you know if
they give you enough comfort, before you play in them at least few times?
You won?t.
But you can increase your chances of buying comfortable soccer cleats by
considering the following factors:
1.Manufacturer
2.True Leather or Synthetic
3.Studs Type
4.Size
Let's talk about these factors a little bit more.
Manufacturer
Adidas and Nike are the 2 most popular. For a good reason. They are
probably the best on the market.
While Adidas has manufactured soccer shoes ?forever?, Nike has made great
strides over the last few years. Both companies make equally good quality
soccer shoes.
I personally never played in Nike's shoes, so I can?t tell you about this brand
from my experience. My sons played soccer using both brands. After trying
them for a while, the younger son sticks to Nike while Pat (older) uses Adidas
shoes only. They both are very happy with their selections.
Do you know why?
Their feet are build differently. Pat has a much wider foot than his brother.
Adidas makes its cleats bigger in width than Nike.
Basically if you have:
Wide foot - look for a pair of Adidas Soccer Cleats.
Skinny foot - look for a pair of Nike Soccer Cleats.
It wouldn?t be fair not to mention 2 other brands, almost as good as the above
two:
Diadora and Puma.
Other brands like: Umbro, Kelme, Mitre, Lotto - only if you really can?t afford
the brands mentioned above or if you just simply like these brands.
True Leather or Synthetic
Upper portion of every soccer shoe is made out of either true leather or
synthetic material.
What is better?
True leather?in my opinion. And I recommend it to everybody who is serious
about playing soccer.
True leather gives you an uncompromising feel of the ball. It molds to your feet
producing great comfort. It also lasts longer than synthetic materials. And it is
healthier for your feet.
Synthetic materials don?t let the feet ?breathe? building up of sweat, potential
blisters and feet problem in the near future.
But?(of course there is a ?but?)
...True leather cleats cost more.
There are few different types of leather used to manufacture soccer cleats.
The least expensive is full grain. Sometimes full grain leather soccer shoes
could cost only slightly more than ?artificial?. Spending $10-20 more on much
better shoes would be really worth it.
The best leather out on the market is K-Leather (Kangaroo). Though more
expensive but it is softer, lighter and still durable.
If your feet are not growing like the speed of sound and your budget is not too
tight, definitely consider buying soccer cleats made from K-Leather.
There is another ?but? or an exception to my ?non-synthetic soccer shoes?
rule: soccer cleats made of high quality synthetic material.
These soccer shoes are manufactured with special microfiber technology that
upgrades synthetic material, usually a PU (polyurethane). It makes the PU very
soft, and strong, giving it similar feel to a natural material. Top
Super-Microfiber material can be just as expensive as some leather!
Nowadays almost all-leading sport?s footwear manufacturers use microfiber
materials. For example, Nike makes their top quality cleats from super
lightweight synthetic material called KNG-100 (Air Zoom Total 90) and
Nike-Skin (Mercurial Vapor). Even Adidas, for the first time, used microfiber for
its newest creation Adidas Predator Absolute (there is a Kangaroo leather
model as well).
So, my ?non-synthetic cleats rule? applies only to a regular (cheap) synthetic
material like PU or PVC (polyvinylchloride).
Studs Type
1. Molded Studs
There are practically two different molded soccer cleats on the market:
a) the traditional - contains a sole that has round studs (usually between ten to
fifteen).
b) the X-Grip (or bladed shape) - slimmer than round studs, strategically
placed in different angles to offer a player a better footing.
Soccer shoes with molded round studs (traditional) are more universal. What I
mean is that, this type of soccer cleats are good for hard and firm surfaces as
well as for soft grounds. However, they are not really reliable for extreme
circumstances like: very hard and dry fields (turf shoes will be the ultimate
choice here) or very soft and wet surface (screw-ins).
The X-Grip design is manufactured for specific field conditions. In this case,
with different length and angles of studs, we have to choose between soccer
cleats made specifically for either hard (HG), firm (FG) or soft (SG) ground.
Your choice then should be based on the type of fields you play soccer on the
most.
If you play on all kinds of surfaces, I would recommend-traditional round studs.
But if you really want to stick to new style, then buy X-Grip for firm pitch (FG).
Of course, the best scenario would be to have two pairs of soccer cleats for
different field conditions. But who can afford it? Not to many of us.
2. Replaceable (screw-ins) Studs
This type of cleats is very optional. Most young soccer players do not need
them. With the poor quality of most youth fields, screw-ins just wouldn?t get
enough use to warrant purchase.
Unless, you play a lot on great, soft fields and have extra cash (screw-ins can
not be the only soccer cleats you have). Also some leagues do not allow this
type of equipment.
Size
It is very important that the soccer cleats you buy must fit perfectly. This means
as snug as possible, tight to the foot (sorry parents, you can?t have growing
room in soccer cleats). Close-fitting shoes facilitate the best touch (the feel for
the ball).
Soccer shoes I usually get, for my older son (16 years old) and myself, are ?
size smaller. This is, because leather expands after a while and then molds to
the foot. For my 10 year old, since synthetic does not stretch and cleats in
junior size are not that expensive, I buy his exact shoe size.
Soccer Cleats - More Tips and Recommendations
About the author:
Adrian Gumowski has been involved in soccer for thirty years. As a former
player and now as a parent of two youth soccer players Adrian shares his
knowledge on soccer equipment and other soccer related topics at
www.my-youth-soccer-guide.com.
Reprinted from ValuableContent.Com
www.ValuableContent.com.
www.ValuableContent.com.
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