Renaissance

Unfortunately for the football this week there wasn't 14 in the squad as expected - in fact we were down to 11 (6 vs 5). Still, this was undoubtedly my best game yet. Although I was in the team of 5 and we were up against it, we had a real go at glory. The big improvement for me was that I'd done a bit of physical exercise the previous couple of days. I walked from the flat to Morrisons and back (total of an hours walk) on the Sunday. On the Monday I jogged to Morrisons and walked back, with my shopping. The benefits could be felt on the Tuesday when I played at Power League. All through the game I was able to maintain running around, one moment in defence, the next, making a run forward to an attacking position. Even at the end of the hour, I still wasn't tired - in fact I think I felt more energetic after having warmed up for an hour! I thought my overall play was very good (by my lame standards); for example, I was often able to run into space, shout for the ball and receive it, before either dribbling forward for a shot on goal or making a half decent pass. In defence, I found that as well as marking the player with the ball, I was aware of the runner behind me and was adjusting my position so as to try and obstruct the line of view and hence limit the options of the attacker.
I scored 2 goals I think, one a decent solo effort, but I could've probably scored 5 or 6 if I'd been more patient or had better shooting technique when it counts. I was particularly proud of a couple of solo efforts at running forward, where I ran at defenders and almost dribbled past 2 or 3 of them. A couple of times I did create adequate space for a shot but the end product was lacking.
The bottom line is that once you have established a basic, reasonable level of stamina, that acts as a foundation on which to develop all other aspects of your game. Like me, you don't need to be particularly gifted, but so long as you don't tire yourself out easily, you can still make a significant contribution to the game. It does of course help to have an awareness of where you need to improve so as you can better yourself week in week out. Having that week off helped as well - I think I'd been needing a rest.
Ultimately the fitter you are the more you get from a game such as football - there's been times when I haven't enjoyed playing, due to not having much involvement in the game, but when you feel like part of it and you're doing alright then the fun factor is increased considerably. It's times like that when I feel I could play for hours on end.

Long may the renaissance continue! Yet more reasons to shop at Morrisons.