Soccer roots (part 2)

Although I started out playing goalkeeper, I also really loved to play right forward. I had quick acceleration, a lot of speed and a knack for crossing the ball well. It also allowed me to run, pass and shoot – things a keeper doesn’t do nearly as much (especially on my first team). The coaches would always make me play in the goal until we had enough of a lead. Then they would sub me out of keeper so I could play forward. Most games I couldn’t wait to get out and run the right wing.

After several years of this I started to purposely miss balls in practice and let my keeper skills go. I didn’t improve like other keepers did – I didn’t put forth any effort – and soon the coaches had no choice. I was knocked from first keeper status easily by another player. However, I was a terrific forward as well, and they weren’t going to sit me on the sidelines. So, I left the goalie position never looking back.

I enjoyed decades of playing every position except keeper and became proficient in each. I learned to chip the ball extremely well and to pass through defenses into space. I learned a few dribbling moves and retained my instinctual ability to read players and defend against them. I learned to kick the ball hard and long with relative accuracy. I learned to anticipate the play of the game and put myself into advantageous positions. I learned to sneak past defenses and put the ball on-goal. I learned how to trap the ball well and how to make the ball banana (bend it like Beckham). I became a well-rounded player – good everywhere on the field, but not a superstar in any one capacity. That’s what I gave up when I left keeper. I had once been the premiere goal keeper, but now I was just another good field player.

I always wished I had stuck it out in goal, but I didn't. I just love to play the game and be in the action. Now when I play, I gravitate towards offensive mid-fielder or forward. However, I'm always looking for the deficiency on the team so I can fill it. That team-oriented mindset has brought me full circle.