Heads Up For Soccer

Soccer, also called football or ‘footy’ in other countries, is played all over the world. Unlike Football as played in the United States, soccer players aren’t loaded up with safety gear and helmets. Aside from cleats to help with running, and shin guards to  protect legs from those cleats, soccer players wear regular clothes, usually shorts and shirts. Also unlike Football, soccer is more about skill and strategy than size and strength.

Children as young as four years old can join soccer leagues. At that age emphasis is more on fun than rules, and a size 3 soccer ball is used. As kids grow, they learn more rules and skills, and the sizes of the ball and the playing field expand.

The Alameda County Library has lots of things to help you improve your skills playing, coaching, and refereeing soccer:

Play Soccer Like a Pro: Key Skills and Tips by Christopher Forest

“Instructional tips on how to improve one’s soccer skills, including quotes and advice from professional coaches and athletes.”

[J796.33407 FOREST]

Cool Soccer Facts by Abby Czeskleba

“Pelé scored more than 1,200 goals in his soccer career. Want to know other cool soccer facts? Check out this book. You’ll get a kick out of it.”

Simple text and full-color photos illustrate facts about the rules, equipment, and records of soccer.                        [JE 796.334 CZESKLEBA]

Kingfisher Soccer Encyclopedia by Clive Gifford

“This ultimate guide to soccer explains the rules, skills, and tactics; explores issues surrounding the game; and profiles the best players throughout the world.”

[J796.33403 GIFFORD]

20 Soccer Superstars by Mauricio Velazquez de Leon

“Since 1930, the World Cup has brought teams from around the world to compete in the global soccer competition. This exciting series presents the great legends, games, teams and superstars of the World Cup and shows how they have changed history.”     [J796.33409 VELAZQUEZ DE LEON]

Let ‘em Play: Soccer Coaching Tips for Youth Players U-6 to U-12

This instructional DVD from the American Youth Soccer Association [AYSO] includes:

Games: U-6 (Dribbling, Red light, Big bad bear, LA Freeway, Tag, Into the well, Lion king) — U-8 (The big race, Mosquito, Bank robbery, Pac woman, BBB w/caves, State game, Knock it off) — U-10 (My buddy, Mad house, Dribbling, Pac man, The shadow, The race, The web, Takeovers) — U-12 (Dribbling/passing, Juggling, Instep drive, Heading, Pig soccer, Tackling/collection, Distribution, Punts)     [DVD J796.3342 LET]

Sports are in the Air!

 Spring Sports

Little League is under way and soccer is just getting started. Come in to your Library branch and find stories, and hints and tricks for improving your game skills. Here is a sample:

Play Ball! Training Pack: The Authentic Little League Training Guides

Major league baseball professionals Dusty Baker, Rex Hudler, Bud Black, and Reggie Smith, teach the fundamentals of baseball as well as the rules and regulations of Little League baseball.

[DVD J796.35722 PLAY]

Bases Loaded by Mike Knudson

“Looking forward to defeating a rival team at the Little League championship, a win that would impress the girls they like and shame the school bully, best friends Raymond and Graham are dismayed when their big plans turn out differently than anticipated.”

[J KNUDSON]

Baserunning for Softball: Skills and Drills

Presents a detailed overview of the fundamentals and techniques involved in effective baserunning. Topics covered include getting out of the box, check points for baserunners, angles for extra bases, timing the different leads, baserunning mechanics, signaling to baserunners, sliding mechanics, sliding safety, types of slides, and developmental drills.          

 [DVD J796.3578 BASERUNNING]

Girls Play to Win Softball by Marty Gitlin

“Covers the history, rules, fundamentals, and significant personalities of the sport of women’s softball. Topics include: techniques, strategies, competitive events, and equipment. Glossary, Additional Resources, and Index included”

[J796.3578 GITLIN]

MadCat by Kathy Mackel

“Fast-pitch softball catcher MadCat Campione’s love for the sport — and her relationship with her best friends — is strained when her team competes on a national level.

 ”In order to prepare for a chance in the National competition this year, half of MadCat Campione’s softball team gets cut to bring in hotshot players from out of town and the team’s coach is fired — making MadCat and the rest of the girls wonder if winning will be really worth it in the end.”     [J MACKEL]

Now for Something Very Serious…….

~~~   April Fools!   ~~~

 

Today is April Fools Day! What does that mean? Well, there are lots of ideas but no one really knows for sure. But however it started, it can be a lot of fun — just remember to keep it light hearted, both the tricker and the trickee. No mean tricks!

• Superglue some coins to the sidewalk or any spot that has a lot of people walking around. Make sure it’s an appropriate place, then watch people try to get the coins.
• Go with a couple of friends, stand near some busy street corner – stare and point up at the sky. Watch the reactions of people around you!
• Buy a bunch of googly eyes from a craft store and stick them everywhere.

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