Imparting Knowledge

Playing this game for a long while and playing in the same position for about eight or nine years, you know the type of plays to make in a game. As a center back, I need to know when to step in, when to drop off or when to cover my ground. Also my criteria as a center back is trying to do the less running as possible while defending. When I say that I am trying to say, how can I put myself in the perfect position so I don't have to rush myself and over-do things.

Now I am playing on a team where I am actually one of the older guys on the team even at 24. And most of the players who are deputizing in my position is in the range of 21 to about 19. I'm sure they know about the game and they have some knowledge but they have some of the deficiencies that I had when I was in that age. Even though they are looking to play in my spot, I feel somewhat obligated to let guys know how to make certain plays without breaking a sweat or being in the right position that the ball sticks to you. I don't feel like it's an obligation, I feel like helping out people because I wish I had the same sort of help when I was around their ages. I mean don't get me wrong, the coaches did their jobs very well and I learned a lot from them. However there's not a better feeling when a player fills you in on some of their knowledge.

I know what you're thinking, why tell those who might take your spot how to (in fact) take your spot. Well, I feel the goodness in my heart to do so. I enjoy the competition and knowing that there is someone behind me that could potentially take my spot. Plus even if they know how to do the things I know how to do. I believe that I know how to do play my position very well so it'll take some magical work rate and doing your job to perfection to take my spot.

They know that and they know that whenever they need to ask a question. I'm not afraid to share a wee bit of wisdom to the young kids and hopefully they'll think to do the same with others....