Discover the Passion Behind Football: An Inspiring Training Experience

This article offers a fresh perspective on football, steering clear of scandals and national team triumphs, focusing instead on understanding the universal love for the game.

Some believe women can’t truly enjoy football, while others think girls who like the sport do so just for attention. Personally, I had never watched match broadcasts or understood the allure pulling fans to screens and fields alike. But one training session as part of the 'I Create Myself' initiative was enough to shatter these myths and reveal football’s true charm — a sport to be loved regardless of gender.

Participating in adidas's 'I Create Myself' program was my quest to find the perfect sport — one that blends excitement, benefits, and a captivating challenge to fully immerse in training.

My journey spanned boxing, body ballet, anti-gravity workouts, and rock climbing. Now, it was time for football.

Why Endurance is Crucial for Football Players

Our session kicked off as dusk settled, bringing relief from the day’s heat. Had the temperature been even slightly higher, I doubt I could have kept up. Despite football being a favorite form of running, the warm-up, specialized exercises, and recovery didn’t stop my shirt from being drenched within 20 minutes.

Coaches advised us not to drink water, promising an exhilarating experience — and they delivered.

They estimated our heart rates averaged between 160-170 bpm, sometimes spiking above 180. Such intensity is challenging and potentially harmful for the untrained. Football demands immense energy, even though the drills might seem simple.

The Importance of Coordination in Football

After warming up, we practiced basic movements: navigating a short obstacle course sideways and backward, lifting legs while leaning forward to maintain balance — exercises reminiscent of school days.

Handling the ball was another challenge — rolling it between feet, circling it around, and maneuvering through a small triangular path.

Though it seemed straightforward, it was incredibly tough. Fellow participants struggled too, resulting in many mistakes, stray balls, and sweaty determination.

Our focus was entirely on controlling the ball, yet professional players manage to keep their eyes up and around simultaneously — a skill I aspire to master.

Why Aggressiveness Trumps Politeness on the Field

Once we gained confidence with the ball, coaches intensified the session with competitive drills: trying to steal the ball from opponents without losing our own.

Failing to keep the ball meant penalty exercises like jumps and planks — which, after the fierce ball battles, felt like rest.

This phase sparked a competitive fire — the drive to win. Though tempted to rest, I knew giving up my ball was out of the question.

Then came the highlight: the game. Teams were formed, goals set, and the match began.

My natural politeness and personal space habits clashed with the need for close contact. Approaching a stranger to steal the ball felt awkward — what if I accidentally pushed her?

While hesitating, I lost the ball multiple times, and our team conceded a goal. That’s when politeness had to go.

On the field, politeness is replaced by calculated strength and agility.

Injuries are not on your mind — perhaps that’s why they often don’t happen. Adrenaline surges as you strive to move the ball across the field, intercept passes, and make plays.

I even reached the opponent’s goal, though my shot narrowly missed the post. That moment will stay with me — I made it there! The game followed simplified rules, and the field was much smaller than official dimensions, but I took a shot. The misses just mean more practice is needed.

In the end, we scored against our rivals. Now I understand why teams embrace after goals and why fans go wild. If you love football, you know this feeling. If not, try playing — you’ll soon see why.

How Football Sharpens the Mind

Exhausted and sweaty, we ended with traditional stretching. I realized football offers even more than physical challenge; it demands mental engagement.

Coaches confirmed that one training session isn’t enough to grasp football’s depth. The sport requires constant mental effort.

Alla Filina

Coach at Girl Power Football Club

Look at a vast football field with 22 players constantly moving. Imagine the countless combinations unfolding in a game. No two matches are alike; athletes must constantly analyze and adapt to ever-changing situations.

Football is a sport where there’s no dead end. At every level, there are exciting challenges to solve.

Beginners come with varying knowledge — some may not know any rules or player roles. Yet, they must learn how to move, manage energy, control the ball, anticipate opponents, and, importantly, play as a team.

But that’s for later, once football truly captivates you. To start, sign up for an 'I Create Myself' training session and discover why millions are passionate about this sport.

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