Figured I’d try something nuts this weekend and actually practice soccer like the pros do during the World Cup. Not just kicking a ball around the park, nah. Wanted the full, sweaty, feels-like-Houston-in-July experience. Here’s how it went down.
First Step: Gear & Grub
Woke up stupid early, sun wasn’t even up. Knew it’d get scorching later. Dug out all my old stuff:
- That faded soccer jersey I got years ago at a match
- Proper cleats – dusty, but okay
- Sunblock bottle nearly empty (used the last bit)
- Cheap cones leftover from my kid’s birthday party last summer
- Giant water jug filled with ice water – lifesaver
Heading Out & The Setup
Drove to that giant public field across town. Roads were already packed – felt like everyone decided to play at 7AM. Parked way in the back. Hauled my gear bag and jug over lumpy grass.
Found a free patch, dropped everything. Felt like setting up camp. Placed the cones in a dribbling zig-zag like I’d seen teams do warm-ups. Just me out there at first, felt kinda silly.
Drills Like Crazy
Started easy, just running around the cones, passing the ball back and forth with the fence. Feet felt clumsy as hell at first. Ball kept escaping. Kept at it.
Got hotter. Started serious running drills. Up and down the field, pretending I was chasing a striker. Sweat was pouring into my eyes within minutes. Took breaks only to chug water. Tried some shots on goal – imagined an epic crowd roar. Mostly hit the crossbar or flew wide. Frustrating, but kept going.
Ended with just sprinting the length of the field five times flat out. Legs felt like lead weights. Throat on fire.
Finishing & Feeling It
Total practice time: about 90 minutes. Way longer than planned. Cramping up near the end.
Collapsed onto the grass next to my empty jug. Arms and legs completely trembled. Could barely stand. Tried stretching – groaning like an old floorboard. Saw other people arriving, laughing, having an easy kickabout. Felt hardcore just breathing.
Got home, legs already stiff. Took the coldest shower possible. Then ate like a starved beast. Whole day felt drained, but seriously satisfied. Felt the tiny tiniest bit of what those World Cup guys might feel after a match – wrecked but buzzing.
Crazy way to spend a Saturday morning. Would absolutely do it again. Just maybe with a bigger water jug.