Self Reflection Blog

Posted on June 1st, 2009 by 1deathcab

Self Reflection Blog

 

June 1st, 2009

 

  1. When it comes to blogging, there must have been a good reason why Ms.Rumford preferred us to do this and not other usual writing activities. I think the reason maybe that since blogging allows us to share our knowledge with other bloggers that happen to be interested in what you’re also interested in. Plus, it doesn’t even have to be information; it could be personal experiences too. In addition, blogging helps us students recognize different people’s points of view which decreases our risk of becoming narrow-minded in the future. Another very important reason is given that we could write about something we are passionate, we become better writers because we put more effort into something we care about. Therefore, there will be better content in our blogs. For example, since I was writing about my true passion, soccer, I enjoyed it a lot because I was sharing my knowledge with the blogging world and I ended up with a very good writing piece. Unlike blogging, traditional writing activities seem to demonstrate a lack of consistency due to the fact that it probably won’t bring out our better writing skills. Also, they barely at times can be enjoyable which doesn’t encourage us to try our best, unless if it’s for a grade. All these are valued reasons in which make blogging stand out as a better learning tool compared to the typical writing assignments that are nowhere near as beneficial as the cyber technique.

 

  1. During this blogging period, I indeed have accomplished many things such as using more voice in my writing, however, not using too much of it where it starts to sound unprofessional. In the past writing assignments, I’d always be scared about putting some voice into it because when I do, it starts to sound to slang. Therefore, I would always keep my writing pieces voiceless, unfortunately. Although, when I was typing my blog entries, the voice started coming naturally to me. Given that, I found my blogs very informative and professional, yet at the same time fun and full of voice! This probably happened because I’m talking about a sport that I show compassion towards and know a lot about! Another thing that I happened to accomplish is using better transition words. Since most of my blogs required me to use transition words to explain many things like steps, positions, passing and such, I had to practice using the right ones to make the blog flow more. In addition, I also had to be careful not to use the same ones repetitively. Next, I also accomplished getting better at my sentence structure. At first, I used to always mix main clauses with another two main clauses and so on. I didn’t even know what a main clause was until I had to learn and pay attention to them in my blogs. Now knowing the different sentence types, my writing overall becomes much more fluent and has a bit of a rhythm, hypothetically speaking. Sentence structure was always an issue with me, however, now it’s an enhancement in my knowledge that will show through all my writings in the future.

 

  1. Throughout the entire time of blogging, I have now come to realize that I have learned many new things that benefit me socially and academically. Not only have I learned the different types of sentences, but also better places to insert a comma. When I used to write I would always insert the comma after conjunctions, however. Little did I know that the comma was supposed to be placed before the conjunction. For this, my blogs have been containing less punctuation mistakes than usual. Furthermore, I’ve also learned more about what my classmates are into. My L.A. class doesn’t contain that many people I know, especially when it comes to the opposite sex. Although, now, I’ve learned more about my classmate’s interests which can help me socialize better with them. In addition, I also learned about what blogging really is. At first, I used to think it was something similar to a social network, like Facebook. However, I’ve learned that blogging is much different and that their used a lot for educational purposes. Finally, I have also learned a lot about my own subject that I was blogging about, which was soccer. Due to the amount of extra research I wanted to do, I’ve happened to run over some very interesting facts about soccer that could be very beneficial to me when I’m ever playing.

 

  1. From the many things I’ve learned during this wonderful period, I can use them to benefit me in the future to come. For example, I learning more about my classmates can really help me in the future for if I ever happen to be grouped with them, it may be easier to cooperate since I know a little more about them than I used. In addition, I have something to talk about with them if I ever happen to see them outside of school. After learning more about punctuation concepts, it can really make use for me when I’m older and writing or editing any papers. Such a small concept, if learned, can really help anyone in many useful ways! Plus, from learning more about blogs and how to use them, if I ever have to do blogs in any academic class in the future, I at least will know the complete basics of blogging and what it is. Next, since I learned the many new things for soccer, I have the ability to use them the next year for the JV soccer team. I’ll also have a better endurance when I play soccer because I found out better foods to eat that will increase one’s energy. This all demonstrates how useful and beneficial blogging can be. Blogging allows us to get out of our comfort zone and express our interests, which definitely (sometimes) makes blogging helpful in life!

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Exercises and Drills for Soccer!

Posted on May 24th, 2009 by 1deathcab

Blog 5- A Variety of Soccer Drills and Exercises

 

When it comes to soccer drills that help prepare soccer players for a game, there are many different kinds that can benefit them in different ways and, that could impact on the way they play. Their coordination may really improve by just doing some simple exercises with their friends.

            First, there is an exercise called Four vs. Four where there are two groups of four and play a normal scrimmage, however they have to focus on playing in a diamond arrangement in order to score a goal. Indeed, this will enhance the player’s teamwork, communication and concentration. An efficient idea would be that the teams switch around the players so that everyone can get used to each other’s playing strategy and technique. Another drill that soccer players happen to exercise is Four Goals. The goal of this activity is to improve the player’s attacking and defensive strategy. To play this game, four goals will be set up in a square field (one in the middle of each side) and there will be two teams will be trying to defend their goals, and attack the opposing team’s goals. In addition, there are many drills that can advance a player’s dribbling skills and control of the ball, which is known as Dribbler’s Dream. Dribbler’s Dream requires two teams of players, and each player must dribble the ball before trying to make a move, such as making a goal. Not only will it enhance the player’s dribbling skills and control of the ball, but also he or she’s leg/eye coordination too. There still are many other drills and exercises that can improve your skills and fitness in soccer.

When it comes to heading a ball, there is an effective drill that can improve a player’s headers if their put in a situation where they need to do one. An exercise called Heads Up. In order to play, a team must spread out in a circle, and let the coach enter the center so he can throw the ball to any player around him. The player must header the ball back to the coach in order to improve better control and aim of the header. If a player’s searching to enhance his shooting skills, then a drill called Hit the Cone will really help. A set of cones will be lined up, four feet apart, and two players will face each other from opposing sides of the cones. The players then should start take turns shooting at the cone in between them in the middle, and if a player misses the cone then the other one should try to take the ball to shoot. Whoever hits the cone down the most is claimed winner!

Overall, these simple drills and exercises may really improve your skills in soccer which will definitely reflect on how you play the games. Therefore, for any soccer player who wants to get better at a true sport, then doing these drills would be an intelligent idea!

 

 

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Reminder: Water is Good!

Posted on May 16th, 2009 by 1deathcab

Blog 4- Drinking Water Should be a Rule!

 

            On the field or off the field, drinking water is a key essential for living a healthy life. Water keeps your inner body, hair and skin hydrated. If you have any headache or backache, those may be symptoms of dehydration which means your body contains little water. Not to mention, drinking water can reduce your unhealthy cravings and that can lead to loss of weight. Many people in this world choose not to drink as much water as they should be which causes them to become dehydrated, which is a key thing everyone should avoid. However when you are a soccer player, drinking water should be considered a regulation due to its contribution to your body which reflects on how you play.

            According to experts, soccer players should be drinking one to two liters of water two hours before a game. In result, this will increase the amount of energy you will put in the game and it will keep your body hydrated throughout the game, which will help your team win victoriously! Without water keeping your body active, you will start to tire out very quickly and easily, and this will cause your body to begin aching due to dehydration. Despite all these benefits from water, it will never improve your actual skills in soccer but, it will enhance your stamina and alertness for the ball. In addition, you will be more concentrated and focused on the game which will lessen the mistakes you make on the field.

            Speaking of which, sometimes, the amount of water you drink can depend on the weather you play in. If it’s perhaps winter, then you don’t have to drink as much water as you would during summer. However, it’s still a good idea to drink the same amount of water just in case. It’s never a bad idea to drink more water than you should but, if you drink more than the maximum it could lead to water poisoning. Water poisoning doesn’t occur often, however, it can still happen. Therefore, if you’re drinking water and meanwhile you feel lightheaded or nausea, then you should stop drinking water immediately and visit the most nearby hospital around.

            To recall, most people in our world forget the significance and necessity of drinking water. Of course it keeps us hydrated, but that isn’t the only reason why water is an essential component to sustaining a healthy body, whether it’s playing soccer or not. Although, when it does come to playing soccer, water can be extremely beneficial in a variety of ways when it’s drunk. In conclusion, drink water, stay healthy and drink water!

           

            Credit due to:

 

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-water-poisoning.htm

 

http://www.soccer-training-guide.com/drinking-water.html

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The ‘Do’s’ and ‘Don’ts’ of Soccer!

Posted on May 9th, 2009 by 1deathcab

            When your play a game against another team, whether it’s basketball, baseball or in fact soccer, you should always have an established relationship with your team mates. This could really reimburse on the way you play. Now that is one essential key point you must do in order to succeed a cooperative team. However, in a game, you must never annoy the referee even if he is a lousy one. He or she could call a yellow or red card on you and that is something that should be avoided. Evidently, this is something any soccer player shouldn’t do! These are all just one of the many small ‘Do’s’ and ‘Don’ts’ that can create a substantial improvement when you play.

 

            Another direction that you should pursue is passing the ball to your team mates in a game. However, if you just hog the ball, there is a more likely chance that the opposing team will steal the ball because it’s in possession of only one person heading one way. Although, if you’re passing the ball to your team mates, not only does it transport the ball closer and faster to the goal but also makes the other team waste their energy by running to follow the ball. A different pro that you should conquer is that you should always be open for a pass because if your not, your team mate with the ball will struggle tremendously trying to survive all the opposing team’s defenders. In addition, if you’re open for a pass, you have a better chance at scoring a goal because the opposing team will slow down for a couple of seconds trying to look for the ball. That may not seem like a lot of time, but it actually is if it’s an intense game! In soccer, there may be a ton of pros you can do but also there are cons that you can do easily.

 

            Speaking of cons, one of the easiest ones you can mistakenly do is passing to the other team. This can greatly affect the game because once they get the ball, it will be very hard to get it back if their strategy is strategic. Not to mention, if they have the ball, your defenders should be ready to take on those forward players on the opposing team. Next, another negative that you should avoid is having sugary treats before you play because those can slow you extremely down when you run. It is much better that you stick to drinking a plentiful of water to keep you hydrated and to have a fruit. Bananas are highly recommended due to their amounts of potassium and energy! Therefore, it is a good idea to have a good night sleep and a healthy breakfast.

           

            In conclusion, for all you soccer players out there, sticking to this advice can really help you out there on the field. These small enhancements can really make a substantial difference in how you play!  

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Soccer’s Effects on your Body and the Solutions

Posted on May 2nd, 2009 by 1deathcab

Throughout my life, soccer has been playing a big role in which my family notices. Speaking of my family, at times, they can be very encouraging when it comes to me playing soccer. At other times, they don’t admire the fact that I’m playing a guys sport, which I’m not. Soccer was made for everyone to enjoy and play, not just specific genders!

They prefer me playing sports like tennis and swimming because those sports can give you a bit of muscle, but not too much. However in soccer, it gives you a lot of muscle in your legs, which my parents disapprove of because they think girls shouldn’t have muscle. On the contrary, I think that girls should have muscles to be fit but the amount of muscle a girl can put on varies. Plus, I learned that despite everyone’s claims that soccer isn’t beneficial for girls, soccer is projected as a solution for young obese children. However, one hypothesis is proven valid for that soccer may have some negative impact on your knees due to all the running which leaves pressure and tension on your knees. Nevertheless, there are a variety of different shoes that can help reduce the tension in your knee and bandages to. Serious damage on your knee may occur if you don’t treat the pain you sustain in your muscles. Not all damage in your muscles occur from physical activities, some times it’s just growing pain.

No doubt, soccer does have its impact on our bodies, but sometimes there are actions you can take to prevent any negative outcome from your body. For example, before you pass a soccer ball around, it would be an intelligible choice to stretch out your arms and legs so that your risk of muscle damage can diminish. Those diminutive actions can make the largest difference when you play and after you play. In addition, taking care of your body positions when you play soccer can really take toll on your lower body because if your flat footed, not only will it effect the speed of your movement but also your knees due to the imbalance. Your knees can also carry a burden if you have issues with your weight. People who suffer from being overweight are more likely to develop knee problems than people who aren’t. The extra weight can be a struggle to carry around. Therefore, their knees will probably start hurting from all the pressure and weight. For that reason being, it is a necessity to maintain a healthy weight in order to play soccer at a more intense level.

In conclusion, playing soccer needs commitment, devotion and heart! You can go outside and just kick the ball around or, you can play a match with your friends and have the best time of your life. Soccer is different to everyone, to me; it’s my Michael Phelps in the Olympics!

Credit due to:

· http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/112549/medical_conditions/take_good_care_of_your_knees_and_be_active_all_your_life.html

· http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0271531703002537

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Soccer in the summer!

Posted on April 28th, 2009 by 1deathcab

            I’m sure that the title of my blog page has made it evident enough to show that I am a soccer kind of person. I just have a serious passion for watching and playing soccer. Despite any season, whether it’s the scorching heat or the thundering storm, I’m going to be out there doing what I love.

           

Therefore, I was planning on attending a Stanford soccer program in Palo Alto, California. I did so much research about it and it seems like a ton of fun. The only part I’m insecure about is the fact they are going to be people way older than me in the program so they are probably going to be much better than me in soccer. However, I’m going there to enhance my skills and have fun, so that shouldn’t stop me. Plus, at the beginning of the school year JV soccer try outs are going to start so I want to be prepared as much as possible!

 

            After checking out the program, I realized that during the summer Ramadan is going to take place during my soccer try outs, which will definitely make it harder for me to push it to my limit. That didn’t bring me down too heavily, however. Drinking water really keeps me going when it comes to sports so it’s going to be quite fustrating.

 

            A couple of days later, my parents broke my heart when they told me that our plans to California during the summer were off. I was on the verge of breaking something, but I endured. Instead of California, my parents wanted to head somewhere in Europe. All my plans were ruined, that left me devastated until my parents suggested that I could take some soccer lessons in Syria when I visit my family. That wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, but I took it. Like I said, it doesn’t really matter the place, as long as I’m doing what I love!

 

 

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Posted on March 15th, 2009 by 1deathcab

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