On the Pitch: Diego's Story

Chapter 10

The sun was just starting to rise over Salzburg, casting a golden glow across the training grounds. I arrived at the facility early, determined to make the most of every minute. Our next match was crucial, and I knew I needed to sharpen my skills, particularly my shooting and dribbling.

As I walked onto the pitch, I felt the cool morning air fill my lungs. The field was quiet, except for the occasional chirping of birds and the distant hum of traffic. It was the perfect time to focus.

Shooting Drills

I set up several cones at varying distances from the goal, representing defenders. The goalposts loomed ahead, waiting for my best shots. I placed a dozen balls at the penalty spot and took a deep breath.

I started with simple shots, focusing on accuracy. Planting my left foot firmly beside the ball, I swung my right leg and aimed for the bottom corners. The first few shots felt good, the ball hitting the back of the net with satisfying thuds. I gradually increased the difficulty, trying to bend the ball around imaginary defenders, simulating match situations.

"Focus on your technique, Diego," I reminded myself, recalling Coach Jaissle's advice. "Keep your body over the ball, and don't rush your shots."

After a while, I moved the balls further back, just outside the box. This time, I aimed for power. The sound of the ball smashing into the net echoed across the empty field. My legs began to feel the strain, but I welcomed the burn. It was a sign that I was pushing myself.

I envisioned game scenarios: receiving a pass at the edge of the box, turning quickly, and firing a shot past the keeper. Each time, I imagined the roar of the crowd and the surge of adrenaline. By the time I finished, sweat was pouring down my face, and my heart was pounding.

Dribbling Drills

Next, I focused on dribbling. I set up a series of cones in a zigzag pattern, extending from one end of the pitch to the other. This drill was about control, agility, and quick decision-making.

Starting at the first cone, I weaved in and out, keeping the ball close to my feet. I varied my speed, sometimes bursting past a cone, other times slowing down to make tight turns. The key was to keep my movements unpredictable, just as I would in a match.

"Quick feet, Diego. Stay light on your toes," I heard my coach's voice in my head.

I incorporated different moves: step-overs, feints, and quick changes of direction. Each maneuver had to be precise. If I lost control, I reset and started again. The goal was to make these actions second nature, so I wouldn't have to think about them during a game.

After several runs through the cones, I added an extra layer of difficulty. I had one of the assistant coaches stand in as a defender, providing some resistance as I dribbled. This forced me to react quickly, using my body to shield the ball and finding creative ways to get past him.

Combining Skills

To finish the session, I combined both drills. Starting from the halfway line, I dribbled through the cones, evading the assistant coach, and then took a shot on goal. This simulated the end-to-end effort required in a real match: winning the ball, navigating through defenders, and finishing with precision.

The last drill was intense. My legs felt heavy, but I pushed through, knowing that this was the kind of preparation that made the difference on match day. I imagined the upcoming game, visualizing how these drills would translate into real situations.

As the session came to an end, I stood at the edge of the pitch, catching my breath and wiping the sweat from my brow. The sun was higher in the sky now, and the training ground was coming to life with the rest of the team arriving.