Spring Break
The Daily OrangeSchonbrun: Soccer emerges as training tool for star athletes
By Zach Schonbrun
Posted: 10/14/08, 3:51 AM EST Section: Sports
In Steve Nash's elemental days, before MVPs and mop-top hair made him a North American household name, he refined his athleticism with a soccer ball - not a basketball - kept underneath his proverbial pillow. "Goal," he has said, was his first word.
So on a midsummer's night in New York City this June, it should not have been surprising to see the All-Star point guard Nash and professional soccer stars Thierry Henry, Claudio Reyna and Robbie Fowler, among others, playing a pickup soccer game for charity. More unlikely, however, were some of the other participants: NBA stars Jason Kidd, Baron Davis, Leandro Barbosa and Raja Bell.
Nash, who will lead the Phoenix Suns against Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets in an exhibition game at the Carrier Dome Friday, has made his soccer background transparent throughout his ascendance as one of the NBA's top players. His brother, Martin, plays in the United Soccer League; Nash himself practiced with the New York Red Bulls in 2006.
The futbol fever, though, has its roots in others, too. Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers grew up dribbling a soccer ball when he lived in Italy as a child. Rafael Nadal was a promising player in Spain before he started striking tennis balls at age 12.
Even Randy Moss, wide receiver for the NFL's New England Patriots, kicks a ball around as a training method in the offseason. He began the routine last year, only at the urging of teammate Wes Welker, and went on to catch an NFL-record 23 touchdown passes in 2007.
In an age when sport specialization drives a young athlete's approach, soccer may be emerging as a catalyst for fitness - throwing a wrench into the plan of pundits who push "one sport fits all". In the ever-changing equation for athletic success, perhaps soccer is getting its due as a common denominator.
"It's a great cross-training thing," SU men's soccer coach Dean Foti said. "I think a lot of those guys look at it as a great way to cross-train. And it does keep you in shape."
So on a midsummer's night in New York City this June, it should not have been surprising to see the All-Star point guard Nash and professional soccer stars Thierry Henry, Claudio Reyna and Robbie Fowler, among others, playing a pickup soccer game for charity. More unlikely, however, were some of the other participants: NBA stars Jason Kidd, Baron Davis, Leandro Barbosa and Raja Bell.
Nash, who will lead the Phoenix Suns against Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets in an exhibition game at the Carrier Dome Friday, has made his soccer background transparent throughout his ascendance as one of the NBA's top players. His brother, Martin, plays in the United Soccer League; Nash himself practiced with the New York Red Bulls in 2006.
The futbol fever, though, has its roots in others, too. Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers grew up dribbling a soccer ball when he lived in Italy as a child. Rafael Nadal was a promising player in Spain before he started striking tennis balls at age 12.
Even Randy Moss, wide receiver for the NFL's New England Patriots, kicks a ball around as a training method in the offseason. He began the routine last year, only at the urging of teammate Wes Welker, and went on to catch an NFL-record 23 touchdown passes in 2007.
In an age when sport specialization drives a young athlete's approach, soccer may be emerging as a catalyst for fitness - throwing a wrench into the plan of pundits who push "one sport fits all". In the ever-changing equation for athletic success, perhaps soccer is getting its due as a common denominator.
"It's a great cross-training thing," SU men's soccer coach Dean Foti said. "I think a lot of those guys look at it as a great way to cross-train. And it does keep you in shape."
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