Can a runner be a soccer player? (Read 2009 times)

I was a soccer (they call it 'football' here) player way way before i was a runner. I play 'street soccer' though, which is played in a small court and on concrete or hardfloor, basically anything that isnt grass. There's only five players per team. Hence, the pace of the game is very fast and you get possession of the ball more often than that of field soccer. You'll need powerful short bursts of speed and great awareness to survive. haha. That's why i have huge thighs that are helpful during intervals but dreadful during long runs

ONE MORE MONTH UNTIL INDOOR SOCCER!!! I just started getting my team back together. I'm so excited. I've missed playing it over the summer months!

Michelle, where do you guys play?

Got quite a major knock while in a friendly kickabout among friends and strangers two days ago. It was a 50-50 ball. The other guy and I lunged for it and somehow his knee went into the back of my calf. I fell onto the astroturf like a sack of potatoes. I limped out of the game, and back home too. Recover doesnt look so good. I still feel the pain. Really hope it heals fast.

Ouch! How are you feeling now?

Same question... The good news is that a bruise heals much quicker and with less performance impact than a pull. The bad news is ... it REALLY hurts! Just run on it as pain allows (as in a little pain). It is injured and if you push it hard, you can strain/pull/tear it. Looking at the title to this thread, I'd say soccer ---> running is more successful than the reverse. The big difference is that soccer is not a "straight ahead sport". Craig

I've played soccer for over 20 years now. However lately it is mostly sporadic. I played 3 solid winters of Indoor Soccer and I must disagree with you Mississippi.. I find it to be HARDER on the body than indoor for sure. Running hard on carpet/turf covering pavement is brutal on your body! Recent studies have shown a 110% increase in injuries of those who play indoor vs. those who play outdoor. However... (to each his own)... Soccer can be an amazing speed workout for running!

I agree that running on turf is not a good thing for the body. The last place I played at I was always in pain after games. The place my team plays at now is fairly new and is known for having a great playing field. I think my ankles are weak and because of that, I have trouble with outdoor soccer due to uneven surfaces. My feet hurt terribly after playing outside. Maybe if I played outside on a regular basis I would gain some strength in my ankles at least and I would not have so much pain with it. MTA: Come to think of it, I manage to roll my ankles during inside soccer too, so perhaps the inside vs. outside thing isn't so much an issue for my ankles.

My calf feels much better now. Believe it or not, this is my first injury in 8 years of playing Just back from a short 3k. Woo first run in 6 days! I had the urge to push myself hard, but I figured I just take it easy so I can really gauge whether my calf has fully healed or not. This is absolutely true! I play indoor soccer alot and I can tell you I get so wipe after a measly 10 minutes!!

Glad to hear you are feeling better! It's amazing that you've gone 8 years and have just now had an injury! I agree, 10 minutes of indoor soccer and suddenly I'm looking to the bench for my rotation. So much for the advantage of having run a marathon.