Two weeks in a row but this is what you can still do

What makes a good floorball player? Practice, practice, practice.. that is most likely what you will hear from experience players all over the world. And, it's not only for floorball but for other sports as well. Practice gets you used to the drills and helps you to form the skills you need to move the ball and with that it bring a person higher in the sport.

Drill number 1: Ball Control
Keep doing this and soon you will be able to feel the ball. Know how it works. Getting used to your own floorball stick that directs the flow of the ball hence you will be able to go where you want the ball to go. Sticking to the ball: the closer the ball is to the blade, the harder it is for the oponent to steal it from you(but it's not imposible just harder). Once you've mastered it with speed then try to not look at the ball. Look somewhere up front practicing to control the ball while looking at the rink situation.

Drill number 2: Passes
The fundamental of team play. This is important if you want to cut down on losing the ball and keeping team possesion. Many times teams lose the ball because the pass wasn't good enough (i.e. wasn't strong enough, wasn't accurate enough, wasn't quick enough, wasn't 'nice', wrong timing) and that will cost the team on the scoreboard because more possesion means more chances to hit the ball into the goal. The basic pass to pactice would be the ground pass. Practice to pass the ball to the other person with a low (ball that rolls over the ground and not fly around) but fast ball. Start with that then when you've mastered it. Try a lob. get it to a spot accurately.

Drill number 3: Shots
The key to putting numbers on your side of the board. A few types of shots are most commonly used; the wrist shot, the drag shot, and the slap shot. These three are in order of the most used even in the pro leagues. the wrist shot vies itself to be the most accurate and quick among the three. the drag lines up after the wrist as it requires a bit more space than the quick release wrist shot but is also very lethal as it send off an unexpected directed shot at goal. and the slap, this is the power-packed shot. however with power, there's always a downside as it takes much more space, much more time, and a little more energy than the previous two. The least used in a game.

Practice these three drills and inprove on your game play although it may feel boring and seem useless you will find it to be very helpful when you use it one day. Of course ultimately playing constantly with teammates creates the bond and synergy needed in each team. Players need to constantly work together to understand each other better. And another important drill out there is also traning stamina. Go jogging or cycling, or if you can't, threadmills are good too. at least twice a week for 20 minutes will get you in shape sooner than you think. So with all said... i leave you with three words.. Practice, practice and practice

So What Can I Say?

Lesson #01: Don't you ever take Wall posts on Facebook nonchalantly.
Cuz that's how this particular friendly kicked off.

Lesson #02: Friendlies're much more than just coming together and playing.
Yeah, loads of legal, logistic, leadership and locale issues to settle. Still it's good work, cuz at the end of the day you just step back and can't help but marvel at the results.

Lesson #03: Technology always helps.
I can't imagine how this friendly would've happened if not for Alexander Graham Bell and (I forgot) whoever created the Internet. Thank you all.

Lesson #04: Of inspirational speeches.
Ah yes. Mikey's favourite topic.
Get your team pumped, brainwash them!
After all mental's real important.
"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or in whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." - 1 Cor 10:31
So, that's it! Play floorball for none other than God's glory, have fun in between, give it all you've got.



Lesson #05: Winning isn't everything.
The main dish is playing your best. Winning's an extra. Like, buy 1 free 1, y'know.



Lesson #06: Support is very much appreciated.
Firstly, A BIG BIG BIG THANK YOU TO ALL FIREBRANDS (and G12 too!) SUPPORTERS, whether you're from fireBRANDS, Frontliners, Ztec... thankyouforcoming!
Right, but not only that support, but from all the players who agreed to play, and who came for the trainings, and who turned up to tire themselves out during the friendly.
Yes, I know I probably put you girls (and two boys) up against markedly tougher opponents, but the exposure was good. You don't lose much but you definitely learn a lot.



Lesson #07: Listen to your coach, stand-in or not.
Yup. Coaches are usually older, and with old age comes much wisdom. It helps.
And to put this lesson into practice, listen to this bit:
"..But they did do a good job although they didn't really know the rules and some of them came in only few weeks before this thingy. It was all pretty good I guess." - Coach James.



Lesson #08: It's consolation, but it's still a prize.
That brings us to my favourite match (which is obviously the one we won. yes i kiasu.).
The first goal definitely sparked something, and I knew it'd be like really mensiasuikan if we lost all our matches.
I thought only of clinging on to the lead and hopefully surviving through G12's pace (Charmaine's, most glaringly obvious. She definitely rocks at this sport.).
But. Opportunity came, and I snatched it. It was the first time I'd run for the ball directly after a face-off.
Then I remembered Kuan Yang's words of wisdom: Try taking shots from your backhand.
It totally worked :)

Lesson #09: Floorball gets us new friends.
Yup yup! Close friend, Von!



Lesson #10: Come back with a vengeance: come for training.
The momentum's definitely there.
Rallying 8 girls for the friendly was definitely well worth it.
Firebrands FC definitely has its unexpected growth spurts: this is one of them.
So yeah, keep the (floor)ball rolling!
And soon we'll be the top girls' club in Penang.