Nikesoccer : September 2008

Previous Next
1

Everybody's talking about Bootcamp. Why? Because it delivers the very latest world-class professional soccer training directly into your hands. For free. And it's guaranteed to power your game with a serious performance boost.

Interested? Here are five Bootcamp factoids to get your training juices flowing.

1. It's a new way to train. There are skill programs. And there are conditioning programs. But Bootcamp's hardcore aerobic conditioning works you hard with the ball at your feet. So your technique grows alongside your speed and stamina.

2. It's where the pros go. Bootcamp is designed by top pro conditioning coaches p-1608 and Paul Winsper. And brought to life by stars like Andres Iniesta and Klaas Jan Huntelaar. It doesn't get any better. Fact.

3. It's on mobile. Watch your vids right on your chosen training pitch. Then time your drills and even count out your tempo with a toolkit of handy training tools.

4. You can choose your level. Bootcamp has three programs. Choose according to your level of fitness and commitment. Choose your start date. Choose to stick to it. That's it. Simple. Want to play it your way? Then just browse the drill library and make up your own program for some training a la carte. It's up to you.

5. It's equipment-lite. Bootcamp doesn't need much more kit than you, a ball and some willpower. Some drills are based on minimal exercise gear, but alternatives are always offered. And sure, it'd be great if you have goals and cones...but you are officially encouraged to make use of what you've got.

Want to see more? Check out the Drill of the Week compilation at our Youtube Bootcamp Playlist.

1 Comments 0 References Permalink
0

Inside the Lab: 10R

Posted by Gronamo Sep 26, 2008

Jaw-dropping skill and a 100-watt smile. The ability to make professional defenders look like amateurs, all while grinning from ear to ear. These are the things that you notice first when watching one of the world’s most gifted players. But, Ronaldinho’s game is not only about glamour; it’s also about grit. He has the strength and determination to back up his audacity.

So how do you make a boot that can provide the softest of touches, but withstand the most brutal of challenges? That was one of the many questions designer Tom Minami was faced with when creating the latest 10R. So we sat down with Tom to get the lowdown on the design process.

What are the main differences between the new 10R and the previous version?
Tom: The biggest difference was that I could listen to him and get the feedback from the first 10R boot, which was huge. He liked the first one, but the main part he requested was softer leather.

What changes in the process when you are designing a shoe for one player in particular?
Tom: I would say most of the process is the same as the regular shoes, but we need to visit 10R often and make sure he’s a part of our team and he’s happy on every decision we make.

http://inside.nike.com/servlet/JiveServlet/downloadImage/14848/10R_design+team.jpg

Did Ronaldinho make specific suggestions or was it more a matter of you creating a design to fit his playing style?
Tom: I think it’s both. He can tell us what he wants in boots, but also we could suggest some technical parts. For example, we came up with the story of futsal-inspired boots, which lead to heel kick, ball control functionality, and when we suggested it to him, he was very happy about it. As far as the design, he’s very open. He tries on the shoes before he says if he likes them or not, so I think fit and aesthetic are both important for him.

How did his personality influence the look of the shoe?
Tom: Everyone thinks he’s very flashy and he’d like flashy design and colors, but he is very conservative in boots and he likes the classic boot. So I was thinking of mixing the classic aesthetic and some modernity.

What made you go for a relatively simple black design versus the more colorful shoes we have seen in the last few years?
Tom: Our team thought that it’d be good to launch the 10R boot in black & white like the first one and potentially in the future as well. But you’ll see some colorful shoes in the future.


0 Comments 0 References Permalink
0

Two goals in fifteen seconds. It’s every striker’s dream.

See Klaas Jan Huntelaar take on Bootcamp's ‘back to back’ drill, and find out how the explosive combination of pure pace and deadly striking prowess helps him take his game to the next level.

And remember: if you’re not gasping for air at the end of this drill, you’re not doing it right.

0 Comments 0 References Permalink
0

Step up your game with Andrés Iniesta in Bootcamp's Drill of the Week.

When a game's deadlocked and there's no room for manoeuvre, it's the fastest feet that open up space for a match-clinching moment of magic.

Now do what The Man says: shoot. Score. Relax.

0 Comments 0 References Permalink
0

Bounce back to full fitness in time for the new season with "Rebound", the latest Bootcamp drill of the week.

This one's all about control. Twist and turn with the ball glued to your toe, then knock an inch-perfect pass and accelerate as you receive it back.

Constant movement and constant control - two ingredients for next season's complete footballer.

0 Comments 0 References Permalink
0

Running and scoring. Two things you can never get enough of.

It’s a simple formula: grab one ball, two goals and four cones. Add a combination of electric pace and razor sharp finishing. What do you get? Dual Goals: this week’s featured Bootcamp drill.


0 Comments 0 References Permalink
0

Stopping the ball with your chest is a skill. Controlling it is an art.

See how Barcelona hero Andrés Iniesta hones his touch with ‘Chest and Go’ – the latest Bootcamp Drill of the Week.

Keep the ball close as you drive forward, then flick it up, control it with a deft chest trap, and spank it into the waiting net.

Speed, balance, and explosive finishing – it’s the killer combination that only Bootcamp delivers.

0 Comments 0 References Permalink
0

A ball. A 60 metre course. Nets at either end. And an instinctive hunger for goals.

That’s all you’ll need for ‘Shoot’ – the latest Bootcamp Drill of the Week.

Watch a maestro at work, as Barcelona’s Andrés Iniesta shows how to shake off those tired legs and fire your team to glory in the dying seconds of a crucial match.

Work on it. It’ll make the difference.

0 Comments 0 References Permalink
1

A footballer changes speed 1300 times in a game. That’s a whole lot of variation to build into your training if you want to leave your opponents kicking air.

With Bootcamp's Change Up drill, you’ll be changing speed every 20 seconds. So get set. Get psyched. And get ready for a whole new world of acceleration on the pitch.

1 Comments 0 References Permalink
1

Shutout in Chicago

Posted by Gronamo Sep 22, 2008

After honoring Shannon Boxx for her 100th cap before the game, the WNT set out at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, IL to bring home their record 29th win in a single calendar year.

Boxxy was given captain’s honors for the first time in her career, but she shared the spotlight with Lindsey Tarpley and Carli Lloyd, who will be playing for the WPS Chicago Red Stars in the upcoming season.

And in the 19th minute, Tarp and Carli gave the fans a taste of what to expect from the stacked Chicago team. On a one-two play, Carli first found Tarp inside the area on a short ball. Tarp, with a cool head and smooth touch, touched it off to set up a wide open teammate from ten yards. Shot, goal. It’s that easy Chicago.

The WNT dominated the rest of the game, holding the Irish side to just one shot and finishing with a 2-0 score. It was a fitting end to the three-game series – one that echoed the US domination.

The “Achieve Your Gold Tour" is not over, but the girls are taking a well-deserved break from national team play for the month of October. Keep in touch to hear the locations of the upcoming games.

1 Comments 4 References Permalink
1

You run. You volley. It sounds like the most natural thing in the world. But perfecting your finishing on the move calls for hours of training before you’re skilled enough to send the ball crashing into the top corner instead of row Z.

Outfield players, sit up and take note. Keepers, get low and take cover: Bootcamp's clinical Dutch striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar is about to bring the latest drill of the week to life.

1 Comments 0 References Permalink
0

Who would you back in a race between a scooter and a sports car? And which would you rather be driving?

Changing speed is at the heart of top-level soccer performance, so every player needs a smooth-changing gearbox to win the races that matter over ninety minutes.

Bootcamp's High Gears drill gives you the tune-up you need to shift up and down the gears with ease when that match-winning sprint is on – for the loose ball, the last-ditch tackle, or that glimmer of a goalscoring chance.

Show how much do you want it?

0 Comments 0 References Permalink
0

Sweeping Up

Posted by Gronamo Sep 19, 2008

The victory celebration for the WNT has been no parade down Main St. On Wednesday, the girls completed the second match of the “Achieve Your Gold Tour,” a 10-stop series of domestic friendlies for the Women’s National Team.

And achieving is what they’re all about. Playing host to the women from Ireland, the WNT notched its second straight win of the first three-game series. That makes 28 on the year, tying the record for most national team wins in a calendar year.

The only goal of the game came off an assist from Carli (no surprise there) in the 72nd minute. Carli's pass found her teammate open in the middle of the box. From there it was a clinical finish past the Irish keeper near the right post.

The U.S. looks to complete the sweep of the Irish on Saturday in Bridgeview, Illinois (7 p.m. CT). And keep an eye out, the WNT may be heading your way to showcase their gold-winning talent as a part of the “Achieve Your Gold Tour.”

Follow the action and stream the match live on ussoccer.com.


0 Comments 0 References Permalink
0

Threeo Walcott Makes His Mark

Posted by Gronamo Sep 18, 2008

We knew he was lightning. We knew he had promise. But the whole world learned the lesson in Zagreb the other night that Theo Walcott has the attitude and the ammo to blow holes through the tightest defences out there.

Croatia had never lost at home until Theo shot from the hip with three unstoppable bullets into the heart of his opponents’ defence – the first competitive hat-trick by an England player for seven years.

When you’re playing in the world’s toughest competitions you’ve got no choice but to grow up quickly. Bootcamp's drills will help you show a clean pair of heels to opposition defenders, and – as Theo knows so well – training isn’t a part-time pursuit.

Press play to see how England’s hottest young talent takes nineteen years of pure footballing potential onto the practice ground every day, and turns them into match-winning magic.


0 Comments 0 References Permalink
1

Achieving Their Goal

Posted by Gronamo Sep 15, 2008

Leaping high above the Irish defense, Natasha Kai smashed a clean header past the helpless goalkeeper and into the net. The goal was Tash's team-leading 14th of the year and the 22nd of her career. More importantly, it was a big thank you to all the fans who had supported the WNT throughout their gold-winning campaign in Beijing.

With a 2-0 defeat of Ireland in Philadelphia, the U.S. women have officially kicked-off their "Achieve Your Gold Tour." The ten-game tour was designed as a way for the team to share their Beijing victory with supporters from across the country. Next stop is Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. this Wednesday evening, where they’ll again line up against the Irish. The team will then finish off their three game series against Ireland in Chicago on Saturday,September 20.


1 Comments 0 References Permalink
1

Home Sweet Home

Posted by Gronamo Sep 11, 2008

There’s nothing like the comfort of being home, especially for the U.S. MNT who put on an offensive display in front of their rapid fans in Chicago last night. Chief amongst their supporters were the members of Sam’s Army and the American Outlaws, who got the festivities started at the Nike Snake Pit pre-game rally. Thanks all!

After scraping past Cuba 1-0 in Havana, the U.S. erupted against Trinidad & Tobago on Wednesday night to win 3-0. The Soca Warriors never had a chance, as Michael Bradley instinctively tapped in Donovan’s free kick with only nine minutes off the clock. This gave the guys the confidence they needed to push forward. And on the 18-minute mark, Beasley played Dempsey on goal and the Fulham forward made no mistake in burying the ball in the back of the net. Then in the 57th minute Gooch got his head on a Beasley free kick that redirected straight to his teammate, who put the game out of reach with the third and final goal of the match.

The team has now all but locked up first place in their qualifying group, but a win against Cuba on October 11 in Washington D.C. will officially seal the deal.

As the MNT ramps up for South Africa, the WNT is celebrating their monumental win in China with the “Achieve Your Gold Tour” throughout the States. The tour kicks off this Saturday in Philadelphia at 8:00 pm E.T. when the women take on Ireland.

So head on out if you’re in the Philly area and cheer on this incredible squad that beat the odds to bring home an improbable gold medal. And, if you can’t make this game, check out ussoccer.com to get the full “Achieve Your Gold Tour” schedule.

The soccer action is heating up, so keep your eyes here to follow all the news as it happens.

1 Comments 0 References Permalink
0

Dempsey Delivers

Posted by Gronamo Sep 8, 2008

The best players in the world prove themselves in the most difficult situations. And, Saturday’s qualifier in Cuba was nothing if not difficult. Hurricane rains left the pitch covered in water and caused a momentary blackout, while the Cubans were content to sit back and defend in hopes of a draw.

Battling through a congested box, not to mention Mother Nature, Dempsey delivered the crucial strike that undid the Cubans and propelled the U.S.into first place in Group 1 of CONCACAF qualifying.

The win was in jeopardy late on when the ball squirted through onto goal, but Howard dove instinctively to make the save and guarantee the three points.


The MNT now travels to Chicago, where they’ll face Trinidad & Tobago on Wednesday night at 8:00 p.m. ET. A win at Toyota Park all but ensures the Stars and Stripes a place in the final round of qualifiers.


So if you’re anywhere in the vicinity, get yourself to the game. And, don’t forget to stop by the Nike Snake Pit to join thousands of supporters from American Outlaws and Sam's Army as they get the festivities started.

0 Comments 8 References Permalink
0

It’s that laser-guided pass in the dying seconds of a game that can make the difference between ninety deadlocked minutes and three vital points.

Watch Klaas Jan Huntelaar’s masterclass in grasscutting distribution and you’ll soon learn one of Bootcamp’s most valuable lessons: master Go Long, and you’ll go far.

0 Comments 0 References Permalink
0

Havana Here We Come

Posted by Gronamo Sep 4, 2008

In the world of professional soccer there is no rest for the weary. Leagues across Europe are at full throttle, the MLS is gearing up for playoffs and the guys on the U-23 team are still recovering from a run of bad luck in China. But if there's one man who doesn't feel sorry for them it's Bill Bradley. Coach Bradley has one goal and one goal only: Qualify for South Africa.

The next step on the road to 2010 is an historic match-up this Saturday in Havana against Cuba.

The U.S. is coming off a big win against Guatemala in a very hostile environment. And, Saturday's game will be no different. So for the guys to find success against the Cubans it will start in the backline. Fortunately, the defense has been ironclad with Bocanegra, Gooch and Howard shutting down all opposing attacks.

The U.S. has only lost once in seven matches against Cuba, and the last time they met the U.S. walked away with a 4-1 victory off goals by Dempsey, Beasley and a brace by Landon. Donovan obviously likes playing the Cubans - in 2003 he became only the fourth U.S. player in history to slot home four goals in one game (the U.S. won 5-0). Let's hope that history repeats itself this Saturday. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. ET and you can catch the game on ESPN Classic and Galavision.

Then before the players even have a chance to say adios they're off to Chicago, where they'll face Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday, September 10.

The race is on and the finish line is South Africa 2010.

0 Comments 0 References Permalink