SPORTS: ENGLISH: WORKSHOP FOR FUNS

December 04, 2018

SPORTS: ENGLISH: WORKSHOP FOR FUNS

BECOMING A SPORTS WRITER
THE KA-APPROACH
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INTRODUCTION TO FOOTBALL LANGUAGE
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WHAT IS FOOTBALL?

Football is a very enriching cultural sport. Every weekend tens of thousands of spectators watch their favourite teams play in the stadium. Millions of people view these same matches on television during the same weekend. The excitement continues during the week with a few more matches and millions of articles analysing the games in newspapers, magazines, on radio and on television. To understand and enjoy this huge amount of information about football you need to be equipped with specialised vocabulary and linguistic structures. I have created these blogs primarily to help you achieve this goal.

How is it played?
A player from either the home-team or the visiting-team advances the ball with short kicks, runs with it, and sometimes passes it to other team mates. This is a collective action aimed at forwarding the ball to the opponent’s end of the field. Given the right chance, the player shoots it between the goal posts and scores a goal. The winning team is the one that has scored more number of goals at the end of 90 minutes. This is football- “the beautiful game”.

PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT TOOLS

What is so attractive about football?
Football is the only sport in the world which can be accurately defined as a social, cultural and a global event. Pelé, the Brazilian star, described it as “the beautiful game”. It is the national sport in about 180 countries in the world representing roughly 90% of the world’s nations.

Current statistics show there was a cumulative audience of about 30 billion plus for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, and well over a billion tuned in for the final between Spain and Holland.

Is it really the most watched sport on earth?
Football’s popularity and cultural significance can be explained by its beauty especially viewed as a spectator. As I said above, to properly get to grips with all the excitement and enjoy it you need to be equipped with the right level of football glossary and some sophisticated linguistic structures. My primary objective is to provide you with this initial material to facilitate your understanding of all the newspaper comments and analysis of football matches like that of FIFA WORLD CUP above. So read on and have fun!
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FOOTBALL LANGUAGE
WRITING INFORMATION OR A REVIEW IN THE PAST
GROUP-1

1-The Spanish coach gave a press conference on the eve of the match.

2-At that time, their chances of carrying the World Cup was very slim.

3-England and Germany faced each other again in the knock out stage.

4-Ghana was not among the heavyweights of the FIFA World Cup 2010.

5-Ghana overwhelmed the USA in the World Cup.

6-The three midfielders produced 30 assists during the finals.

7-In an exquisite ball control, the midfielder shook off his marker.

8-The striker was unmarked in the penalty area.

9-Spanish goalkeeper Casillas saved two unstoppable shots by the Dutch.

10- Andres Iniesta scored the winning goal for Spain.

11-At the final whistle, Spain roared with jubilation of becoming world champions-2010 in SouthAfrica.

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BECOMING A WRITER
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SPORTS VOCABULARY-2

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CONTINUE: ENGLISH FOOTBALL PHRASES

FOOTBALL LANGUAGE: WRITING INFORMATION IN THE PAST

Examine the following typical sentences that we usually use to write a review or report about a football match. Pay particular attention to the verb tenses and the vocabulary used here.
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GROUP-1

1-The underdog team managed to hold back the waves of offensive attacks.

2-The striker burst into the box and was instantly fouled. The ref. Quickly awarded a penalty.

3-The pitch was soggy and slippery, so the keeper couldn’t control the ball.

4-The trainer was vexed by the performance of his players.

5-With a nifty foot-work the midfielder managed to break through the solid defence.

6-Surprisingly, the underdog team took the lead right after the break.

7-The striker was grabbed by the defender in the box

8-The defenders remained on the ground after the clash.

9-Both defenders exited the match on stretchers.

10-The coach rapidly made some tactical changes.

11- Despite having one man down, they managed to perform at an impressive level.

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GROUP-2

1- The win gave a breathing space to the coach.

2- It’s been quite a disappointment season for the team.

3- It was an awfully boring match. The sort that would send anyone to sleep.

4-The striker has definitely recovered his top form. What a thrilling match!

5- You must continue to believe in yourself or else you won’t score again.

6- The team’s performance was quite poor, above all in defence.

7- The forwards made lots of mistakes in the finishing.

8- The midfielder was injured during the friendly match.

9- That was the last match they played before the summer break .

10- The performance of the player has been undermined by repeated injuries.

11-He was the best goal-scorer in the World Cup 2010.

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GROUP-3

1- What an angle to score from! He’s equalised.

2- What a volley! And what a terrific goal!

3- The match’s been great. What a collection of goals!

4- Which TV channel is going to broadcast the match?

5- The captain was injured during the knockout stage.

6- Though it was a good shot, it bound off the post.

7- Surprisingly, he was not seriously injured.

8- He was sent off for a deliberately foul tackle.

9- It was a nasty foul punishable by a penalty.

10- What’s more, the ref. gave the player a strong warning.

11- The keeper foolishly conceded the first goal only after 10 minutes into play.

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GROUP-4

1- The midfielder produced superb solo effort, with an elegant finish.

2-Despite the defeat, the players still support their coach.

3-How is the coach going to approach the match today?

4- If the group is disunited, we can trash them.

5-Given the strength of the opponent, the match is obviously going to be a difficult one.

6-The two players pretended to take the free kick.

7-The midfielder switched play to the far post.

8- The left-winger chest-controlled the ball and pass it to the centre-forward.

9-Jamie jumped higher than everybody and connected a bullet header.

10- The full-back lost his cool after the struggle.

11-They misused their chance to go two goals up.

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BECOMING A SPORTS WRITER: STEP BY STEP

(ESP) ENGLISH FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES

FOOTBALL ENGLISH:

GLOSSARY
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The aim of this football glossary is to enable my students to process all sorts of texts related to football. Not only to understand the texts but also to write academic essays on these topics. At the intermediate-advance level students are required to read English newspapers or sports magazines to enhance their language performance level. New football terms will be added from time to time, so please do come back whenever you can to check for upgrades.

The glossary terms and definitions on this page are part of a series of football articles I am working on. I shall be delighted if you would like to make any contributions, additions or suggestions to expand this glossary.

ENGLISH-SPANISH
GROUP-1

the additional time: el tiempo adicional

to attack: atacar

anticipate a pass: anticipar un pase

away game: partido que se juega fuera de casa

away team: equipo visitante

assistant referee: arbitro asistante

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GROUP-2

beat: derrotar / vencer

beat a placer: pasar un defensor

bench: banquillo

bicycle kick: una bicicleta

ball possession: la posesion del balon

ball loss: la perdida del balon

ball recover: la recuperacion del balon

ball control: el control del balon

GROUP-3

centre circle: círculo central

championship: campeonato

changing rooms: vestuarios

chip the ball: lanzar por lo alto

clear the ball: despejar el balon

* punt: despejar

* the punter: el despejador

Consolation goal: un gol de consolación

Consolation match: un partido de consolacion

GROUP-4

corner kick: saque de esquina, corner

cross: pase cruzado

crossbar: travesaño, larguero

the counter-attack: el contraataque

GROUP-5

dangerous play: juego peligroso

defender: defensa

defensive game: un juego denfensivo

defeat: la derrota

diving header: un cabezazo a nivel del suelo

GROUP-6

draw: un empate

dropped ball (when restarting play): balón a tierra

equaliser: la igualada

extra time: tiempo suplementario

extra-time: prórroga

GROUP-7

Fake or feint: finger, amago, engano*

field markings: marcación del terreno

field of play: terreno de juego

first half: primer tiempo

fit: en forma / sano

fixture: encuentro

fixture list: programa de encuentros

flagposts: banderines

forward: delantero

foul: la falta

fumble : el balón suelto

free kick: tiro libre (directo/indirecto)

friendly game: partido amistoso

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GROUP-8

goal / penalty area /the box: área de meta

goal average: promedio de goles

goal kick: saque de puerta / portería /meta

goal line: línea de meta.

goal scorer: goleador

goalkeeper: portero / guardameta / golero

goalpost: poste, palo de la portería

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GROUP-9

hacking: darle una patada

half time: descanso

halfway line: línea media

handball: mano

header: cabezazo

heads or tails: cara o cruz

home: en casa

hooligan: gamberro

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GROUP-10

injured placer: un jugador lesionado

injury time: descuento

Instep drive: zapatazo

Jersey: la camiseta, el jersey
GROUP-11

Kick: patada

Kick: dar una patada

kick-off: el saque inicial

laws of the game: reglas de juego

Lead pass: un pase largo por delante del jugador

League: liga

left-footed: zurdo

linesman: juez de línea

local derby: enfrentamiento de dos equipos vecinos

Loft or lob, a high-arcing kick: lanzar por lo alto
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GROUP-12

MLS: Major League Soccer: futbol en USA

Manager: entrenador

Match: partido

midfield placer: centrocampista

move: jugada

national team: (la) selección

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GROUP-13

offensive game: un juego ofensivo

offensive pressure: una presion

out of bounds: fuera del campo

opposing team: equipo adversario

own goal: propia meta

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GROUP-14

pass: pasar

penalty: la infraccion

penalty kick: penalti

penalty spot: punto de penalti

player: jugador

cup-winners cup: recopa*
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red card: tarjeta roja

referee: árbitro

replay: repetición

restart of play: reanudación del juego

right-footed: diestro

rough play: juego duro

roughing : el juego con rudeza
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GROUP-16

sack: la expulsion

score a hat trick: marcar tres goles (en un partido)

score draw, nil nil: un empate a cero

scoreboard: marcador

Season: temporada

second half: seguno tiempo

send a player off: expulsar un jugador

shinguard: espinillera

shorts: pantalones cortos

side: equipo

spanish equivalent of F.A cup: copa del rey

spectator: espectador

staduim / ground: estadio

striker: un goleador

strip: los colores del equipo (uniforme?)

studs: tacos

substitute: sustituto.

Supporter: hincha / seguidor

Sweeper: líbero / barredor

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GROUP-17

Tackle: entrada fuerte

a tackle: una entrada

tackle an opponent: abordar un adversario

tackle an opponent from behind: abordar un adversario desde atras

team: equipo

terrace: grada

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GROUP-18
the ball: balón

the ball went out (of game): El balón salió fuera

the back of the net: el fondo de la red

the coach: el entrenador

the centre forward: el delantero central

the final whistle: el pitido final

the final score: el resultado final

the goal-getter: el artillero

the header: el remate de cabeza

the highest goal scorer this Season: el máximo goleador de esta temporada

the line-up: la alineación

the net: la red

the off-side: el fuera de juego

the off-side trap: la trampa del fuera de juego

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GROUP-19

the player was given a starting berth: el jugador fue titular

the player takes a shot at goal: el jugador dispara a portería

the penalty area: el área de penalti

the penalty shoot-out: la tanda de penaltis

the pitch: el campo

the receiver of the ball: el receptor del balon

the passer,sender of the ball: el pasador del balon

the throw in: el saque de banda

the turf: el césped

ticket tout: revendedor de entradas

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GROUP-20

to go into the lead: lograr una ventaja

to mark a placer: marcar un jugador

to book a placer: amonestar un jugador

to keep goal: jugar de guardameta / de portero

to score a goal: marcar / meter un gol

to shoot at goal: tirar a puerta / disparar

the substitute: el suplente

touch line: línea de banda

tournament: torneo

trophy: el trofeo

turnstile: torniquete / puerta de entrada
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GROUP-21

underdog: el que tiene menos posibilidades

unsporting behaviour: conducta antideportiva

waste time: perder tiempo

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GROUP-22

volley play: volea de un jugador

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GROUP-23

what was the score? ¿cómo terminó el partido?

what’s the score? ¿cómo van? / ¿cómo va el marcador?

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GROUP-24

Whistle: silbato pitido

Winger: extremo, alero
*left winger: alero izquierdo

*right winger: alero derecho

world cup: mundial
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GROUP-25

yellow card: tarjeta amarilla

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GROUP-8

1- I think Kodjo should have seen a red card for his late leg-breaking tackle.

2- I guess Kobi got lucky. He deserved a red card for his merciless tackle.

3-The team shamelessly underperformed in that critical match.

4- He has not been in form so he is a liability in defence.

5- Last week, the team seemed like a genuine title contender for this season.

6-The home-side fortitude lies in its defence system

7-It’s going to be another exciting and unpredictable match.

8- The team was 3 - 0 up at halftime and contrived to blow the match away.

9- I thought the coach was a cool bloke. But this season, he’s always whining and bitching -far worse than the fans.

10- Jamie goes down under a strong challenge by the brute defender. He exited on a stretcher.

11- Suddenly, Kigali sweeps down the right and whips in a lovely cross for Fifi in the centre to score.
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PICKING UP TYPICAL SPORTS PHRASES

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GROUP-9

1- He failed, but alomost managed to shoot a lucky one into the right-hand side of the goal.

2- Koffi opened the scoring for the home-team against the current champion in the first half injury time

3- Kigali swung a free kick into the opponent’s box from the right, Koffi headed it weakly over and it hit the crossbar.

4- It was an insipid first half display; though slightly better after the break.

5- I reckon it’s about time to take into account the less important aspects of the game more seriously.

6- Again, I've been unimpressed with the coach’s substitutions. Why take off Fifi? He was assisting all the time and put in a decent defensive performance.

7- The visiting-team created chances to regain the lead, At one time, Kevin plunged to his left to shoot a curling drive from Kigali around the post,

8- An aggressive tackle and a penalty that came from a foul that wasn't a foul at all.

9- Anyway, well done for a strategic play. Excellent performance and support from the back line.

10- In the World Cup Ghana had a very tough run of fixtures: Germany, USA and Uruguay.

11- The English striker missed 4 clear chances today. How many bloody chances does one bloke need?
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FOOTBALL ENGLISH

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Examine the following typical sentences that we usually use to write a review or report about a football match. Pay particular attention to the verb tenses and the vocabulary used here.

GROUP-6

1- The team's stand-in captain Jamie made his 100th appearance for the club.

2- After having lost 0-1 at their initial match, being without the injured captain simply won't be an acceptable excuse for the fans.

3- The striker has missed out this match with a chest infection.

4-The team are two points off the relegation places this season.

5- The team were given a good ovation, though perhaps only a grudging one.

6- Within five minutes, Kigali fed Fifi down the right and into the box.

7-A precision ball down the inside-right channelled by the midfielder quickly set Jamie off towards the area.

8-Fifi twisted and turned, then wriggled free into the area down the right, and got a shot on target but scuffed his chance.

9-The striker dragged a powerful shot wide left.

10- He sent a low cross into the centre for Kigali but was cut out by the defender.

11- The new player offers nothing and is a bench warmer marked only for a match with low stakes.

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GROUP-7

1-The defender stuck his left arm out, met the ball, the ball then clanked off his right arm. It was a penalty, unintentional though.

2- Kigali pings a decent ball into the visitors box from the far right.

3- A free kick for the home-team on the left.

4-The right-half back defender tried to steer the ball back goalwards.

5- The visiting team are presently in complete tatters at the back.

6-The striker lashed a shot wide left of goal. This is a very open game.

7-The striker freed himself down the inside-right channel. He should have scored, but allowed the goalie to smother at his feet.

8- The ball rebounds wide left to the left-winger, who whipped an immediate cross into the centre for Kigali to head home.

9-They are not unbeatable, however threatening they might look.

10- A free kick for the home-team, 35 metres out, dead centre. But Jamie lifted a poor one straight into the stands at the back.

11-Despite the defeat, the team put up a good show.
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STEP BY STEP ENGLISH FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES

INSTRUCTIONS

Read the following text and find possible meanings for the underlined words according to the context.

AJAX-MADRID: Legendary clubs heading in opposite directions

1-Ajax and Real Madrid are two of the legendary names of European club football. But when they meet at the Amsterdam Arena on Tuesday, that is the only thing they will have in common.

2-The Spaniards, you sense, are starting to believe they can become the kings of Europe again for a record 10th time. They are on top of La Liga and (1) oozing confidence after a 5-1 (2) thrashing of Athletic Bilbao, the latest in a string of emphatic victories.

3-Nearly 2000 kilometres away, according to my Road Atlas of Europe, Ajax were participants in a (3) less-than-enthralling 0-0 draw against Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven, which left them still six points adrift in third place.

4-Ajax won the Champions League in 1995 and beat Real Madrid twice in the group stage on their way to the final in 1996.

5-For Ajax fans, it has been a season of frustration after so much was promised following their second-place finish last season. Their domestic displays have been (4) underwhelming, while they were hardly convincing against PAOK and Dinamo Kiev as they qualified for the lucrative group stages of the Champions League.

6-They did get a useful 1-1 draw against AC Milan and then beat Auxerre 2-1 at home to retain hope they could qualify for the last 16 but that ambition was severely (5) dented when they lost 2-1 at Auxerre earlier this month.

7-Where has the free-scoring side from last season gone, the side that brought back memories of the Cruyff-era of the 1970s? That is the refrain coming from the Netherlands.

8-Martin Jol's team scored 106 goals last season, and but for a draw against Sparta Rotterdam early in the campaign, would have had a 100% home record.

9-Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez scored 35 goals last season but has got only seven so far this season and like so many of the players whose teams reached the semi-finals in South Africa, he seems to be suffering from a post-World Cup (6) hangover.

10-Saturday's match clearly showed that Suarez has lost a little of his sharpness in front of goal, twice he took too long on the ball when in a good position to have a shot, opportunities he would not have hesitated in taking last season.

11-To make matters worse, his reputation - already ( 7) tarnished by his controversial handball against Ghana in their last 16 match in South Africa - was further damaged when he sank his teeth into the neck of PSV's Otman Bakkal, an offence for which he has received a two-match ban.

12-Despite the Champions League regularly throwing the big names of European football together, before this season Ajax and Real had not crossed paths since 1995. On that occasion, Ajax, the defending European champions, started off their run to another final with two victories over Madrid in the group stage.

13-A similar result on Tuesday would certainly make ex-Spurs coach Jol a happy man. If they lose, however, and Milan win at Auxerre, then Group G will be (8) a done deal as far as the last 16 is concerned, with the Italians going through in second place behind Real.

14-One intriguing question is how many players will Real boss Jose Mourinho rest against Ajax?

15-Mourinho has always made it clear that he wants to end up on top of the group and a win, or even a draw, over Ajax would make that a certainty. He could then afford to field (9) a second-string side against Auxerre on 8 December.

16-If Mourinho puts out a team against Ajax that does not contain at least a decent number of his 'galacticos', he also risks being openly accused of hypocrisy after (10) he took to task Sporting Gijon coach Manolo Preciado for a similar selection policy two weeks ago, which escalated into a public slanging match which got headlines across Europe.

17-In case you haven't heard about it, Mourinho criticised Sporting for fielding a (11) weakened team against Barcelona in a mid-week cup match immediately before they faced Real. Preciado responded by saying Mourinho would have been 'thrown in jail' for his comments had he still been in England and labelled him a (12) 'scumbag'.

18-The Spanish football federation announced last Friday, five days after Real won 1-0 in Gijon, that their Anti-Violence Commission has asked for what it called 'appropriate disciplinary measures' to be taken against the pair, which could result in heavy (13) fines.

19-The reason why Mourinho might consider resting some of his stars, and taking the resulting (14) brickbats from the media, can be summed up in one word: Barcelona.

20-The first “El Clasico” encounter of the season takes place next Monday night in the Camp Nou. Matters are finely poised at the sharp end of the Spanish First Division, and Barcelona will take over at the top if they can inflict the first defeat in La Liga upon Real Madrid and Mourinho.

21-Thoughts of the impending trip to Barcelona - with Gonzalo Higuain and Sami Khedira already doubtful after getting (15) knocks against Athletic - may be one reason why Ajax could be handed a 'get out of jail free' card by Mourinho.

ADAPTED FROM THE GUARDIAN

Phil Minshull: Tuesday, 23 November 2010

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Read the above text and find possible meanings for the underlined words according to the context.

(1) oozing:……………………………….

(2) thrashing……………………………..

(3) less-than-enthralling………………..

(4) underwhelming……………………..

(5) dented………………………………..

(6) hangover……………………………..

( 7) tarnished…………………………….

(8) a done deal…………………………..

(9) a second-string side…………………

(10) he took to task………………………

(11) weakened team……………………..

(12) 'scumbag'…………………………….

(13) fines…………………………………...

(14) brickbats………………………………

(15) knocks…………………………………

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ANSWER KEY TO READING COMPREHENSION-1

Ajax Vs Madrid: Analysing and understanding football texts
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(1) oozing confidence: irradia confianza en sí mismo

(2) thrashing: darle una paliza a alguien

(3) less-than-enthralling: fascinante, apasionante

(4) underwhelming: aburrido, poco impactante

(5) dented: abollado

(6) hangover:resaca

( 7) tarnished: manchado, empañado

(8) a done deal: un trato hecho

(9) a second-string side: Segundo equipo

(10) he took to task: criticó

(11) weakened team: debilitado

(12) 'scumbag': cerdo

(13) fines: multas

(14) brickbats: critica

(15) Knocks: golpes

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MOTIVATION:
BUILDING UP SELF-CONFIDENCE

INSPIRING CHANGE AND CONFIDENCE

IN PERFORMANCE
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Is there a correlation between the person's arousal threshold and the level of self-confidence?
Does Critical Thinking Ability affect the level of self-confidence?
Is there a correlation between the poise of a person and self-confidence?
Is there a correlation between voice pattern and self-confidence?

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TOPIC ANALYSIS
Positive attitude can boost self-confidence. Do you agree?
Is there a correlation between the cognitive level of a person and the level of self-confidence?
Is there a correlation between the level of pain threshold and the level of self-confidence?
Does Problem-Solving Ability affect the level of self-confidence?
The level of suggestibility of a person can hugely determine a person's self-confidence level. Do you agree?
Is there a correlation between the level of fear of injury in sports and self-confidence?
Does Time Management Ability affect the level of self-confidence?
Is there a correlation between the level of creativity and the level of self-confidence?
Do Social-Skills Ability affect the level of self-confidence?
In sports, the level of phyisical strength correlates with self-confidence. Do you agree?
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QUESTION ANALYSIS
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Can sleep disorder reduce the level of self-confidence?
Negative attitudes can significantly reduce self-confidence. Do you agree?
Selfconfidence is an ability we acquire; it is independent of our personality. Do you agree?
Is there a correlation between the number of losses or wins in sports and the level of self-confidence?
What is the neuro-chemical basis of self-confidence?
Competitive pressure does not affect self-confidence. Do you agree?
Is there a correlation between the level of self-confidence and a person's relaxation ability?
Does Organization Management Ability affect the level of self-confidence?
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TOPIC ANALYSIS
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The level of motivation depends on the level of self-confidence, is this true? Explain.
How can we use self-talk to enhance self-confidence?
Is there a correlation between the level of self-confidence and the level of performance?
Arrogance and modesty play an important role in the construction of self-confidence. How?
Is there a correlation between the level of self-confidence and gender?
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How does early exposure to stressors affect the construction of self-confidence?
Can mental fatigue reduce the level of self-confidence?
Some experts believe that substance abuse can seriously affect the level of self-confidence. How is that?
Can physical illness reduce the level of self-confidence?
Is there a correlation between the level of courage or fear and self-confidence?
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TOPIC ANALYSIS

Is there a correlation between the level of fear of failure and the level of self-confidence?
How do pessimism and optimism affect self-confidence?
The ability to cope depends on the level of self-confidence. How far is this true?
Is there a correlation between a person's time reaction and the level of self-confidence?
Self-beliefs determine the level of self-confidence. How far is this true?

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TOPIC ANALYSIS

How does social support affect self-confidence?
Is there a correlation between the level of self-confidence and age?
How does emotional-control affect self-confidence?
Competitive pressure does not affect self-confidence. Do you agree?
Does strong-will affect the level of selfconfidence? How?QUESTIONS ABOUT SELF-CONFIDENCE What is self-confidence? What is the difference between self-confidence and self-esteem?

How does self-confidence affect personal success?
How does self-confidence affect personal failure?

Is there a correlation between the poise of a person and self-confidence?
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SPORTS: FIXED PHRAESE

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GROUP-10

1- The Premiere League-2010 is witnessing an exciting race at the top of the league.

2- The home-side simply played dreadfully. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have lost 0-3. Nothing to do with luck.

3- Getting results from poor performances is only the mark of champions. Poor performances are the exception rather than the rule, albeit.

4- In the Spanish Tiki-taka, a lot of players were involved in some exquisite passing down the left which ended in a goal.

5-Granted, the club has shown an uncanny ability to shoot itself in the foot by losing horribly, but I don`t think the current situation can be compared to any past foot-shooting habit.

6- Kigali quickly fed Kevin, whose surge from the midfield had escaped the attention of the USA player, and he poked the ball into the corner of the goal. It was 1-0 to Ghana.

7- Now it's Koff's turn to pelt a low shot from the left. The keeper palms the ball wide left; the ball stays in play and is eventually hacked clear.

8- The stadium is chanting out: One-dream, one-goal. No-goals,-no-dreams.

9- It hit the crossbar. What a thumping finish by Kigali.

10-“Can he do it? Oh yes indeed! He’s done it”. Shouted my friend excitedly.

11- The striker hooked a volley from the left flank! An incredible show of supreme skill there. And what an amazing finish!

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MOTIVATION IN SPORTS

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IF YOU WANT TO MOTIVATE A SPORTS PERSON

HOW WOULD YOU GO ABOUT IT?

SELF-MOTIVATION QUOTES FOR PLAYERS

In sports, motivational quotes can be energy resource for players. Their peak performance are constantly fluctuating because they are directly or indirectly affetcted by some of the following:
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1-FEAR OF FAILURE
2-FEAR OF INJURY
3-PRE-MATCH ANXIETIES
4-ANGER MANAGEMENT
5-INSECURITY
6-MULTIPLE STRESS SYMPTOMS
7-CHRONIC DOUBTS AND UNCERTAINTIES
8-FINANCIAL PROBLEMS
9-FAMILY PROBLEMS
10-LOVE PROBLEMS

11-ENVIRONMENTAL DISTRACTIONS
12-CHAOTIC INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS
13-RISK MANAGEMENT
14-SELF-CONTROL
15-POOR FIT OF SPORTS WEAR

16-SELF-CONFIDENCE
17-NEGATIVE SELF-TALK
18-DISCOURAGED OR DISILLUSIONED
19-SLEEP DISORDER
20-PEER PRESSURE AND CONFLICTS

21-UNSUPPORTIVE STAFF
22-MOOD DISTURBANCES
23-PRE-COMPETITION MENTAL RITUALS
24-RELAXATION DEFICITS
25-UNDER MOTIVATION (INDIFFERENCE, APATHIC)
26-OVER MOTIVATION (EXCESSIVE PASSION)..

Motivational quotes are seemingly simple. However, they can achieve amazing results.

I welcome you to join me in this self-discovery journey as we go through these powerful sports motivational quotes.

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Read the following everyday to motivate you
and your team.

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GROUP-1

1-All the players should have: one-dream and one-goal in a match

2-It’s always one-team, one-dream, one-goal. So never give up.

3-A match is a journey of a certain duration depending on the sport

4-Full of obstacles, challenges and difficulties.

5-Your performance depends on your motivation.

6-Your motivation is the gasoline that drives your performance.
7-There are different intensity levels of motivation.

8-Your motivational level in a match is your attitude.

9-Modify your attitude and you can modify your motivation and performance in the match.

10-Performance also depends on focusing on: right here, right now

11-In a match, the past doesn’t exist

12-Neither does the future

13-Only the present exist: RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW

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GROUP-2

1-Victory depends on: NOW

2-It’s a question of right here, right now

3-You’re going to be judged by your performance at the end of the match

4-Practice and motivation are the basic tools for players

5-Performance is the bridge between objectives and accomplishment.

6-Training a player requires discipline from the player and the coach

7-No player becomes a crack without being a master of himself.

8-A player shouldn't let his passions destroy his team-work.

9- There is no greater pleasure in life for a player equal to that of a superb performance in a match.

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GROUP-3

1-Self-control and determination can ultimately lead to victory than dissipated energy.

2-Don’t forget that efforts and determination are usually accompanied by luck

3-Your mind controls your energy resources and performance

4-If you can control your mind, you can significantly improve your performance

5-Excelling in a match requires self-control and concentration

6-Ultimately, it is the toughness of your mind that will make you a champion.
7-If you could govern your mind, you could govern your performance.

The question is, how?

8-The ability to concentrate and to coordinate well is everything if you want to triumph in sports.

9-A player without discipline and determination is bound to fail.

10-The basis of self-discipline and determination is the real achievement.

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GROUP-4

1-1-If you’re fearless and determined to win; your team mates will feel the same.
2-If you’re fearful and unmotivated, your team mates will also feel it.

3-So don’t shrink! And your mates won’t feel insecure around you

3-If a team advances confidently in the direction of its dreams; it will achieve its objectives.

4-Our deepest fear is that we are powerless without victory:

NO VICTORY, NO REWARDS.

5-The excitement and jubilations of football are the goals

6-NO GOAL, NO FOOTBALL!

7-A calculated risk in a match is better than no risk at all

NO RISK, NO GAIN=NO PAIN, NO GAIN

8-Don’t just play, examine the intentions of your opponents

9-An action without clear objective is powerless

10-With concentration, determination and efforts the team’s possibilities are infinite.
NO PAIN, NO GAIN

11- Don’t be intimidated by how big the team is, but what it can do right here, right now.
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FOOTBALL LANGUAGE
HOW TO WRITE ACADEMIC ESSAYS ABOUT FOOTBALL

This is a brief introduction to the three types of academic essays:

1-Opinion texts

2-Problem-solving texts

3- For and against texts

Language style: Usually these essays follow a formal style and are expressed in a formal or semi-formal language.

Opinion texts

Opinion essays should always present the student’s personal views concerning the topic. It ought to be well stated and supported by reasons, evidence and examples. The student’s opinion should be included in the introduction and reaffirmed in the conclusion. The body of the text could follow several possible plans which we would examine later.

For example: Given the current economic crisis, should footballer’s salaries be regulated by FIFA?

Problem-solving texts

Here the problems related to a specific issue or current situation are examined by the student and suggestions for possible solutions are stated. The student’s opinion should be included in the conclusion as well.

For example: 1-What should we do with pitch invasion during a match?

2-What should FIFA do about football fans violence?

For and against texts

This kind of essay usually puts forward the advantages and disadvantages of an issue. It discusses the negative as well as the positive points of a given topic. The student’s opinion could be present only in the conclusion.

For example: 1-Given the current economic crisis, should footballer’s salaries be regulated by FIFA?

2-It would be a good idea to have a permanent Euro-championship league for the two best teams from the EU countries. Discuss

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FIVE STEPS TO FOLLOW

Here are five main steps to write an effective text.

Step 1: Examine the topic

Read the question. Decide what kind of text it is - opinion, problem-solving, for and against, or a mixture. The type of question will decide the plan and your ideas as presented above.

Step 2: Rephrase the topic

Examine the question and rephrase the relevant ideas in the question for different levels of meanings. This will really save you a lot of time later on. It will also help to avoid repetition of words, and will show that you thoroughly understand the question.

Step 3: Brainstorm fresh ideas.

Decide if you are for or against the idea. Usually it is best to give both sides and then give your opinion in the conclusion. However, depending on the question use one of the following plans.

Step 4: Choose your plan

You should decide on a plan. In most academic institutions the easiest plan is 3773. That means four paragraphs: introduction (3 sentences) paragraph2 (7 sentences), paragraph3 (7 sentences) and the conclusion (3 sentences). This will give you 20 sentences. An average of about 10 words each that will make 200 words.

Alternatively, you could use the plan: 35552. That means five paragraphs: introduction (3 sentences) paragraph2 (5 sentences), paragraph3 (5 sentences) paragraph4 (5 sentences) and the conclusion (2 sentences). This will give you 20 sentences. An average of about 10 words each that will make 200 words.

Step 5: Write a rough text (draft).

After you have chosen your plan, follow the steps above to develop your essay more effectively.

Editing: Useful tips to help you edit your final text.

Re-read each paragraph to correct spelling mistakes, avoid using repetitive structures. In other words, vary your structures. Make sure you incorporate vocabulary relevant to the topic you are developing. Do not forget to include appropriate fixed phrases and sentence linkers. These issues usually require formal or semi-formal language, but never informal one. So be careful with the style.

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PROPERTIES OF STRUCTURES

THE CONTENT OF THE PLANS

Text1-Paragraph1: Introduction. State the topic and your opinion.

Main Body-1

Main body for paragraphs 2-3

First and second opinions plus reasons, evidence and examples to support it

Paragraph 4: A brief observation of the opposing viewpoint plus reasons

Paragraph 5: Third opinion of the student plus reasons and examples

Paragraph 6: Conclusion. Summarise and restate your opinion.

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Text2-Paragraph 1: Introduction. State the problem and the causes and effects

Main Body-2

Paragraphs 2-3-4-5

State the problem, present possible solutions for each of them and the consequences in successive paragraphs.

Paragraph 6. Conclusion: Summarise and present your final solution

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Text3-Paragraph 1: Introduction. State the topic without stating your opinion

Main Body-3

Paragraphs 2-3

Present arguments in favour, reasons, evidence and examples.

Paragraphs 4-5

Present arguments against, reasons, evidence and examples

Paragraph 6: Conclusion. Present a balanced picture for both sides of the topic and your opinion.

ESSAYS ABOUT FOOTBALL: SAMPLE ESSAY

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Football and cultural identity: What is the role of football in shaping our cultural identity? (Write about 250 words)

Introduction

1- Football is sports without borders. In every society and culture, people engage in all sorts of sports- especially over the weekend. Sport is a way of life in many countries, above all in the most developed ones. As a way of escaping the harsh realities, sports offer them exciting and crazy weekends far from the hassle and bustle of their daily chores. You only have to look at the weekend sports fixtures in the USA to see to what extent Americans are mad about sports. As I said, people do all kinds of sports over the weekend, but none is equal to football. It is played in every country and on every continent in the world. Obviously, it is the only sport without borders. Football is sports without borders.

Dissolves ethnic differences

2- Football is definitely sports without borders: During the 2010 World Cup championship in South-Africa, countries with different living standards took part in the event. It’s the only sport which has overcome social inequalities and both winners and losers alike share the same euphoria. Social class does not apparently make any difference. And in some cases, like in the Middle-East and African countries football unifies ethnic differences. At the end of the day, what matters is taking part in this intense 90 minutes of uncertainty, frustrations, disappointments and euphoria while creating delicious history.

A happy party

During tough matches such as: Brazil-Argentina, England-Germany, Holland-Italy, and the host city is taken up by enthusiastic fans with their flags and disguises, chanting and singing. For example: in the match of Switzerland-Spain: Italian-Swiss, French-Swiss, and German-Swiss all came together, whole-heartedly supporting their country and subsequently rejoicing together in their defeat of Spain in the early rounds. Likewise in Spain, provincial barriers dissolved overnight: Basque-Spain, Catalan-Spain, Galician-Spain and all the others came together to rejoice their exciting defeat of the Dutch in the World Cup 2010 final.

Fanatics and Xenophobia

Another interesting social phenomenon is about relationships. Couples stop arguing, politicians forget skirmishes and friends patch up. Problems are put on the shelves for another 90 minutes to be solved later. However, the biggest problem of football fanatics is forgetting that football is just a game to let the fans become proud of their nation. Hooliganism is an ugly face of nationalism, fanaticism and xenophobia which has tarnished football for the last 30 years- especially in Europe.

The World Cups

The 2010 World Cup in South-Africa was a very good example of the role of football in reinforcing our cultural identity.

The cultural identity could be seen everywhere especially among the yellow-coloured Brazilian fans and the orange-coloured Dutch fans. Everywhere, South-Africans shouted and cheered to the tune of the valvuzela. Other African fans, with colourfully-painted faces, were holding flags, singing and chanting slogans. That was the true meaning of the FIFA World cup event- to celebrate diversity and brotherhood of the world.

Conclusion

In the light of the above arguments, I strongly believe that football does play a significant role in our sports and cultural identity. Above all, it promotes inter-ethnic and inter-cultural relationships.

PREPARED BY HECTOR LAWRANCE KUOFIE

NB: I’am afraid I’ve exceeded the number of words demanded.

This is partly because I needed to illustrate certain points as a teaching tool.

Further sports essay topics

1-Gender issues in youth soccer coaching

2-League football and gender

3-Football hooliganism in Europe: Fans and sport violence. What's your opinion?

4-Football players and their salaries. Discuss both sides of this thorny issue

5-Football, immigration and xenophobia. Discuss

6-FIFA World Cup promotes international understanding among nations. Discuss

7-Tik-Tak versus Tiki-Taka: Which is the best football strategy? Discuss

8-Footballers and performance enhancement drugs. Discuss

9-Football, corruption and the mafia groups. Discuss

10-Compare American and European football (soccer)
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FOR SPORTS BROKERS
Sports fans who are also sports brokers and would like to check out the previous week's match results; the following is one of the best sources to verify your weekly sports results- especially in Europe. Have fun! HLK
PLEASE GO TO THE FOLLOWING LINKS AT SOCCERWAY
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01- LINK FOR SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE
http://es.soccerway.com/national/spain/primera-division/20162017/regular-season/r35880/

02- LINK FOR ENGLAND PREMIERE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
http://es.soccerway.com/national/england/premier-league/20162017/regular-season/r35992/

03- LINK FOR BUNDESLIGA PREMIERE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
http://es.soccerway.com/national/germany/bundesliga/20162017/regular-season/r35823/
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SPORTS MAGAZINES

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KA-SPORTS: READING RESOURCES

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SPORTS MAGAZINES

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BUNDASLIGUE
http://es.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=ger/index.html
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BBC SPORTS
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/default.stm
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THE GURADIAN SPORTS
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football

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SKY SPORTS
http://www.skysports.com/football/

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SUCCESS IN SOCCER
http://successinsoccer.com/

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YOUTH SOCCER TRAINING
http://www.fundamentalsoccer.com/

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AFRICAN SOCCER
http://www.newafricansoccer.com/

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WORLD NEWS SPORTS
http://www.world-newspapers.com/soccer-magazines.html

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SOCCER AMERICA
http://www.socceramerica.com/

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SOCCER MAG
http://www.socceregg.com/

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WORLD SOCCER
http://www.worldsoccer.com/

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GERMAN SOCCER
http://www.ehow.com/about_6672989_german-soccer.html

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LA CANCHA FIFA
http://www.lacancha.com/

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WOMEN'S SOCCER
http://www.womensoccer.com/

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DESIGN YOUR SPORTS T-SHIRTS
http://www.logosportswear.com/tshirtdesigns/TeamSports

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