In the world of soccer, facts and fiction often come into question, especially when it involves beliefs that are passed down through generations. While the passion and tradition of the sport are undeniable, there are also many ideas about soccer that simply aren’t true but are still widely accepted by fans and commentators. Over time, certain beliefs about the game have become so common that fans, players, and coaches live by them without question. But as the game continues to evolve and more truths come to light, many of these beliefs have turned out to be more myth than fact. Whether it’s how players train, what makes a strong squad or how the rules work. Here are some of the most surprising myths in the world of soccer and the truth behind them that may change how you watch the game!
One of the most common myths in the world of soccer is surrounding weightlifting and how it impacts performance. In fact, many professional soccer players avoid the gym out of fear they’ll become too bulky or lose their speed and agility. In reality though, strength training is an essential part of being a strong performer. When done correctly, it can improve overall power on the pitch and plays a huge role in injury prevention. Don’t just take our word for it though! Many studies have shown that proper strength routines are vital for modern soccer players, not a threat to their game like many believe.
Another myth involving speed and performance on the pitch is the idea that you’re either born fast or you aren’t. This couldn’t be further from the truth! While genetics do play a big role in how much talent a player possesses, the skill of speed is highly trainable. The fastest soccer players in the world still have extensive training routines to get to that speed level. Any player can become significantly faster over time with the right mix of sprint drills, plyometrics and strength training.
This popular myth may seem a little far-fetched, but it’s still widely believed in the realm of soccer! It’s the belief that physical attractiveness translates to better performance on the field, and only the best-looking players are successful. Although many of our favourite soccer stars are attractive, this myth holds no truth. In fact, some studies have actually found the opposite to be true. A study conducted by HuffPost found that more attractive players might actually perform worse, unless the majority of their team is attractive. We personally don’t believe that anything surrounding physical attractiveness can win games – it takes talent, teamwork and skills to be the best!
The truth behind this myth may be the most surprising on our list! While head impacts are a common cause of concussions, they can also occur from sudden whipping motions of the head or abrupt stops, causing the brain to collide with the skull. The “whiplash” effect can lead to serious symptoms, even without taking a single hit directly to the head. Unfortunately, this belief has resulted in a lot of undiagnosed concussions and downplays the risks of certain movements in soccer that could cause serious injury to players!
If you already read our blog post on ‘The Science Behind Soccer Ball Design’, then this one should come as no shock! At first glance, a soccer ball may look like a perfect sphere. But it’s actually made from a series of panels that are carefully stitched or thermally bonded together to create the illusion of a perfect circle. This design distributes pressure evenly when kicked and was easy to produce with consistent quality.
There are many speculations surrounding the back-pass rule. Many fans assume the rule that prevents goalkeepers from handling a back-pass has always been part of the game. But it was only introduced in 1992 in an effort to stop unnecessary time being wasted and increase the pace of the game. In fact, it was actually one of the most effective rule changes in soccer history and one that continues to shape the game today.
Last but not least, one of the most popular theories in the soccer community is that Cristiano Ronaldo uses a sneaky trick during penalties. The rumour is that he lifts the ball off the ground with his standing foot to give it extra height. While there are some videos that seem to show him doing this, there’s still no actual proof that Ronaldo is doing this intentionally. Many experts believe that it’s more likely the result of a visual illusion rather than a sneaky tactic on his part.
Now that we’ve debunked some of the most popular myths in modern soccer, which of these myths surprised you the most? We’re all guilty of following the crowd sometimes when it comes to believing common misconceptions like the ones mentioned. Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan of the game, basing your beliefs on fact instead of rumour can lead to smarter training, less risk of injury, and a greater appreciation for the game!
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