So, I spent some time out on the field trying to figure out something I saw Eric Jones do. You know, that little hesitation move he pulls near the sideline? Looked slick in that game replay I caught.
Getting Started
First off, just finding a decent patch of grass wasn’t easy. Ended up at the old community park field. Nobody was there, which was good. Just me, a ball that needed a bit more air, and two beat-up cones I found in my trunk.
Did a quick warm-up, jogged around a bit. Felt kinda stiff, honestly. Getting older, I guess.
Trying the Move
Okay, so the actual practice. I set up the cones like defenders, kinda. Then I tried to copy that Jones move. Man, it felt awkward. First few tries, I practically stumbled. It looks so smooth when he does it, just a little dip and accelerate.
- Attempt 1: Too slow, felt like I was doing a weird dance.
- Attempt 5: Better dip, but the acceleration wasn’t there. Ball got away from me.
- Attempt 10ish: Getting closer? Maybe? Still felt clunky.
Sweat started dripping. Kept thinking about the video clip. What was I missing? Was it the footwork? The timing? Probably everything.
What I Realized
Here’s the thing, watching someone do something and actually doing it yourself are two totally different worlds. It’s like when my neighbor tried fixing his own sink after watching a five-minute video. Ended up flooding his kitchen. Same energy here.
You see these players, even guys like Jones who aren’t exactly superstars, and you forget the insane amount of repetition they must put in. Hours and hours just drilling one tiny movement until it’s second nature.
It reminded me of trying to learn juggling years ago. Seemed simple enough. Three balls, up they go. Spent a whole afternoon just dropping them. Never really got it. Some things just take that grind, or maybe a talent I just don’t have for that specific thing.
So, after maybe half an hour of chasing this Eric Jones ghost, I just gave up on that specific move for the day. Switched to basic dribbling drills, passing against the wall. Stuff I actually know how to do.
Felt a bit defeated on the Jones move, but hey, any time on the ball is better than nothing. Maybe I’ll try again next week, or maybe I’ll just stick to appreciating it when I see him do it.
