50/50 Balls
FineSoccer Drills Newsletter - 50/50 Balls
When you see a 50/50 situation for a ball (this means the ball is between two players on opposing teams so they both have an equal opportunity to win the ball) the player who goes in strong and without hesitation will usually not only win the ball but also will stay healthy. The player who hesitates in these situations and goes in "softly" will frequently not only not win the ball but will be the one who ends up being injured.
The player who goes in hard will usually have their ankle locked while the player who is afraid of getting injured is less likely to lock their ankle, which is why they are more likely to get injured.
Another example of playing hard and staying healthy is when a player is about to shoot on goal. The defensive player can either try to block the shot by approaching the shooter (and if successful the shot gets blocked with the foot) or they can shy away and try not to get hit. However, instead of them blocking the shot with their foot, by moving away from the shooter, it allows the ball to rise so now they get hit in the face or some other part of the body. In other words, just like in the situation with the 50/50 ball, the player who is afraid of getting hurt is more likely to get hurt than the player who plays hard and courageously.
Play hard and increase your chances of remaining healthy or play afraid and increase your chances of getting injured. It's your choice.