No cricket lover could ever forget Dean Jones, while talking about cricket. The greatest Australian batsman, who is known for his knocks on the field rather than off field controversies. The career spell between 1984 to 1992, Jones was considered as the ace batsman for the Aussies side (remember the Chennai test of 1986). Beginning his career in the first class cricket in 1981–82 season, he made debut in Test against West Indies in 1984.

Johnes wore pads for 52 Test matches for Kangaroos between 1984 and 1992, scoring 3,631 runs, including 11 centuries, at abrilliant average of 46.55. His mindblowing performance at the Chennai Test in 1986 against India smashing 210 is a textbook for the young playesr and is a folklore for new generation cricket lovers.

Jones went on to be a mainstay of the Australian Test team middle order over the next six years until the controversial dropping of him during the 1992-93 Ashes series. Despite his super performance, the axing of this mascot was seen as a result of personal vendetta of then Australian coach Bob Simpson, which invited protests all around the country. The fans of Jones were upset over the decision, who questioned the motives of selectors creating a stir among the cricket circle during that time.

Jones still was a part of the one-day side for a brief time until the 1993 Ashes tour, where he was again dropped. But agin Jones found berth in the Aussies side for the 1993–94 season, which was his last term of the careeer.

Jones in his one day career of 164 matches scored 6,068 runs, including seven centuries and 46 half centuries, at an average of 44.61, another stupenduous performance. He made the crowd in the stadium dance with his positive, aggressive and flamboyant style of play.

After the retirement from first class cricket, Jones played various roles including, coach and a commentator. His condemnation of Muttiah Muralitharan over the bowlig action had hit the headlines of the news a few years ago. He was also in news for his remarks over South African player Hashim Amla in 2006.

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Soccer over the years has gained popularity around the globe. The big brands playing sponsors to the tournaments and teams have allured thousands to the game. May be that is the reason that made many enter into the game of soccer. Many boys these days take up soccer as a serious item. This has necessitated the need for excellent training of the game.

For a person who is learning to kick a soccer ball, two things must be kept in mind - accuracy and power.

Accuracy

Well, in most cases, people think that good placement is solely the striking at a precise part of the ball. It is a wrong concept.  The truth is far ahead of that. In fact, what seems to be more important is that the players have a much more role than just striking the ball. They have to drive the kicking foot in the direction of their target. The coach here has got an important job. It falls into his duty to examine the knee of the players’ kicking foot to ensure that their ankle is moving straight through the ball without lateral or vertical deviation. He should always make it sure that the players concentrate on its height relative to the floor. Never should the ball move opposite the target.

Power

Well, do think, with only accuracy factor, you could win the game? No buddy, it is impossible to be a good soccer mascot with accuracy alone. You need one more thing for that. Power form another important element in the game of soccer. Never try to swing harder in order to generate more power. If you do so, God, the chances of getting injured are more.

An expert coach never fails in understanding that the Power comes from quickness of the execution. The elastic quality of the legs does generate power. This will help the players to jump much higher. They need to squat more and leap rather than leaping up starting from a squatting position.

While kicking the ball, the elastic quality of the leg muscles must be used. The period of time taken to change the direction from retrieval to propulsion should be minimised.

Of course, it is not an easy job to bring accuracy and power together. It may require continuous training. Have you not heard the theoretical statement, “practice makes a man perfect”. If you are looking for a bright future in soccer, then practise the right way and learn to kick the ball.  The whistle is blowing and the game is on.

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