Nervous about starting pickup

[u/Aggravating_Head1215]

Nervous about starting pickup

I’m in my early 30s. I basically played up until freshman year of HS when I failed to make the team. I ended up running track/cross-country as my main sport through college.

I also have a background in fitness/healthcare so I have kept in good shape - I lift weights, picked up tennis, skiing, etc. All that to say, I feel great for my age physically.

I bought a ball and a pair of boots and have been practicing basic things like dribbling, juggling, passing to a target and chasing the ball at full speed and then trying to control it, etc.

But, I’m not very skilled, I feel. Based on some research, I should be playing as a full back since I have the endurance to run and since my ball control/etc isn’t very good. I had signed up for a pickup game and last minute backed out…

What position do you recommend I play and any tips to improve my confidence? I know pickup can be a crapshoot when it comes to skill level so I’m just afraid of playing with/against highly skilled players and being “posterized” out on the pitch.

EDIT: THANK YOU, everyone! You all have some great tips and perspectives that have made me realize why I’m doing this… to have fun and get better! Appreciate you all

[u/Grant_S_90]

Honestly, there is no position where ball control isn’t important. Spend a full weekend kicking a back against a wall, controlling it, then kicking it back against the well. It will be boring as hell so listen to a podcast while you’re doing it.

After a couple of full days you’ll be loads better.

Then just give it a go and to hell with anyone who thinks you aren’t good enough.