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Um, dois, tres, cuatro, cinco, seis … all the way to 10, and repeat. This was how Brazilian coach Alex would conduct his football drills to Hong Kong kids about a decade ago, peppering the monotonous counting with rhythmic claps not dissimilar to a traditional samba beat.
We played with futsal balls – smaller and heavier than footballs so as to improve our touch – and were taught to run as if the floor was on fire to heighten reactions and agility.
I loved it.
As a Real Madrid-aspiring, Ronaldinho-worshipping, “Joga Bonito” Nike ad-bingeing teen, “learning to play the Brazilian way” via the then-called Brazilian Soccer Schools was the dream.
A couple of my classmates were regulars – and by no coincidence, the best footballers in school – whereas I would sign up for the seasonal holiday courses to float above the average-level schoolboy or girl.
There was not a doubt in any of our young minds that imitating the Selecao was not only going to win us matches, but make us look cool at the same time – both of which were of paramount priority at school.