The Tricky Tradeoff

Sportsmen are always up against a tricky proposition in preparing for a game. Every sportsman hopes to have undergone sufficient practice before the game, and for the practice to be beneficial, it should be as close to conditions during the game as possible. Practice ensures that the player is "in the flow" as soon as the match begins, and his decisions are made almost by instinct. However, match-quality practice does not come without its downsides. More practice not only hones the player's skills but also makes him tired. Even worse is that practice that simulates real game conditions exposes the player to the risk of injury as bad as that in a real game. In essence, the player faces this tricky tradeoff - practice ensures he's fit for the game, but also makes it possible that he does not even play the game!

Well, reading that para over, it reads almost like a paper abstract :D Anyway, I had this "startling" relevation about the tricky tradeoff (must be obvious by now I like that phrase) after all the friendlies being played out in preparation for the World Cup. Germany's key player, Michael Ballack, was injured in the friendly against Colombia. Three Holland players were injured in the game against Australia. Atleast these players are hopeful of recovering before their countries' World Cup sojourn begins. Cisse, the man supposed to partner Thierry Henry, is out of the tournament after picking up a knee injury in the warmup game against China. After these incidents, I'm not sure if it is a wise decision to play warmup football games. Especially, considering that the chances of picking up an injury in football are higher than in other sports. But, I guess the players are enticed by the other side of the tricky tradeoff (ah, how can I miss an opportunity to use that phrase again!) -- practice ensures they are match fit. As of now though, it looks like the number of players ruled out of the World Cup will increase with every additional warmup game. Thankfully, the tournament begins in less than 36 hours, which implies no more friendlies :)