T.J. and the Hat-trick by Theo Walcott

Author:Theo Walcott
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781407077949
Publisher: RHCP

CHAPTER 12

TJ PULLED ON a blue bib. Danny, Jamie, Rafi, Rodrigo, Tulsi and Tommy were all in his team.

‘Don’t just stand in front of the goal this time,’ Danny said to Tulsi.

‘Shut up, Danny,’ Jamie said. ‘You can’t talk. You just kick people.’

‘At least I know which way I’m kicking,’ Danny replied. ‘Not like Rafi.’

‘Hey,’ said Tommy. ‘It’s only a game. You OK, Rodrigo?’

Rodrigo grinned. ‘Football good,’ he said.

TJ pulled on the goalkeeping gloves his dad had given him that morning. If they kept on arguing like this, he thought, probably none of them would get in the team.

‘Right,’ said Mr Wood. ‘I’m in charge of this game, and Miss Berry will look after that lot over there. We’ve got special rules today, just to keep you on your toes. You’re only allowed three touches – two to get the ball under control, and one to pass or shoot.’

Mr Wood demonstrated carefully so that Rodrigo would understand. Rodrigo nodded, but there was a chorus of protest from the others.

‘We’ll never be able to do that,’ Rafi said.

‘Try it and see,’ replied Mr Wood. ‘You might surprise yourself, Rafi.’

He blew his whistle and Tulsi tapped the ball to Tommy. He stopped the ball – and instantly he was surrounded. Every player on the pitch ran towards him, the Blues all yelling for him to pass to them.

‘I can’t,’ he yelled. ‘There’s no room.’

‘Use the space, Blues,’ Mr Wood said. ‘Look, you’ve got a whole pitch to play in.’

Finally Tommy spotted a gap and cleared the ball. They all ran after it except Tulsi. She jogged over and took up her usual position on the edge of the opposition penalty area. Suddenly TJ saw Rafi emerge from the little gaggle of players with the ball at his feet. He took one touch, then another, then another . . .

Mr Wood’s whistle blew.

Rafi put his head in his hands. ‘I told you,’ he said. ‘I knew it was impossible.’

Mr Wood sighed. ‘Listen,’ he told them, ‘if you all chase after the ball then none of you have anyone to pass to, do you?’

‘What, so you mean we just have to stand in one place, like Tulsi?’ Danny said nastily.

‘That’s not it at all, Danny, although at least Tulsi is thinking. At least she’s realized you can’t all run around together. No, you all have to look for space. You have to give the person with the ball someone to pass to. But you can’t just stand still because then the other team can mark you easily, can’t they? Let’s try again. Reds, it’s your free kick.’

Cameron kicked the ball aimlessly forward and Rodrigo intercepted it easily and controlled it with his chest.

‘Good!’ called Mr Wood. ‘Now move for him, Blues. Give him some options.’

The Blues ran. They ran like mad chickens, first one way, then another.

Rafi raced from one side of the pitch to the other . . .

Tommy sprinted down the wing . . .

Danny darted to the left and collided with Jamie .

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