Really Bend It Like Beckham

Soccer fans, soccer players, and students of the game at all levels will find much to enjoy in this exciting tutorial from superstar David Beckham. Filmed in high definition on location in Madrid, Really Bend It Like Beckham finds the star addressing a group of boys and girls keen to learn from a master, in the areas of ball control, space-making skills (the outside hook and stepover inside hook), passing (Beckham illustrates the two-touch pass with the inside of one's foot as well as how to pass through the space behind defenders), crossing (with a focus on the chipped cross from a bye line just under the ball), finishing, defense, and free kicks (try for a 45-degree angle and always aim for a corner of the goal). This thorough, two-disc overview employs multiple camera angles, as well as slow-motion and time-slice effects (the 360-degree view of Beckham in action, allowing one to study his form as he illustrates fundamentals of the game, turns out to be very helpful). DVD extras include a Q&A session with Beckham, archival game footage, and a match between Beckham and the kids. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: I, J, H, C, P. (T. Keogh)