How do clubs like Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid consistently remain as a few of the top performing clubs in the world?

Where to begin: Players, coaches, tactics, history, stadiums/infrastructure, determination, experience, youth, money and passionate fan bases. These attributes certainly help in distinguishing the best soccer clubs from their league and continental challengers. However, the “it” factor for these players, it can be argued, is their rejection of the famed Allen Iverson Principle that slams showing up to practice and singularly promotes showing up for the game.

“…Not the game that I go out there and die for and play every game like it’s my last. Not the game, we talking ’bout practice, man. I mean, how silly is that? We’re talking about practice.”
–Allen Iverson

The timelessness of the old adage, “Practice makes perfect” reminds us that beginner’s luck runs out and that there is someone better out there. We must always remain dedicated and proactive with our craft and passions.

Certainly, Bayern Munich players know how to juggle a soccer ball. They’ll throw in tricks here and there for fun and for bragging rights among their teammates. Unsurprisingly, juggling a soccer ball between four players can present a bit of a challenge.

Now, add two more soccer balls into Route 1’s path and it becomes a worthy TV-interrupting zigzagging high-speed chase.

Soccer players, at the top of their game, burnishing their skill-set while preparing for the decisive Champions League quarterfinal match at Benfica illustrates the importance of practice. Plus, the Bayern Quattro on the pitch (Audi is a club sponsor) reveals the day-to-day mentality that helped the German giants defeat Benfica and qualify for the Champions League semifinal (opponent to be determined Friday morning). Each day is an opportunity to improve.

I’m talking about practice.

The same practice that leads to championships.

P.S. Of course Bayern Munich has a Biergarten at their practice facility. Add that to the list.