i've been wonding about this for a while now, and decided to look here for an answer,

i play in goal for a football (soccer) team, and while playing in matches, often in the wind and rain, i often find myself getting cold/wet. Are there any positions that i can stand it to minimise the ammount of me getting wet, cold etc.

One criticism often levelled at soccer is that the game can be unexciting as not many goals are scored in most matches. What would be the likelihood of goals if the rules were changed to allow two footballs to be in play at the same time?

Tony Holkham, Petersfield, Hampshire, UK

I have a question about Geoff Hurst's famous goal in the final of the 1966 World Cup, and it's not whether it crossed the line.

His shot hit the goal's crossbar, deflected downwards, hit the ground and bounced out, away from the goal. I have seen similar shots since.

Why does a ball that hits the underside of the crossbar nearly always bounce away from the goal after it hits the ground? The more powerful the shot, the more likely it is to do this.

Frank Horseman, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, UK

Last week I played soccer for the first time in years. The goalkeeper kicked the ball high (probably about 20 metres into the air) and a teammate called to me to head it.

I realise I am lacking in skill, but the power of the ball striking my head knocked me off my feet, bruised my forehead and left me with a dreadful headache. Yet professional footballers seem able to head higher and faster-moving balls with no apparent damage or pain.

What velocities and forces are they dealing with, and why did the ball leave me stunned but not a professional player?

Alan Nicholas, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, UK