Petr Cech has revealed how drumming in his spare time has helped him become an even better goalkeeper.
The Czech Republic international has been posting videos of his drum covers on his YouTube channel since November 2014, but admits that he discovered his love for it accidentally.
“I never played any instrument before and I never had a music lesson or anything like that,” he told the Arsenal Weekly podcast. “But then once with Carlo Cudicini we played Rock Band on the Playstation and I jumped on the drums without ever playing it before.
“I had so much fun and realised how much I enjoyed it because I love music in general. I was always listening to music but I realised that actively participating in the song you enjoy listening to was even better. Then he told me to get the digital drum kit so that I could put the iPod in and play along to songs for fun and relaxation.
“In addition to that, it teaches you to use all four limbs in different ways. You need to find a way to co-ordinate things and, once you learn how to programme your brain to do that, it helps you to co-ordinate even for football.
“It is especially useful for a goalkeeper. There are so many things I learn on the drums that I can use in goalkeeping as well, because the hand-eye co-ordination and the independence on each of the limbs is helpful.
“It gives you a routine and a new structure to practice. I enjoy it and for me to sit and play along with a song I enjoy to listen to, it really relaxes me. You have a moment where you are in the studio and play three or four songs just for fun, and then you walk out feeling brilliant.”
Listen to the full interview with Petr on the latest Arsenal Weekly podcast
Petr Cech
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