Elite youth players, boys or girls, the top 2%, separate themselves from the rest due, in large part, along with exemplary skill, athleticism and fitness, to the exceptionally intelligent or “cerebral” game they play. In particular, they consistently think one step ahead (or, some even two), have uninterrupted 360-degree vision of the field, inevitably play one- and two-touch soccer whenever possible and invariably make outstanding supporting runs. These four “critical facets” of the game require mental, not physical, prowess.
Lesser players, as you’ll notice, for example, wait until the ball is at their feet during a game to look up and then consider their options as to where to play it. By that time, opponents are likely closing them down, sometimes applying tremendous pressure. As a result, they’re oftentimes hurried, indecisive and, ultimately, only marginally effective. For the most part, these players passively “watch” the game and get engaged mentally only after the ball arrives.
Elite players, however, get their thinking done before they get possession of the ball. In fact, whether their team or the opponents have possession of it, these exceptional players are constantly thinking to themselves: “If the ball comes to me, where am I going to play it?” They consider all passing options before the ball gets to them and then, allowing for any last second opportunity that might arise, choose the best one. This is why when they do get possession of the ball they’re so confident, poised and effective. They’re mentally engaged—processing options—continuously throughout the game.
In addition, the top 2% not only think one step ahead (or two), but they also look around themselves often during a game to get a 360-degree view of the field. They seemingly always know where teammates and opponents are. As a result, at any given time during a game, they see 100% of the possible passing opportunities. Naturally, this makes choosing the best pass much more likely for them. They invariably make the best use of every possession they have.
In contrast, less talented players—even at some of the highest levels of youth soccer in the U.S.—spend a lot, if not all, of the game “ball watching.” As a result, they see, at best, only 20% to 65% of the field at any given time. Their game, then, is limited to just 20%-65% of the available passing opportunities. Rarely, if ever, do they know what options are available outside their peripheral vision. Consequently, this significantly limits their effectiveness. In order to make the best pass, a player, of course, must first see that opportunity.
Moreover, elite players do with one or two touches on the ball what 98% of the other players typically need—or take due to lack of discipline—three or more to do. Why is this so important? Because at the regional and youth national team levels, in particular, due to the high-level skill, intelligent play, pace and athleticism, players must be able to distribute the ball quickly and accurately, using as few touches on it as possible.
Additionally, standout players set themselves apart from the rest by playing highly intelligent soccer without the ball. How? By making outstanding supporting runs for teammates. They consistently create excellent angles and easy ******s. When necessary, they change speed and direction to break free from an opponent, creating valuable space and time for themselves. Furthermore, never in a “reckless race” to the opponents’ goal, elite players make lateral supporting runs and know that sometimes the best supporting movement requires them to take five steps backwards to provide the best angle for a teammate. In addition, they make overlapping runs, as well as unselfish runs to create space for teammates.
The next time you consider whether a youth soccer player is “elite,” determine whether his or her game is as much cerebral, if not more than, it is physical. When skill, finesse and intelligent play—as the Germans so aptly showed us in the nineteen minutes of sheer brilliance during their semi-final game against Brazil in the 2014 World Cup—are top priorities, sustained by athleticism and conditioning, the magic of the game unfolds. That “magic,” I suggest, should be unfolding for more of our youth players.
Lesser players, as you’ll notice, for example, wait until the ball is at their feet during a game to look up and then consider their options as to where to play it. By that time, opponents are likely closing them down, sometimes applying tremendous pressure. As a result, they’re oftentimes hurried, indecisive and, ultimately, only marginally effective. For the most part, these players passively “watch” the game and get engaged mentally only after the ball arrives.
Elite players, however, get their thinking done before they get possession of the ball. In fact, whether their team or the opponents have possession of it, these exceptional players are constantly thinking to themselves: “If the ball comes to me, where am I going to play it?” They consider all passing options before the ball gets to them and then, allowing for any last second opportunity that might arise, choose the best one. This is why when they do get possession of the ball they’re so confident, poised and effective. They’re mentally engaged—processing options—continuously throughout the game.
In addition, the top 2% not only think one step ahead (or two), but they also look around themselves often during a game to get a 360-degree view of the field. They seemingly always know where teammates and opponents are. As a result, at any given time during a game, they see 100% of the possible passing opportunities. Naturally, this makes choosing the best pass much more likely for them. They invariably make the best use of every possession they have.
In contrast, less talented players—even at some of the highest levels of youth soccer in the U.S.—spend a lot, if not all, of the game “ball watching.” As a result, they see, at best, only 20% to 65% of the field at any given time. Their game, then, is limited to just 20%-65% of the available passing opportunities. Rarely, if ever, do they know what options are available outside their peripheral vision. Consequently, this significantly limits their effectiveness. In order to make the best pass, a player, of course, must first see that opportunity.
Moreover, elite players do with one or two touches on the ball what 98% of the other players typically need—or take due to lack of discipline—three or more to do. Why is this so important? Because at the regional and youth national team levels, in particular, due to the high-level skill, intelligent play, pace and athleticism, players must be able to distribute the ball quickly and accurately, using as few touches on it as possible.
Additionally, standout players set themselves apart from the rest by playing highly intelligent soccer without the ball. How? By making outstanding supporting runs for teammates. They consistently create excellent angles and easy ******s. When necessary, they change speed and direction to break free from an opponent, creating valuable space and time for themselves. Furthermore, never in a “reckless race” to the opponents’ goal, elite players make lateral supporting runs and know that sometimes the best supporting movement requires them to take five steps backwards to provide the best angle for a teammate. In addition, they make overlapping runs, as well as unselfish runs to create space for teammates.
The next time you consider whether a youth soccer player is “elite,” determine whether his or her game is as much cerebral, if not more than, it is physical. When skill, finesse and intelligent play—as the Germans so aptly showed us in the nineteen minutes of sheer brilliance during their semi-final game against Brazil in the 2014 World Cup—are top priorities, sustained by athleticism and conditioning, the magic of the game unfolds. That “magic,” I suggest, should be unfolding for more of our youth players.
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