What is Soccer Intelligence?
I believe Soccer Intelligence is a player’s ability to read the game as it occurs while having possession of the ball and without it. The player must anticipate and decide what their next action is prior to receiving the ball. They must always be moving and using change of pace and direction to elude markers. Their passes are always direct, solid, sending their teammates into threatening areas of the field which split or unbalance a defense. Always presenting yourself to the player with the ball at a supporting angle and communicating to them verbally.
This to me is a lost art that coaches may not realize is missing from their teams’ practices. The fundamentals of the game are starting to outweigh the development of creativity and uniqueness of soccer. Next time you watch a game pay attention not only to both teams’ passing but also the way players not in possession of the ball react and move. Are they getting into supporting angles to the person with the ball or moving away from them? Are they constantly moving and changing pace to shake their markers? Are they running at one speed all the time? Are the runs they make into threatening areas and in a forward direction? Are the passes made to someone intentionally or just kick ball soccer?
It is a lot to think about and as coaches we have little time in practice to cover all aspects of the game. What we can do though is spend more time helping out teams play together as cohesive unit with creativity and awareness. Use soccer drills that allow players to take risks with creativity and team play. Risk taking is what makes soccer exciting! The risk takers in the game make the goals and create the wonderful plays we love to watch! Soccer IQ can do this for you!
Luis
