Top Tip today for anyone that is looking to better themselves in the beautiful game!
Scanning. It sounds like a scary word but once you know what to do and when then you will be able to anticipate all the other players movements and where they are on the pitch.
When you play football you don’t just look at the ball, you have to look at the players and take a guess on if they are a danger to your chance of getting the ball and putting it in the net.
To be able to scan well you need to be thinking a few steps ahead even before you get to touch the ball. You may ask for the ball but you check around maybe a few times before you let them know you are ready. It is key to check over the shoulder so that you know if you need to move as soon as the ball is yours. All this happens in maybe a couple of seconds, or the ball is gone.
Taking risks is also part of the equation and knowing where to run if you happen to have a player hot on your heels. That is why we use scanning as an aid to know what time we have when the ball comes. Scanning around in this phase of play will tell you a lot of information: The position of the opposition and your own team so if in the case that you need to pass fast to avoid losing the ball, you will not need to worry because you will know where they are too. The faster that you scan the quicker you can get the ball and get your goal. Checking whilst you receive the ball will help you to determine the right direction that you should move or pass to and the game will flow better.
You may need to use a scan when you are not in possession too, as to where is a good place to maybe block a pass and run into space to get the ball first. Checking different possible angles that a ball can go is a useful thing that will help you read the game and become a better player!