Some are born with it. Others are not. Some gain it and others lose it. I’m talking about speed. Having speed is a crucial part of soccer. The higher the level of play the more speed is out on the field. We’re going to talk about how speed makes you an instant threat.
Tactical Series will present you with a question (20 total) and you have to honestly grade yourself 1-10 (1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest).
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7. SPEED
How quick do you move around the field?
We want to see maximum speed out on the field. Whatever position you play there’s opportunity to showcase your speed. Here’s some examples from every position of how speed makes you an instant threat:
- Goalies – Racing off your line to take the angle away from the shooter. Getting a jump on a long ball from the opponent and coming out of your box to clear the danger away.
- Defenders – Chasing down a loose ball that’s gone over your head back towards your goal. Joining the attack from your own defending 1/3 to create an overload and mismatch. Keeping straight line speed with the attacker to prevent him/her from getting behind you and in on goal.
- Midfielders – Creating distance from your opponent with and without the ball. Transitioning to the attack to help your other midfielders and forwards. Transitioning to the defense to help defend your goal.
- Forwards – Blowing passed your opponent with and without the ball to create a shot. Winning a foot race when you’re shoulder to shoulder or evenly slightly behind. Getting to the loose ball to score a goal. Applying defensive pressure to create a turnover and/or uncertainty.
Do you often find yourself winning races to the ball?
From U6 all the way to the World Cup you can spot the players that are constantly winning races to the ball. There’s a reason behind that. Some of it has to do with having a “knack” for the ball. More often than not though, it’s due to speed.
One player is just plain faster than the other. We need these players scattered around the field. The toughest teams to play against are the teams that have multiple players that have speed that creates an instant threat all game long.
As a player, I’ve found myself giving that opponent with speed way more space because I know I’m not faster. Good players with speed have a field day with that because of the options it creates.
The best players can create time and space. You can attribute that to speed.
Action
Do you agree? What other areas of the game does speed play a major impact?
Looking to add more speed to your game? Try googling professional speed trainers and see if there is someone in your area.
