Tactical Series: ELEVATE your GAME

Tactical Series for the Player

Soccer is more mental than physical so if you want to play at the highest of levels you need all the tools to elevate your game.

Tactical Series will present you with a question and you have to honestly grade yourself 1-10 (1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest). Check back daily to see your next assessment question.

1. FIRST TOUCH

Help from the sideline: How well do you control the ball and use the space around you with your first touch?

This can be for ANY age group. On a full sized field which is usually 120×80 yards, you think you have all the time in the world. The reality is you don’t because defenses can transition up, down and side to side. The objective is to take space around you away. This action forces limited passing, dribbling, or shooting options to the player on the ball.

The best first touches are pre-calculated and directional. Have you checked your shoulder? Have you scanned the field to see where the support is. I always tell my players to ALWAYS try to think positive and ask yourself “Can my pass go forward?” If not, OK, “what’s my next option?” The best first touch will set up scoring opportunities, prevent scoring opportunities for the opponent and keeping possession of the ball. (Hint – there is only ONE BALL so protect it)

The worst first touches are often times without thought and leads to a turnover to the opposing team. Turning the ball over in front of your own goal because of a poor first touch? Did you miss your teammate for a scoring opportunity because your first touch wasn’t where it was supposed to be?

First Touch Action:

Comment in the comments section or reply on twitter @soccerwithcoach with your score. Be honest with yourself too.