FineSoccer Kids 51

Welcome to the FineSoccer Kids Newsletter.  Today’s subject deals with time.

Players don’t realize how much time they may or may not have when they have the ball (or want the ball).  For example, when a player gets a ball and no one is within 10 yards of her, many players seem to think they have time to take 3,4 or even 5 touches on the ball before they will be under pressure.  However, it’s important to realize a good athlete can run 10 yards in between 1-2 seconds.  Taking that into consideration, a defender can put pressure on the ball in less than 2 seconds from 10 yards from the ball (and it would actually be a lot less than 2 seconds because a defender only has to get close to put pressure on the player with the ball)

The next time you receive a ball and the closest defender is 20 yards away, realize, that while it’s nice to have that much time and space to work with, if the defender wants, within 2-3 seconds, she can be right where you are.  So, instead of waiting for the defender to get there, look to play while you have time and don’t wait till the last second (which comes a lot sooner than you think). 

How can you learn to play quicker?  The answer is actually real simple.  Know what your options are before you receive the ball.  By doing this, you don’t have to “buy time” for yourself while looking around to see what you can do.  Take that look before you receive the ball so in your mind, you know where everyone is (on both teams) and know what your options are.  By doing this, if you need to play the ball first time, you can, or, if you have 1-2 seconds, you will be able to figure out what the best option is so that you play the ball when you should and NOT only when you have to.

Any questions, comments or suggestions should be sent to kidscomments@finesoccer.com or they can be posted on the FineSoccer Forum at http://finesoccer.net

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Have a great day!

Lawrence