AWARENESS

Awareness is the foundation of game intelligence. Not just in soccer, but all sports. The concept is easy to understand, but very difficult to master. However, once a player can continually apply this to their game, they gain a significant advantage over their competitors. And this doesn’t just apply to opponents, being soccer smart will give you a tremendous edge over teammates who are also vying to be a starter.

Awareness begins by comprehending four things simultaneously:

1. Where the ball is on the field
2. Where your teammates are on the field
3. Where the opponents are on the field
4. Where you are on the field in relation to the above

You don’t gain awareness by just watching ball movement, you achieve full awareness by doing one simple thing: constantly looking around and evaluating your surroundings. This is not something you do once or twice during the game. You must do it constantly – and it requires hard work and diligence to train yourself how to do it correctly. Smarter Soccer will teach you how, but for now you need to simply understand that you need to be completely aware.

I always chuckle when I hear announcers commentating on a professional soccer match: “he/she was just happened to be in the right spot at the right time.” As if by chance or dumb luck they magically were in an area to head home the winning goal. It’s just not how it works. While there are times a player may suddenly be in a position to poke it into the back of the net after the ball ricochets off a couple of players in the box, it is very rare that it was some sort of miracle.

The reality is that the player gained awareness of the four items listed above and then positioned themselves intelligently to make the play. Have you ever noticed how older soccer players, who may have lost some of the physical aspects of their game (speed, quickness, dribbling ability, etc.), still continually make great plays? It’s because they’re far smarter than younger who don’t possess their extensive game experience. This gives them not only awareness, but also situational awareness. They sound similar, but they’re actually quite different, and something we’ll explore in the future.

Game intelligence has an even bigger impact in soccer, as opposed to other sports, since the beautiful game is a Chess match in motion. Move – counter-move; attack – defend; bait – trap; offer – deceive; and so on. There are no time outs or breaks for television commercials. It’s a continuous flow of data, requiring constant interpretation. Even minor stoppages, such as goal kicks or throw-ins don’t allow players to switch off and take a break. Maintaining focus, staying connected and the ability to read the game is what separates good players from great ones.

But the first step in becoming an intelligent soccer player starts with one word: Awareness.

LH.01

Awareness

Life Hack

Awareness can not only make a huge difference on the soccer field, but also in life. Ever walk through a crowded parking lot and suddenly jump back from a car backing up that you didn’t see?

That’s your fault. Why?  Probably because you were staring down at your phone, but mainly because you weren’t aware of the car. There was intelligence that you could have acquired if you were paying attention to your surroundings, such as the illuminated back up lights, the car’s movement, the sound of the engine. etc., but by not being aware, you put yourself in a dangerous position and got a big scare.

Don’t let this happen to you on the field. Players who have awareness are never surprised.

★ Smarter.Soccer Insight: Where else in your life can awareness give you an advantage?

Awareness

Awareness