017 | PLAYER IQ

WATCHING THE GAME CAN HELP INCREASE SOCCER IQ AND AWARENESS ON THE FIELD.

Growing up, my coaches were constantly telling us to watch this game, watch this film, watch these videos and go to a game. At the time it didn’t make sense, I thought it was just for entertainment purpose. I would go into national team camps and we would spend hours watching film, diagnosing games, and critiquing our technique. At the time I just thought this is what top levels player do so I need to pay attention. Later in my life while coaching, I realized it was building my soccer IQ. Watching top level players helped me so much when learning about movement, spacing, creative ideas in attacking situations, and so much more.

Think about what Soccer IQ really means. Is it recognizing a counter attack? Knowing when to slow down a game? Understanding a skillful player’s pace? I think it’s all of the above, and more. There’s much more to soccer than athletic ability and skill. It’s important to understand the strategy of the game, your teammates, and your opponents. Watching high level games and understanding why they act like this on the field and tendencies players have on the field, gives you separation as a player. At the end on the day, someone will always be faster, someone may stronger, but soccer is a thinking game.

Player who are always thinking on the field stand out. You can see when they are one step ahead, predicting the game and making plays. I believe it all starts with watching the game, so get a ESPN or TV subscription and absorb all you can, because it really does make a difference.