Am I a Good Player?

Hey Coach Sam….What makes a good player and how can I get better?

Great Question!!

Good or great players are built by spending thousands of hours with the ball. They didn’t just magically inherit their skills from their Grandpa or get good by watching big brother in the street. Many times you hear people say that a player is special or that they were just born to play. Maybe their gifts come from the Heavens, good genes or even from another world, in the case of Messi. Truth is that players as wonderfully talented as the Argentinian Sensation himself acquired their skills on the practice field, at home and of course on the streets playing with friends. To help answer this question I have put together a short list of skills and ideas that help create a good/great futbal (soccer) player. Of course by no means is this list complete because there are so many things to learn and the greatest players on the planet are rewriting the rule book constantly. This list may seem simple. You may say “Duh Coach, of course you need these skills!” But I challenge you while reading to really ask yourself how well you perform these skills. What do you need to work on?

• A GOOD PLAYER has control of the ball when it is at her/his feet. They are able to use this controlled dribbling or ball handling to protect the ball, move it out of pressure, and create space for the team. Players that have developed SPECIAL ball skills and incredible control may be used by the team to change things up or disorganize the opponent by making attacking dribbling runs!!
• A GOOD PLAYER can control the ball with every part of their body to trap and possess the ball. He/She can win the ball from goal kicks and punts, receive passes from their team mates, and intercept passes from the other team in the air or on the ground. Basically having a good “FIRST TOUCH”!!
• A GOOD PLAYER can pass the ball well with accuracy and the right amount of power to make the play. He/She can use either foot and hit the ball well along the ground or in the air completing MOST of their intended passes.
• A GOOD PLAYER can shoot the ball well with accuracy and power with BOTH feet. Almost every soccer player will have a favorite or stronger foot and this is totally fine!! He/she knows when to hit the shot one touch, control and shoot, or make a move with the ball to have space to fire! Goal scorers must have a strong desire to score for the team and sometimes just do whatever it takes to put the ball in the back of the net!!
• A GOOD PLAYER has learned that tracking a dribbler is more effective then stabbing or poking at the ball to win it or stop an attacker. Tracking the attacker allows time to pick out mistakes, weaknesses and allow time for team mates to come in support. Stabbing at the ball shows the dribbler YOUR weaknesses and they will most likely pass you with the ball or pass around you.
• A GOOD PLAYER has learned to press the opponent when his/her team looses the ball. Applying pressure especially with a partner causes the other team to pass quickly and make mistakes. These mistakes and rushed ball play can lead to winning the ball back.
• A GOOD PLAYER understands that playing defensively is just as important as playing offensively. You should desire to protect the goal as much as you desire scoring goals. Having this attitude on the field will connect the team as a whole and create a complete winning atmosphere.
• A GOOD PLAYER pays attention to every moment of the game. He/she is always communicating with the team, giving helping instructions, and helping everyone be aware of whats happening during the play. You should communicate, talk, and give hand gestures in ways that better those around you so that everyone can play their position to the best of their abilities!!

• A GOOD PLAYER asks questions to herself during the game like….Where do I need to be? Where are my team mates? Where is the opponents players? Where is the space? Where could the ball go? How can I make a play? Where can I PASS, MOVE, SUPPORT? How can we stop their attack? Where can we penetrate their team for us to attack?
• Staying alert, focused, and anticipating what might happen in every second of the game allows your TOUCHES, PASSES, MOVES, IDEAS, DECISIONS just seem to flow. Good, poor, brilliant or ugly you are still in the game working!!

You may say “Thanks Coach I can handle that……but what would it take if I wanted to become an EXCEPTIONAL PLAYER??

The answer in my opinion is very simple….Love the Game and the experience enough to play and practice everyday. Enjoy every chance to improve, play with friends and team mates and mess with the ball constantly. The most talented players in the world come from countries where Futbal is everything. They live in a culture that views Futbal as important as Church, school, or a family get-together. They are obsessed and spend every waking hour dreaming, playing, watching the game and trying to one-up each other or emulate their favorite stars. Times are changing though and kids don’t play with the ball or scrimmage enough, they play video games, watch TV, or lay around the house. So you have a great opportunity to become special if you believe in yourself and practice, practice, practice, play, play, play!

One of the best ways to play and grow your skills next level is to find a Futsal league. Futsal is played world wide. In many countries kids grow up playing street ball, Futsal or court ball and never see a grass field until they are in their teens. Played on a hard court with a weighted ball Futsal encourages quick play with quicker decision making. You are instantly rewarded or punished for your decision and have to recover. Players touch the ball hundreds of times more in a Futsal game than in a full 11v11 match and this translates into greater skill and knowledge in a shorter time frame!

I believe an exceptional player has the desire to focus on the smallest detail of their game and skills. If you are not striking the ball well or your first touch is off then break it down. Slow down and find ways to test yourself and improve a little at a time until you have the skill mastered. Then repeat!! Instead of feeling down on yourself ask for help, make fun of yourself, create a game that works that skill over and over.

Finally I believe and exceptional player passionately loves the game as a fan, addicted to the ball, and has a deep love for the sport and connection it gives you to others. I hope these words have helped you in some small way. Please I would love to hear from you!!

See you out on the field!

♥Coach Sam

Be Creative..Be Fearless..Have Fun!