How to watch a game

Ronaldo Vs RonaldinhoUploaded by NicoASM7

Like I have been telling you guys, two of the easiest ways to improve your game are juggling and watching games. Your touch is critical so please start juggling every day! I know most of you have busy schedules and sometimes sitting down to watch a whole game is impossible on the weekend so I will be posting some highlight clips here. No excuses! I will try to put up some tv schedules also.

If you do take the time to sit down and watch a game make it worth your while. Listen to the pregame and see what formations the teams are running, pick out a player that plays your position and watch how that players moves ( with the ball and without). Off-the-ball movement is an important part of the game and is easier to see when you are watching a game in person. However, there are several ways to learn about how to make runs and supportive movement when watching a game on TV. The top of the television screen is great place to look for off-the-ball movement, because the players at the top of the screen are rarely directly involved in the play, but they will be moving. And if you’re lucky, you will see the start of a run that results in a shot or a goal a short time later.

The best time to look for movement is when a player has the ball at his feet and doesn’t seem to have anywhere to pass it. Who moves to help him? Where did they move to? How many players moved? Good possession teams always have someone in position to provide an outlet pass.
You can also look for players who made runs but didn’t get the ball. You guys only want to make runs if you're going to get the ball. Pros know that just by making a run to the corner, or moving out of a space in which they are standing, they are opening it up for teammate to get the ball. Watch how players “check in” and “check out” by moving into a space to provide a passing option, waiting, then moving out to another space. Two things are always happening in a high level game players are creating space and moving into space created by others.

Perhaps the most important thing for you to watch is the way players trap or settle the ball. I've told you your “first touch” is the most important skill you can have. The best players have great first touches, because their first touch on the ball enables them to prepare the ball for their second touch – whether it is a pass, a shot or a dribble. Watch how the players are thinking ahead when the ball is coming to them and how their first touch rarely just stops the ball at their feet. It is prepared to their right or left, so they can create space and play the ball easily and efficiently with their next touch.