Knowledge of the Game: An Overlooked Aspect

     Soccer is a sport in which intelligence and physicality are both necessities, and when mixed create very talented players. In "Qualities of a Soccer Player", FC Alliance describes the mental and physical aspects which great players display, and what new players should practice.  Today I am going to focus on a few of the knowledge related skills that are sometimes overlooked compared to those concerning fitness. Here are a few mental attributes, as described by FC Alliance, that I think are very important in a strong soccer players.

1. Positional Play
2. Vision
3. Awareness
4. Instinctive Reaction
5. Adaptability 
6. Inventiveness

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     I would say "positional play", "vision", and "awareness" are all connected and these all come with experience on the field. When you are on the field more and more, you become more aware of the area around you and can see the game better. Strong players know where their teammates and they should be, depending on the position of the ball. They know how to "use the space" and "create space", which helps create plays and advance the game of play. Furthermore, these players can anticipate where the ball will be played and visualize plays depending on where their teammates and defenders are, where the ball is, and where the space is. These qualities are extremely valuable, and they all come from extensive time spent simply playing.

      Then comes "instinctive reaction" and "adaptability" which refers knowing what to do when you receive the ball, even when there is pressure on you. When the ball is played to you, the last thing you want is to freak out when an opposing player pressures you and lose possession for your team. Therefore, strong players are able to remain composed and can adapt to tough circumstances. There players can seamlessly move forward when the pressure is on and thus make a big difference in the game.

     Finally there is "inventiveness" which is what creates a skillful midfielder or forward. These players, also with lots of experience, can create plays and goal scoring opportunities, with moves, tricks, and unique plays. This is where a player's personality can really show and aid their team.

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