Opening Whistle
Every weekend, millions of football fans around the world cheer on their respective teams. Many fans are left in awe by the skills on display, while others naively think they can play better than the players on the field. One thing that unites all fans is that at one point each one of us dreamed of playing professionally. Unfortunately, for the vast majority that remained an unrealized pipe dream.
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Despite everyone wanting to play professional football, less than 1% make it. So, the question remains what sets elite professional athletes apart from amateurs? Given my experiences playing youth football in Europe, I noticed 8 primary differences between professional soccer players and amateurs. For this Soccer Sunday we will discuss the first 4 factors, and round up the list the following week. Let's Get Stuck In!
Factor 1 : Fitness
The first thing that sets apart professional soccer players is their fitness levels. Many people think they can play a full match, however, playing 90 minutes in a men’s league game and playing 90 minutes in a professional game require 2 very different levels of fitness. Professionals must be in peak physical condition in order to maintain the intensity required to press, track back and offer passing options to their teammates for 90 minutes. Despite the massive gap in fitness levels between amateurs and pros, this area is the simplest to improve upon with the right training regime.
Great Video On How to Improve Stamina - Video Credit Will John YouTube
Factor 2 : First Touch
First touch is perhaps one of the most clear cut ways to distinguish between pros and amateurs. Professional football players are able to kill any pass with ease. Whether it is a driven pass or a 60 yard long ball, pros have no trouble getting the ball under control with 1 touch. Amateurs on the other hand need multiple touches to achieve the same outcome. Not only that, but pros are able to give direction to their first touch and take it away from opponents when under pressure.
Factor 3 : Speed of Play
Tied in with the concept of first touch is speed of play. The higher level you play at, the quicker the pace of the game and the less time you have on the ball. A good touch helps reduce time in possession, however, speed of play is not only technical but also mental. Professionals have the technical skills to release the ball quickly but also display the mental speed needed to process information and make split second decisions. Amateurs receive the ball and then think what they will do with it. Professionals are always thinking 3-4 passes ahead.
Great Video on How to Improve Speed of Play - Video Credit FootXFit Youtube
Factor 4 : Decision Making
Another differentiating factor is Decision Making. Compared to amateurs, professionals display a far better decision making percentage. Pros know when to pass back with one touch, when to run at the defender and when to have a shot. On the other hand many amateurs frequently make wrong decisions. This difference is particularly on display when watching the decision making of elite midfielders versus amateur midfielders.
Final Whistle:
There You Have It! The first 4 differentiating factors that separate professional soccer players from amateurs.
And just like that the final whistle is blown. We hope you liked today’s article and we want to thank you for sticking with us till the end. Subscribe to the blog down below for the latest stories and follow us on Instagram @Studsup99. If you want in person technical training, book your free player assessment today. Let’s get stuck in!
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