Opening Whistle
Last Soccer Sunday we discussed the first 4 differences between professional soccer players and amateurs. As a quick refresher, we dove into the importance of fitness, first touch, speed of play and awareness. For those of you who didn’t get a chance to read part 1, click the link right here.
Image Credit - Creative Commons
This week we continue where we left off and we bring you 4 new differentiating factors. There’s no time to waste so let’s get stuck in!
Factor 5 : Spatial Awareness
Soccer is played at 100 miles an hour, so it is important to be aware of all its moving pieces. Professional players possess the ability to read the game and are always aware of their position in relation to the ball and other players. This heightened level of spatial awareness helps players in many scenarios such as keeping possession of the ball when pressed from behind or tracking a runner at the back post. Amateurs on the other hand do not have this 6th sense on the field which leads to far more errors in and out of possession.
Great Video on Improving Awareness - Video Credit Unisport YouTube
Factor 6 : Tactical Discipline
Even at the amateur level there are many technically gifted players. However, many of these players lack the tactical know-how required to play professionally. Understanding your role within a team’s system and being able to take up the right positions is something professionals excel at. Football is a team sport which requires everyone to play their role to perfection in order to win.
Factor 7 : Mentality
The mental aspect of the game plays a significant role in separating professionals from amateurs. Professionals exhibit a strong mentality, characterized by resilience in the face of setbacks and the ability to handle pressure. Professionals embrace challenges, learn from their shortcomings and are always looking to improve. On the other hand, most amateurs tend to crack when the pressure is on, being quickly demoralized by setbacks.
Great Video on Improving Mentality - Video Credit FourFourTwo YouTube
Factor 8 : Consistency
The final differentiating factor that ties the previous 7 together is consistency. Professional players display a far greater consistency of execution and consistency of dedication. Most amateur players can sporadically play a perfect long ball or hit the top corner, the difference is professionals can do it consistently. This consistency of outcome is a bi-product of the dedication professionals display from a young age. A lot of players have what it takes to make it, however, very few are willing to stick to a consistent training schedule for years in order to succeed.
Final Whistle
Becoming a professional soccer player is an incredibly difficult task which requires a combination of technical, tactical and mental aptitudes. We hope this article clarified the differences between professionals and amateurs, while also providing an insight of what it takes to play at the highest level. So what are you waiting for? Grab a ball and go out to train individually or with some friends. You know what it takes to make it, now you need to execute the plan.
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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