Thinking ahead is a key to advancing as a player. So says Jay Fitzgerald, director of the Western division at Sting Soccer in the Dallas-Fort Worth area... ESNN (Elite Soccer News Network )Fitzgerald, who also heads JATO Athletics and works with the Dan Abdalla Horned Frog Soccer Academy, sees the progression of thought in the early teen years as a vital step for the development of young players. He describes his philosophy and approach to help young players advance.
Jay Fitzgerald"When it comes to thinking ahead, it all starts with being responsible for the ball. It involves knowing where you are going to go before you get it, and when the ball is coming to you, knowing your surroundings. You need to try to find the numbers that will be advantageous for your team, and the areas of the field where the most space is. You need to see all of this."Next, you need to think if getting to these places can be done on the dribble, can it be done with a pass over distance, can it be done with linking the play with another player. I tell players to think ‘If the ball was to magically appear at your feet, even if it's really on the other side, where would you go with it. What would you do with the ball?'"Fitzgerald noted that U14 Girls players are already moving into their prime recruiting season, and that coaches are especially interested in how well players understand the simple tactics of the game."They need to be dangerous and effective on the ball. It starts with being able to take care of the ball, but you also have to survey your surroundings and know how to advance the ball," he said. "A lot of teams possess the ball and keep it, but don't really go anywhere with it. I understand you don't want to be the one to give it away so you make the simple pass, but if you just play simple all the time, you never really are getting outside your comfort level. You have to try and get yourself in to positive situations.Fitzgerald added there a number of exercises involving one and two-touch soccer that help players make quick decision on what do with the ball, and ultimately to think ahead.
