What your game can learn from… The NFL

Study your opponent

You always want to go into the game with a plan. During the week I break down a lot of film to learn what the receiver likes to do. If it’s a running play, I know at the line of scrimmage he’s not going to adjust his gloves. Once they adjust their gloves I know he’s getting ready to catch the ball because he’ll want to make sure everything feels right. There are a lot of these tells, you just have to learn to read them. If you can read body language or familiarise yourself with the habits of the player you’re covering in soccer, it will help you track their runs. In American Football we study the different formations and plays a team can run – in soccer you could study the different routines a team runs at set-pieces. This can help you anticipate what’s going to happen and potentially intercept a pass. If you go into the game blind, not knowing what they’re going to run, then they’re going to make a fool of you.
 

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1