Vision is the ability to see potential passes.
In Football a player with mediocre passing ability only sees what’s directly in front of him. He passes the ball to a forward with a defender on his back.
A player with good vision will quickly scan the field and find a better pass. He sees the forward is marked tightly, looks right, sees the right-winger can’t shake his man, then looks left. He sees a hole in the defense. He passes the ball through the hole into space and the left-winger runs to the ball.
Vision: is half of becoming a good passer (the other half is a technique, covered in our article, How to Pass a Soccer Ball).
Read this article to learn 4 tips on improving your vision.
1. Know where teammates are located :
Vision starts before you receive the ball and pick your head up.
Good players have a general understanding of where their teammates are located on the field.
Understanding where players are located partially comes from experience. Over time you learn where your teammates are located in different game situations. 🏃🏼♂️
Knowing where teammates are located also comes from looking around constantly when you don’t have the ball. Players constantly shift their positions, so you should scan the field as much as possible.
Having a general idea of where your teammates are makes finding a good pass easier.
2. Pick your head up quickly :
Every second counts so don’t waste time. Pick your head up immediately after you receive the ball
Focus on picking up your head quickly until it becomes a habit.
3. Scan the field :
Since you know the general location of teammates and defenders (see step one) you already have an idea of who you want to pass the ball to. Look there first.
If your teammate is still open and you don’t see a great option out of the corner of your eye, pass the ball. If the teammate is marked, look elsewhere.
Most players have poor vision because they focus on what’s straight ahead. Do the opposite. Scan the field so you see every option.
4. Look for players making runs :
Players with good vision look for teammates making runs.
A player making a run is usually a better option than a player standing still.
Players with poor vision constantly miss out on players making great runs. When you miss these runs, you reduce your team’s key opportunities.
That’s why a Center midfielder with good vision is often a team’s most valuable player; he sets up players for breakaways, crosses, and other good opportunities.
Look for players making runs when you scan the field. Your passing ability will improve.
Read on for some tips on how to harness your eyesight like a professional:
a) Increase your peripheral awareness. Always looking on the edge of his visual field.
b) Treat your eye muscles like leg muscles.
c) Track your vision.
d) Keep it colorful.
e) Embrace the power of ping pong.
f) Visualize your set pieces.
g) Play with your head up.
