3 ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED FOR PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL SUCCESS

INTRODUCTION

Are you one of the many millions of young players striving for a professional football career? If so you really have your work cut out. Out of the many who play football from a young age very few will ever make it to even semiprofessional level. The stats are quiet amazing. Out of all players chasing a professional football career one percent or less actually makes it pro. Now out of the players that make it pro you are looking at only a fraction that see the bright lights of the super star leagues such as La Liga or the English Premier league.

This blog looks at four key areas for development that will give you the best possible chance of becoming a professional player. The attributes in the blog are also key areas professional coaches and scouts will be looking out for in professional football trials. It’s easy to think natural skills and ability is enough to make it. In reality as some great players like Steven Gerard have been quoted stating, it’s all about hard work, determination and correct mind set.

TECHNIQUE

This seems like a pretty obvious area to highlight but it’s about continuously working on technique. No payer is above running zigzags with a ball or playing simple one, two passes with a friend. Many young players believe once they reach a decent level that’s the basics done with. As humans we are never perfect and can always learn and grow. Messy and Ronaldo still work on passing, dribbling, passing and body control in every session and so should you. Think of world renown players like Lampard and Beckham both famously known for staying late after training to work on basics skills until perfect.

GAME INTELLIGENCE

In the area of game intelligence although it comes more naturally to some players it’s really about game time. Playing one 90 minute game a week really isn’t enough to build knowledge of positional play and movement. The best way to build your experience and intelligence is to play in as many different match conditions as possible. The list of match scenarios and set ups are endless. You should be looking for 11 a-side, 7 a-side, 5 a-side teams and matches. Try to  play indoor, out-door,  on hard surface and soft surface pitches. You should also try to play in different seasons to adjust to playing in cold or hot weather to be prepared for anything thrown at you in the future. Even if you are not the fastest, fittest or strongest player spatial awareness and tactical knowledge will always win.

PHYSICAL FITNESS

The game of football has changes a lot over the past 30 years. From your player of the 80’s and 90’s to today the difference in physical fitness is unbelievable. No longer is it a working man’s sport but a sport of elite athletes. One of the biggest down fall of trialing players is their lack of fitness. It is a big step up from local football and even semi pro football to the professional game.

Endurance: which is key not only for keeping up with the game physically, but largely effects your decision making if you are blowing out. Think about long runs on the treadmill or interval training.

Speed: This is an essential attribute for all players in today’s game. Using sprint drills with parachutes, bungee bands or any other resistance equipment to build that explosive speed.

Strength and Power: Again in today’s physical game to be a physical presents is essential. It’s all about hitting the gym and building up total strength. Work on you core for stability and balance, your upper body for aerial strength and ball retention and legs for increased explosive pace.