In the attacking phase of the game we have two categories of players:
- Ballcarrier
- Several teammates
The Ballcarrier’s task is to make a decision, to who should I pass the ball and then execute the decision. If the ballcarrier has more options – his or her’s level of game insight is really put to the point; Which one of the teammates position is the best for my pass?
We often have to much of a focus on the ballcarrier’s ability to perceive and asses – and therefore we value his or her’s decision to choose the best passing option as the only factor in their decision making (game insight).-
No matter how good the ballcarrier is, it is always dependent on the actions of his teammates. The actions from the teammates will decide the ballcarrier’s decision making.
Conclusion: In the definition of Game Insight – the ballcarrier and teammates should be considered as equal
Example 1:
The game of soccer is directional. Which means that the most optimal pass is forward and surpassing (bypassing) opponents, because the game is based on scoring goals (one more goal than opponent preferably).
In order to accomplish this the teammates must act so that they can give the ballcarrier passing options forward and behind the opponent. This sets out high demands on the teammates decision making; Which position is the best in order to make it easier for the ballcarrier.
The ballcarrier in his/her turn needs to decide which passing option is the best depending where he/she is.
Coclusion. The teammates must the ones first to act before the ballcarrier can make his decision. The quality of the ballcarrier’s decision stands in relation to how many of his teammates have acted, thus giving more passing options.
Example 2:
A ballcarrier passes the ball to a teammate and therefor becomes a teammate and must act accordingly immediately. And this is probably by far the one, if not most frequent situation that happens when the team has the ball.
Conclusion:
One the hardest moments for younger players (even older ones too). Often the action is delayed because the player who just was a ballcarrier is observing the result of his or her’s pass and even sometimes they feel that they already done their job. This takes practice to quickly switch between the roles which is crucial while you’re attacking.