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Tactical

Reading the Game

Develop the ability to anticipate what happens next.

Reading the game separates good players from great ones. It's the ability to see patterns, anticipate opponents, and make better decisions faster. This guide covers scanning, recognising game situations, understanding space, and developing the football IQ that lets you play ahead of the game.

Key Points

1Scan constantly - before receiving, after passing, during transitions
2Watch the ball AND the players around you
3Recognise patterns - teams repeat behaviours
4Understand space - where is it, how do you exploit it
5Think one pass ahead - not just your touch, the next one
6Watch full matches to study positioning, not just highlights

Training Drills

✓Scanning drill - receive with mandatory shoulder checks before ball arrives
✓Small-sided games with conditions that force decision-making
✓Position-specific analysis - watch professionals in your position
✓Shadow play without the ball - move as if in a match, read teammates
✓Rondo with focus on scanning and awareness, not just passing
✓Video analysis of your own matches to identify decision-making patterns

Learn From the Pros

Sergio Busquets - always knew where everyone wasXavi Hernández - thought three passes aheadLucy Bronze - reads attacking patterns brilliantlyThomas Müller - always in the right place (raumdeuter)N'Golo Kanté - anticipates danger before it develops

Ask FootballGPT

“How do I improve my football IQ?”

“Why am I always late to react?”

“How can I see more of the pitch?”

“What should I look for when scanning?”

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I develop better game awareness?

Scan constantly. Before the ball comes, check over both shoulders. After you pass, check again. During play, glance around. The more you scan, the more information you have. Then watch full matches (not highlights) to study how professionals position themselves and read situations.

Why do some players always seem to be in the right place?

They're reading the game and anticipating. They see patterns - "when the ball goes wide, space opens centrally." They think ahead - "if I make this run, it drags the defender and creates space for my teammate." Experience and deliberate practice build this skill.

What's the most important thing to look for when scanning?

Depends on your position and the game situation. Generally: where's the space, where are your teammates, where's the pressure coming from. If you're receiving the ball, you need to know if you can turn or if you need to set it back. Context changes what matters.

Can you improve football IQ or is it natural?

You can absolutely improve it. Some players have natural awareness, but everyone can get better through deliberate practice. Watch more football. Analyse your own games. Ask your coach to explain WHY decisions are right or wrong. Understanding the game improves decision-making.

Expert Advisors

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General Player

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Youth Rising

Academy pathway for teenagers

reading the gamefootball IQtactical awarenessfootball intelligencescanning footballgame sense

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