🧠⚽The Hidden Football Skill That Separates Pros from Amateurs

Now, let’s talk about the one skill that separates the best players from the rest.

The #1 Underrated Skill in Football: DECISION-MAKING

Watch any top player, and you’ll see one thing—they make the right decision almost every time.

🚀 Kevin De Bruyne? He picks the perfect pass 90% of the time.
🚀 Sergio Busquets? He barely gets tackled because he always knows his next move.
🚀 Erling Haaland? He doesn’t waste chances—he takes the highest-percentage shot every time.

This isn’t luck. It’s trained decision-making.

Why Most Players Struggle With Decisions

Most young footballers are focused on the wrong things:
❌ Trying to do unnecessary skill moves instead of simple, effective plays
❌ Playing too fast or too slow because they don’t scan enough
❌ Taking low-quality shots instead of making the extra pass

The difference between a good and great player isn’t just technique—it’s the ability to read the game faster and make better decisions.

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How to Improve Your Decision-Making

Here’s how to start thinking like a pro:

1️⃣ Play More Football

🔹 The best way to improve decision-making? Just play more.
🔹 The more situations you experience, the faster your brain processes them.
🔹 Your brain builds "memory muscle"—so when a similar play happens, you already know what to do.

🚀 Challenge: Play as many small-sided games as possible. 5v5, street football, or just pickup with friends—every game helps you improve.

2️⃣ Scan the Field Constantly

🔹 Xavi scanned over 700 times per game. That’s what made him elite.
🔹 Before you receive the ball, look around at least 2-3 times.
🔹 Know where your teammates and opponents are before you get the ball.

🚀 Drill to Try: Play small-sided games with the rule that you must scan before touching the ball.

3️⃣ Play With Your Head Up

🔹 Keep your eyes up when dribbling—don’t just look at the ball.
🔹 Always know your next pass before you receive the ball.
🔹 If you’re under pressure, don’t panic—use body positioning to shield the ball and buy time.

🚀 Drill to Try: Play rondos (small possession games) while focusing on quick one-touch passes and movement.

4️⃣ Watch Football Like a Coach

🔹 Stop just watching highlights—analyze full matches.
🔹 Pause and ask: “What would I do in this situation?”
🔹 Focus on your position—how do the best players move, pass, and create space?

🚀 Challenge: Watch one full game per week and take notes on decision-making moments.

The Fastest Way to Improve in 1 Month

Try this system:

✅ Week 1: Focus on scanning more in training and matches.
✅ Week 2: Record a session and analyze your decisions. What’s working? What’s not?
✅ Week 3: Watch at least 3 full games of a player in your position.
✅ Week 4: Apply everything. Are you playing faster and smarter?

👉 The best players don’t just play harder—they play smarter.

Start making better decisions, and you’ll see the results on the pitch.