Elevate Your Soccer IQ
Take your soccer training beyond the pitch with BGTV – an all-access video network that focuses on developing how you view the game.
Take your soccer training beyond the pitch with BGTV – an all-access video network that focuses on developing how you view the game.
Let’s watch this example & see why knowing how to turn in the midfield can be such an important skill.
Let’s watch this clip and watch out for something you should NOT be doing. Please never be this player!
Let’s learn from these mistakes this OB makes & how we can improve, what mistakes we can avoid making.
Big tip here for you attacking players when running behind the defense.
Let’s watch this example & learn how to outsmart the attacking player.
Even the pros make big mistakes, what matters is your reaction & how you bounce back from these things!
Let’s watch these two examples of center backs doing an amazing job of getting the ball into the attack.
This a great example of great actions & reactions from an attacking player.
Even the pros can make big mistakes, what matters is how you bounce back from it!
This a great example for all you center backs and outside backs on how to properly clear a low cross.
Let’s check out this clip & watch the work rate of a top striker.
Strikers, this one is for you! What are the cues to run behind the defense?
Let’s watch this perfect example of how to play forward as a center midfielder!
Let’s all watch this video because this is something everyone on the field needs to understand.
In this clip we will watch this center back as she receives the ball & learn how she takes the space in front of her.
What is low block defending?
Watch this video to learn all about it!
Let’s watch this amazing goal & see what she does so well to make it happen.
Strikers let’s watch this perfect example of how to pin a defender!
Center midfielders, here are two examples for you to watch.
Let's check out this play by Rose Lavelle & keep an eye out on her movements.
Wingers & Outside backs remember you don’t always have to beat the defender to be effective!
This is a great example for all you strikers & attacking midfielders!
Let’s watch this unbelievable solo goal & take away something super important from this all attacking players need to have.
This a great video for you outside backs & wingers when getting into the attack.
This might not make sense, but we have to learn how to defend while attacking as defenders.
Alright Strikers, let’s take a look at this player here who scores a goal but focus on how she gets this opportunity.
Wingers, let's watch this run & see what we can take from it.
Center midfielders we have a great example here of why knowing what to do with the ball before it even comes to you is key.
Outside backs, here is a quick clip to help you improve your game out on the field!
Let’s watch this amazing play create a big opportunity
Let’s watch the incredible Leo Messi win a header over a 6’3 center back.
Let's watch this perfect example of how to turn in the midfield!
Let’s breakdown this amazing goal & the textbook teamwork that made it happen.
Players of ALL POSITIONS please watch this video & learn from it.
Let’s breakdown what happens in this video, let’s see what we analyze from the player.
Let’s watch what happens in this clip & learn why pushing the defensive line up is so important .
Are you feeling like you aren’t hitting your peak yet? You aren’t hitting the ball hard enough? Watch this video for some tips!
Let’s watch this example of why creating relationships with your teammates on the field is so important.
This is an example of perfect play by the outside back both on the defensive & offensive side.
Defenders, let’s check out this play here that we see happening a lot.. what should you do, what’s the right move?
Even the pros make mistakes, keep your head up, you will be alright!
This is a good lesson for wingers & outside backs about defensive responsibility.
Let’s check out these two videos & go over how to improve defensive clearances with the head.
In this clip we have a free kick on offense but let’s watch & see what happens on the counter attack.
Let’s focus on the defensive side of the ball while watching this clip.. what could we do better in this situation?
Let’s watch what this center back does after the ball goes back to the goalkeeper.
Let’s watch North Carolina’s commitment to defend this counter attack!
We got an awesome skill check to watch this week!
Strikers, you can’t always control whether you have an assist or score a goal in a game, but regardless you want to help your team win, then take a look at this..
Let’s watch how this center backs simple little pass leads directly to the goal.
Deep runs don’t need to occur at midfield, they can happen much closer to the goal, lets watch it happen in this play.
Let’s watch this 1v1 defensive situtation and see what the defending player does so well.
No matter what position you play on the field, reading the game is so important, understanding what might happen, what will happen and how do I take advantage of that.
Movement is what creates goals, especially in the offensive third of the field.
Tips for defenders going up against wingers & strikers who may be faster and or stronger than you.
Let’s watch this example and learn ways to bait your defender.
Learn how small details can make a big difference out on the field.
Let’s see some key things that coaches & scouts want to see in top prospects!
Let’s see why every pass matters & why mentally you should focus on passing properly every chance you get.
Let’s see why mentality matters, body language matters and how it can make a huge difference while on the field.
Let’s learn when to go into a 1v1, when to stop, when to run back with the ball & improve our knowledge to help build our confidence when having to make these choices again.
Let’s watch a couple example of why footwork is critical when it comes to defending.
Let’s watch these goals & see what they all have in common to help them score.
Center backs in this video we are going to learn how to advance the ball effectively by identifying passing lanes that can split defensive lines.
Let’s watch Luis Suárez make this incredible goal by making double movements in the box.
Let’s watch this fantastic goal by Minnesota against Seattle!
Let’s watch this attacking midfielder and see what her reaction led to.
Let’s watch this penalty kick, keep a close eye on number 5 from Sporting Kansas City.
Let’s watch this attacking midfielder, second striker & see what she does so well to evade pressure, open up the field & lead a counter attack.
Lets learn some key strategies on ways we can create space while moving forward on the attack.
Why practicing these drills are so important for your game IQ when real life game scenerios come to play.
You never have to play offsides but knowing when it’s safe to play it; can you give you a big advantage.
Lets watch how this deep run created this great opportunity to score.
Lets check out this goal made possible by staying with the play.
Let’s watch two similar goals & go trough what lead to these goals being made & the similarities In both.
Free kick turns into a goal at almost half time, lets check it out!
Let’s watch how putting in the work pays off big time for this player.
Let's watch how this turnover turns into a goal & things we should be doing on both sides when this happens.
In this clip let’s check out the outside backs on BOTH sides of the field, let's see what they do well & what could be improved.
Let's watch one of the best MLS goals ever made, why it matters to commit & give it your all until the very last second.
Let's watch this defender marvelously take on this 3V1 situation.
Fouling On Purpose? Why do defenders do this? Let's talk about it..
Let's see the importance of little things like passing & receiving. Let's see why this is something to always practice & improve on.
Let's watch this counter-attack goal & evaluate what could have been done better.
Let's watch how this striker makes being offsides work in his favor.
Let's break down ways to read the game & how these players can do better & have better coverage as defenders.
Let's watch this Winger take a very smart run to try create a chance for a goal.
Let’s check out this touch & volley off this corner kick!
Let’s see an outside back & defensive mid do really great against a winger.
Mistakes & Turnover don’t matter, we keep going & we keep putting the effort.
Let’s break down these two clips & watch how these players don’t make the right decision for themselves.
Why playing quickly & cleanly makes it nearly impossible for the other team to apply pressure.
Let's watch Team USA make this amazing goal but also breakdown how it came to be & why small details are some important.
Do you think this was done on purpose?
Either way, mark it down as an assist!
Let's watch Miami's defensive shape & see how they make the rival team go wide & eventually win the ball by playing smart.
Let's see how your movements can help you get open and in return create a big chance for your team to score.
On the offensive side let's watch some tips for scoring Goals as an Outside back or Wingback, plus more tips on the defensive side on what to Improve as a Centerback.
Centerbacks, you don't need to always win the headers, sometimes the better choice is to let the ball go. Let's watch some examples of when to do that.
Let's watch how to avoid going offsides while not losing your momentum.
Let's watch this defender take on a striker, how do you think she did?
Let's watch this wingback's reaction and work rate create this opportunity for a goal!
Let's watch two early crosses on the ground and why it is important to know when and how to take those shots.
Let's watch this long run that leads to a goal and learn ways you can prevent this as an outside back and centerback.
Outside backs and Centerbacks let's learn things we can do when we are getting pinned by a Winger.
Let's see how a small mistake can have big consequences and break down what we could do better defensiveley to not give away big plays.
Let's see how this Outside Back reads the situation and goes the extra mile, giving that extra 110% that helps create the opportunity for a goal.
Let's watch this outside back take on this winger and learn what we could do a little better in this type of situation.
Let's watch this outside back receive the ball under pressure and make the perfect play.
Let's watch this great goal but analyze what the outside back & centerback could have done a little better.
Let's watch how to create space & make your team mate open for a great pass and a big chance to score.
Let's watch this center midfielder beat her defender.
Mistakes happen to everyone, especially at the highest level.
Let's checkout this perfect opportunity as a centerback to put this striker offsides.
Let's watch what this centerback DOESN'T do that she does well.
Let's watch what happens when one player doesn't shift and what could have been done to avoid the outcome.
Find Your Pockets, Be Patient and Be Persistent. Let's watch some key ways to be an efficient Attacking midfielder.
Let's watch this attacking midfielder take the game by the horns and create his own chance at scoring.
Let's watch and learn how to perfect this key move; this touch is important for everyone in all positions to learn and practice.
A lot goes into playing the perfect early cross. Let’s get into it.
If you aren’t sure if you can handle the space behind, it’s best to stay home and let the defenders defend so you don’t end up in no-man’s land.
You want to know why every coach wants you to juggle, pop the ball up and work on controlling it? Mastering controlling a long ball leads to beautiful goals like this one.
As an outside back moving forward, you should have multiple options with the ball: give and go with the winger, cross to the penalty spot, or look for the CAM. So how do you decide which is the best option?
Unsung heroes are still heroes. This is a great example of how a Center Mid stops a counter attack in its tracks. Absolutely amazing play.
A peek inside the thought process of a professional Centerback looking to start the attack.
Most goals are scored in the box, but most shots are practiced from outside the box. Instead of practicing a driven shot, make sure you have a chip shot in your skills bag — the reason most longer range shots end up 30 rows back is many strikers put too much on the ball rather than perfecting placement
Too often, wingers go for the 1 v 1 against the outside back, trying to beat them so they can get a cross off. The thing is, all you need is a little space and you can get it without risking losing the ball.
Checking away from the ball then checking to it is a simple movement — but it works very well to create space even at the highest level of the game.
Watch this winger make crucial movements to create open spaces & get close to scoring!
When the attacking player you’re marking drops into space, it’s natural to move up with them. But you have to be ready to make a recovery run so you are not creating a lot of space behind you.
We shared this video for keepers to learn about game management, but it’s good for strikers too. Just another reason to play in the defense’s blind spot.
Look at your foot placement — if you’re flat footed, you need to be behind the attacker and block their run. If you’re facing the sideline, you’re ready to drop back.
When the other team is going for the cross, your job defending against it is to make the other player’s job more difficult. If you can block the cross, force them to play a less than perfect ball. If you’re marking a striker going near post, step in front of them to slow them down.
The little details that make up this goal the entire team earned couldn’t be done better if it was scripted.
When a team moves forward like this, there’s little the defense can do. Watch this again and again and see what the player in the position you play does.
Watching the striker’s forehead to see a split second earlier where the ball is going can make all the difference.
Sometimes the movement is very subtle, but all it has to do is create a little bit of space and separation from the defender for you to get a touch on the ball.
It’s typically better to play a curled shot deeper as it will likely curl back towards you near the goal line versus curling around you with a higher line.
When going for a foot save, just present your foot in the path of the ball. Swinging your foot at the ball just makes everything more complicated.
Stay balanced and - if you don’t have a scouting report - see what clues the penalty taker gives you.
Look at the Goalie’s decision-making here. The moment they see it’s going to be a pass they charge to take up the space. They shrink their steps to make sure they are in full control when the ball is going to be shot and make a great save from a dangerous chance.
Whatever your decision, commit to it and don’t second guess yourself.
When defending a corner, communication is key. If you want to punch the ball out, command the space and make sure your defender hears you.
When your defense is holding a high line on a free kick, it’s the Keeper’s job to close down space behind the defense. This is why.
Textbook GoalKeeping for handling a freekick from the top of the box.
Hindsight is always 20/20 — as a Keeper, you should hope your back line is always keeping track of the attacking players, but in the waning moments of a game it’s easy for everyone to miss someone — especially if you think the game is going to get whistled at when you play the ball out.
A common dread-inducing moment when your in goal centers around the cutback cross. Here’s how to handle it perfectly.
Big Keepers Make Big Saves in Big Games.
Cruyff (who played goalie in Ajax’s academy) said the keeper is responsible for 5 of the 7 meters of the goal, with the defenders covering the other 2. Here’s a great example of positioning yourself to cover your 5 meters.
A strong shot from 18 yards often has your view slightly screened. To be able to make a save, you have to have perfect positioning.
When your team isn’t set up well to handle a corner kick, your positioning as the GK is key in preventing a goal. Seems straightforward, but it is anything but.
Two plays from the same game from the same keeper. One that breaks the press and leads to a goal and one that is almost a WPIOOTBGW (When Playing It Out of the Back Goes Wrong) clip.
When you’re building out of the back, look at the pockets of space to pass into when keeping the ball on the ground. This is a great long pass to the striker, who pulls the other team’s CB out of position and creates a great chance on goal.
When we talk about playing out of the back, we often talk about short passes to the outside backs or the CDM. But here’s how to look at playing more directly with a long, multiple lines-breaking pass straight to the Striker.
Nowadays, the Goalkeeper truly is the first attacker. A great example of how to play out of the back in this play.
Communication is key when you’re coming off the line. You need to let your defender know if you’re coming out to win the ball.
Winger recognizes ball is going to the outside back & she is going to get pressed by defender, she quickly finds a way to make herself an option.
If you see your opportunity for a one on one, commit to taking it on. You have to be confident & not slow down, that is the key.
When the winger or outside back is coming at you in a 1 v 1, don’t get flat footed with your feet facing away from your goal. Orient towards the sideline and you’re in a better position. Stay side facing.
Textbook play for a Striker: get in the CB’s blindspot, get them to move, then cut in to the space they made. Receive the pass, lay it off, turn and make a run to goal. Then use that celebration you’ve been practicing.
Your technique when diving forward determines if you lock up the ball, if it bounces out for a rebound, or if the ball gets through. A step-by-step on how to do it right.
A striker’s job is to score goals, but they can do so much more for their team. Watch this reaction after the shot.
A CB highlight reel often is filled with either plays by the other team that fizzle out due to good positioning or recovering from mistakes like this beautiful tackle. What do you want more of in your hightlight reel?
When the cross is a little behind you or the defender is overcommitted to the near side, this simple move will create a great chance on goal.
When you parry the ball, try to parry it into a safe space. If you can’t, make sure any rebound isn’t a tap in. Hard to do, but saves a goal if you just don’t give up.
All you need is a little bit of space to get a shot off.
Create space between you and the striker to receive the ball, but if you don’t get it, it’s an immediate sprint up to close down space.
The definition of a good cross is one that is easy for your teammate to receive and get a good chance on goal. Here are two great ones in two different situations.
If you aren’t the fastest player on the field, you need to look closely at your positioning and footwork when getting in a race with someone quicker than you.
When attacking as a winger, thinking about what you can do to create more space often leads to chances like this one. Simple idea, perfect execution.
Two learning moments for CBs in this video: deciding when to dribble out of the back (and when to pass it back to your keeper) and handling a 2 v 1 as a CB.
When you get a yellow and you think it was a bad call, getting angry and frustrated is natural. But you have to stay aware of the line in the sand when the ref will be ok with you complaining and when you’ll get a red card for it.
As a Winger, the most thankless job you have is make runs to pull defenders and create pockets of space. It doesn’t always work out, but forcing defenders to make decisions will open up opportunities all game.
As an attacking Outside Back, this is a relatively simple move to master that will create countless chances from rec leagues to the pros: after you pass to your winger on the outside, immediately cut inside of your defender an be an outlet.
If, as an Outside Back, you are unsure what decision to make, choosing to force the pass outside is often the best option. They might still get a shot off, but it will be a easier shot to save for your Keeper if it’s on target.
When you’re taking on an outside back in a 1 v 1, keeping your pace high can create all sorts of opportunities.
When you’re attacking, have the ball at your feet once you’re inside the 18, and have the defenders rushing to get back, what do you do?
Attacking midfielders love to play a line-breaking pass. Defenders can get them to change their mind by staying together and be facing the sideline (and thus ready for a footrace with the strikers).
When your team is switching fields, the defense is going to switch too. As a winger, watch for the outside back that is supposed to be marking you. If they’re watching the ball, you likely have a great chance to make a run behind and create a great chance on goal.
More often than not, the best defending in a 1 v 1 isn’t winning the ball. Stay goalside, slow them down, and give your teammates time to recover and help you out.
When you’re going near post, often the best option is to aim for the Keeper’s head. Not that you’re trying to hurt them, but it takes them too long to get their hands up and you can sneak it past just over their shoulder.
Successful team defending requires everyone doing their part and strong communication (both verbal and nonverbal) to make sure the other team doesn’t overload and create chances. An example here.
A Ball Playing Centerback is the profile that every scout and coach is looking for these days. Here are three examples of how to read the defense and find the space as a CB.
Top strikers work on both sides of the ball. Trying to win the ball from CBs will fill them with dread and play sloppy balls…or you create an opportunity like this.
Creating space on when you’re attacking is music to every coach’s ears. This is a great example of a winger cutting inside to create space behind him and use the defender’s momentum to create massive pockets for his team to exploit.
Textbook example of how to put pressure on a winger and get in perfect position to win a footrace. Just keep your hands down and you win this every time.
When you’re defending and the outside back on your side is making an overlapping run, the best option as a recovering winger is almost always to take the player with the ball and let your teammate pick up the run.
When you’re in the defender’s blind spot and your teammate has time on the ball, make a bellying run and you can get a great chance on goal. Even if it doesn’t go in, the defender has to mark you better for the rest of the game, creating more space in the middle of the field.
This one is pretty straightforward — watch the player in your position and see what she does. Everyone did their job exactly as they should have.
This is the kind of play that is often overlooked by fans watching the game, but gets coaches excited about a player. This is what you want to see from your CB or OB in this situation.
Soccer is simple in theory: on offense we create as much space as we can, on defense we shrink space. Here’s a great example of a Striker working to create space to create a goal, and then the CB learning from his mistake a few minutes later.
As an outside back, there is a simple trick to finding the perfect pass to your attackers. Start by checking the furthest away player to see if they are an option and then come closer.
Look at the CB’s decision-making on this play. Don’t stab, don’t get beat, slow the striker down until you have support.
Same play as the Preventing the Deep Run video, but look at it from the other side. When the deep run is cut off, what pass should the CB make?