Scanning and practice design

The ideas for practice 1 were developed from a research study conducted in 2014. The aims of the study were twofold: (1) to explore soccer coaches’ perceptions of scanning; (2) to investigate the impact of non-active decision making (unopposed) and active decision making (opposed) practices on the scanning behaviour youth soccer players. 

The findings revealed that 11 out of 17 practices that were suggested by the coaches were classified as non-active decision making practices. Players then participated in a series of non-active decision making practices and an active decision making practice that the coaches had suggested. In the non-active decision making practices players wore different coloured bibs that had shapes on them. The players were significantly more likely to perform scanning when participating in the non-active decision making practices compared to the active decision making practices.

PRACTICE 2

We set up a playing area of 30x30 yards. We’re using eight outfield players split into two teams of four – the reds and the blues. There are two balls in play – each team starts with a ball and they pass to keep possession. The aim for each team is to have possession of both balls. Once a team is in possession of both balls, they can score a point by making passes that result in the balls colliding together.

In the first diagram below, the red team is in possession of one ball and then wins the second ball from the blue team after intercepting a pass, as shown [2a].

[2a]

1. Each team passes a ball to keep possession. Here the reds pass their ball
2. Here the reds win the second ball from the blue team after intercepting a pass

The blue team then looks to win both balls back from the red team but the reds gain an extra point by passing the balls so they collide together, as shown [2b].

[2b]

1. After losing possession of their ball, the blues look to win both balls back from the red team
2. The reds gain an extra point by passing the balls so they collide together

Play then continues in the same fashion. We play for 15 minutes.

 
In this game, the out-of-possession players must continuously scan the playing environment to decide whether to support their team mates in possession or try and win possession to score a point.

PRACTICE 3

We set up a central playing area of 80x64 yards with a full size goal at each end of a pitch. A pair of 10-yard pole gates are added at each end – they are placed in line with the edge of the penalty area and positioned on each side of the pitch. 

We’re using 16 outfield players split into two teams of eight and we play a conditioned 8v8 game. Goalkeepers can be used if desired, but we are not using them here. The team in possession must build up play with the aim of scoring in the goal at the end they are attacking, but one of their players must first make a run through one of the gates to receive a pass before crossing for a team mate to run onto and shoot, as shown [3a].

[3a]

1. The team in possession must build up play with the aim of scoring in the goal at the end they are attacking
2. For a goal to count one of the attacking players must first make a run through a wide gate to receive a pass before crossing 
3. Here an attacker makes a forward run to meet the cross and shoots

To be successful, players need to think about how they create space in wide areas – for instance, by drawing opposition players centrally or to one side of the pitch. Players will have to try and manoeuvre the defensive team to create space to attack and score. They will need to be visually aware of the positioning of defensive players to make the correct decision about when and where to attack. We play for 15 minutes.

As a progression, a central gate can be added on the 18-yard line at each end. In this progression players get one point for travelling through one of the wide gates and crossing for a team mate to score or three points for travelling to receive a pass through the central gate and scoring with a shot, as shown [3b].

[3b]

1. As a progression, a central gate can be added on the 18-yard line at each end
2. Teams get one point if a player travels through one of the wide gates and crosses for a team mate to score
3. Teams get three points if a player travels to receive a pass through the central gate and scores with a shot on goal

Players in possession now need to scan the playing environment to decide on which goal they should attack. This will depend on the position of defenders and their team mates.

COACHING POINTS

What are the key things to look for?

It is fundamental that coaches observe whether the players are actively and temporarily moving their head and/or body away from the ball with the intention of looking for space, team mates, the opposition and the ball and their subsequent actions in and out of possession.  

What are the typical mistakes players might make and how do I avoid them?

The most common mistake players make is moving their head frequently but not actually looking and taking in information from the surrounding environment. Coaches could use questioning to check what information players are taking in when they perform their scanning behaviour.