“Look Deep. See Short.” is a soccer phrase that may be used when coaching players to develop vision within the game through the use of their periphery. When looking deep into the field of play, a player is able to simultaneously learn to see everything from the depth of the field to nearby. Whereas if a player only Sees Short, the use of the player’s periphery is significantly contracted, resulting in Tunnel Vision. “Looking Deep to See Short” is a means of overcoming Tunnel Vision by developing a player’s Peripheral Vision.
While a player’s vision is important within the Defensive Phase of Play, vision is more often a player development topic within the Attacking Phase of Play, when the player’s team is in possession.
Developing Player Vision in Training Sessions
- DRIBBLING: If a player is usually fixated on their feet when dribbling the ball, a good exercise is to have them slowly dribble with their head up and eyes facing forward, learning to see through their periphery but also learning to become competent dribbling the ball through touch alone. Remember, if a player cannot see beyond their feet when dribbling, they are more inclined to lack the vision to see passing and goal scoring opportunities, especially when under pressure from the opposition.
- PASSING: When a player is in possession of the ball during a small-sided-game such as a rondo and regularly fails to see a high percentage pass deeper forward into the field than a short one, especially a short pass with much greater opposition pressure, it may be an ideal time to Freeze the Play, especially if the Body Orientation (or Body Shape) is correct. Similar to the aforementioned dribbling activity, a similar activity can be used when passing against a wall or passing to another player. Rather than looking directly ahead into space, a player passing to and receiving from another player can stare into their eyes.
- WITHOUT THE BALL: When a player is without the ball, vision is equally important. In the defensive phase of play, vision marking an attacker while simultaneously watching the passing cues of the player with the ball or reading the runs of other players.
NOTE: When you see, learn to see the opportunity to possess the ball forward onto goal.