5 Common Mistakes Young Wingers Make and How to Avoid Them
Being a winger is one of the most exciting positions in football. However, many young wingers make common mistakes that hinder their performance. In this guide, we’ll discuss these mistakes and provide tips to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Getting Tunnel Vision
Avoiding Tunnel Vision: Young wingers often focus solely on driving towards the goal, leading to tunnel vision. This limits their awareness of teammates’ positions and potential passing opportunities.
Solution:
- Assess the Situation: Look up and evaluate the defender’s position.
- Be Unpredictable: Mix up your play by considering passing or switching play if the way ahead is blocked.
Mistake #2: Blindly Making Crosses
Cross with Purpose: Blindly crossing the ball without checking for teammates often leads to giving the ball away unnecessarily.
Solution:
- Look Up: Check if there are teammates in the box before crossing.
- Keep Possession: If no one is in the box, pass the ball backward to maintain possession.
Mistake #3: Standing on Your Heels
Stay on Your Toes: Standing on your heels when receiving the ball affects your balance and reaction time, giving defenders an advantage.
Solution:
- Be Ready: Stay on your toes to move quickly towards the ball.
Mistake #4: Turning Straight into a Defender
Avoid Defender Pressure: Turning blindly into a defender can lead to losing possession.
Solution:
- Look Around: Scan your surroundings before receiving the ball to know where defenders are.
- Pass Smartly: Move or pass into spaces you can see.
Mistake #5: Hiding and Isolating on the Flank
Stay Active: Isolating yourself on the flank limits your effectiveness and makes it easier for defenders to mark you.
Solution:
- Shake Off Defenders: Come deep, receive the pass, lay it back off, and then make a deep run.
- Find Open Spaces: Continuously move to stay available for passes.
Conclusion
Avoiding these common mistakes can significantly improve your performance as a winger. Focus on being aware, making purposeful crosses, staying on your toes, scanning your surroundings, and staying active on the pitch.
FAQs
Q1: How can I avoid tunnel vision as a winger?
A: Look up, assess the defender’s position, and be open to passing or switching play.
Q2: Why is it important to check before crossing?
A: Blind crosses often result in losing possession. Check for teammates to ensure your cross is effective.
Q3: How can I improve my balance when receiving the ball?
A: Stay on your toes to maintain balance and react quickly.
Q4: What should I do if there’s a defender behind me?
A: Scan your surroundings before receiving the ball and pass smartly into spaces you can see.
Q5: How can I avoid isolating myself on the flank?
A: Keep moving, shake off defenders, and find open spaces to stay involved in the play.