Is Watching Soccer Film Important for Youth Players?

Watching film in any sport won’t make you a better player.

But, it will help make you a better player.

Re-read the above👆There’s a difference.

Watching game film can give you a competitive edge. It’s the classroom of the sport.

Essentially, you are looking at the game from a different perspective. Instead of being in the midst of the action, you see it from a bird’s eye.

This can help you identify where you are most effective, what you need to work on, and what you simply missed.

How Can Watching Game Film Help You Be a Better Player?

Let’s take a look at ways watching games can help you become a better player.

1. Identify Your Mistakes

Watching games can help you identify mistakes you may have overlooked. By seeing what you did wrong, you can work to correct those mistakes. Sometimes fixing these “issues” is a matter of stepping back to see the bigger picture.

2. Improve Your Decision Making

By analyzing the decisions you made during the game, you can identify areas where you could have made better choices. Should you have passed or taken space? Did you only play the ball to one side but other players were open? This can help you make better decisions during future games.

3. Learn From Your Teammates

By collaborating with the team and coaches, you can work together to improve. Everyone brings their perspective which is helpful. Some youth clubs will dedicate about an hour a week just to review prior games.

4. Learn From Your Opponents

Did you see a player that absolutely tore apart your defense? By analyzing their game, you can steal some things that made them so effective. Watching other players in your position can make you a more complete player.

What if My Team Doesn’t Record Games?

If your team doesn’t record its games using Veo or a similar platform, just go to YouTube. If you search “MLS NEXT full game” or your age group, you’ll find many games to watch.

Here’s one example…

What Angle Should I Watch?

When it comes to watching soccer games, the angle you choose does make a difference.

In my opinion, a high angle is best. Many teams use Veo which they put up high along the midfield line. This gives you a bird’s eye view of the field.

The other way to watch it is when a parent records the game from the sideline. Many things can be missed from this angle but it’s still helpful.

Watching Own Games versus Professional Games

As a youth soccer player, you might be wondering if watching your games is enough or if you should also watch professional games.

The truth is, both can be beneficial in different ways.

Watching your games allows you to see what you did well and where you can improve. You can analyze your positioning, decision-making, and technique. This can help you improve week-by-week.

On the other hand, watching professional games can give you a broader understanding of the game. This gives you a good idea of how you should play in the future.

You’ll notice the pros are much more calm on the ball, have great spacing, and can make quick decisions. Watching professional games can help you develop a better soccer IQ and give you something to strive for.

There’s No Substitute For Working on Your Craft

As much as film aids in helping soccer players get better, there is no substitute for hard work.

You should be on the field at least 95% of the time and watch film the other 5%.

By analyzing your games, you become more aware of what you need to work on. You can bring this to your training sessions.

By correcting your mistakes and doubling down on your strengths, you’ll become a more complete baller.