Speed of Play is Everything

Let’s talk about the secret weapon that separates good players and teams from great ones: speed of play.

I’m not writing about raw speed or fancy footwork – I’m talking about how quickly teams move the ball.

Barcelona teams of the recent past had this down to an art form. In addition to Messi being the GOAT, there’s a reason they’ve dominated the beautiful game for so many years.

Here’s the deal 👉 fast is better than slow. Period. This isn’t about rushing around like headless chickens – it’s about smart, purposeful ball movement that keeps the opposition on their heels.

What’s the Quickest Way to Play?

Think about it this way: if you can get the ball from Point A to Point B with one touch instead of two, you’ve just gained an edge.

Every extra touch gives defenders time to set up, close gaps, and organize.

Fewer touches = faster play = more opportunities to score.

Let’s break down the speed hierarchy in soccer:

1. Nothing beats a moving ball – not even Mbappé
2. Players run faster without the ball than with it
3. Those fancy dribbling moves? Yeah, they’re actually the slowest option

Here’s where it gets interesting for player development. The smartest players aren’t trying to show off their skills every time they touch the ball. They’re thinking: “How can I move this ball efficiently?”

They know those extra touches might look cool for IG, but they can kill attacking momentum.

How to Teach Your Team to Play Faster

For coaches trying to implement this style, start with the mindset.

You can’t just tell players to “play faster” and expect magic to happen. It needs to be drilled into every training session, every drill, every moment.

Try this: Set up training exercises with one-touch restrictions. Watch how your team adapts. It’s amazing how creative players get when they’re forced to think ahead.

The real challenge? Getting them to maintain that speed when the restrictions come off in actual games.

More than a Tactic

Here’s the thing about speed of play: it’s not just a tactic, it’s a philosophy.

When your entire team buys into moving the ball quickly, something special happens. The game flows better. Opportunities appear out of nowhere.

And suddenly, you’re not just playing faster – you’re playing smarter.

This approach demands more from players mentally. They’ve got to think faster, scan constantly, and make decisions before the ball arrives. But that’s what separates the pros from the amateurs.

Make no mistake about it. This isn’t just for elite clubs. Any team at any level can adopt this mindset.

Start with the basics: if you can do it in one touch, don’t take two. If you can pass instead of dribble, make the pass. Keep it simple, keep it quick.

Remember: the goal isn’t speed for speed’s sake. It’s about efficient, purposeful play that creates advantages. When everyone on the team gets this concept, magic happens on the field.

Want to transform your game? Start here.

1. Quicker, purposeful passes beats individual skill 99% of the time.
2. One touch beats two, passing beats dribbling, and the ball moves faster than any player.
3. Playing fast requires conscious training and mindset shift.
4. Elite players think ahead and decide before the ball arrives.
5. Any team can adopt this: fewer touches, smart passes, purposeful play.

It’s about understanding that quick, efficient play beats individual brilliance every time. Master this, and you’ve got the unlock to better development.