When players lose the ball often, is it usually a technical problem or a thinking problem? What do you think?

Most players think mistakes come from bad touches. They don’t. Mistakes happen when thinking starts after the ball arrives. Before you receive the ball, you should already be reading the picture: Where is the pressure? Where is the space? Your first touch doesn’t decide, it confirms. You may change your option if the picture changes. That’s not a mistake. That’s intelligence. Football IQ = thinking before the touch. That’s why calm players look slow… but always play on time. 📝 QUESTION (COMMENT) Before you receive the ball, do you scan and read the picture, or wait to see after the touch? Be honest.

Most players think sleep is optional. Smart players know it’s training for the brain. When you don’t sleep well: - Decisions are late - Scanning drops - Reactions slow down - Mistakes increase You may feel “okay”… but your brain is not sharp. ⚽ Sleep = Faster Decisions Sleep helps your brain: - Process game situations - Connect movements with decisions - React calmly under pressure This is why smart players “see the game” earlier. ⏰ How much sleep do players REALLY need? You don’t need perfection. 👉 6–8 hours is realistic for most players. Consistency matters more than sleeping a lot. Late nights = slow brain tomorrow. 🧠 Remember Tired legs slow you down. A tired brain loses the game. This image shows how sleep affects your brain on the pitch. It’s not about sleeping “perfect.” It’s about how rested your brain is before training or a match. Red → tired brain Light Blue → unstable focus Green → good decision level Yellow → sharp, calm, ready Question for the group ❓ How many hours do you usually sleep before training or a match?⬇️ Comment below Football IQ Think before you play.

Big idea: Good players react. Smart players decide early. Decision-making is not speed — it’s clarity before the ball arrives. 🔑 Lesson Focus Teach players how to choose the best action, not just any action. 🔄 The 3-Step Decision Process (use this with the image) 1️⃣ Identify What do I see? Closest defender Free space Teammate positions 👉 This starts before receiving the ball 2️⃣ Decide What is my best option? Pass Turn Dribble Protect the ball 👉 Decision must be made early, not after control 3️⃣ Execute Play fast & calm One or two touches Correct weight and direction No panic 👉 Execution becomes easy when the decision is clear 📝 Key Coaching Line “The best decision is usually the simplest one — if you see it early.” 🎯 Mini Task (Homework) Next training or match: Pause before receiving Decide your action before the ball arrives Rate yourself after: Early decision ✅ Late decision ❌ 📌 Short Caption for the Image (optional) Identify → Decide → Execute Think before you play 🧠⚽

Question 1️⃣ When should scanning happen? A) After your first touch B) While the ball is traveling to you C) Only when you’re under pressure Question 2️⃣ What is the main reason we scan? A) To look busy B) To see the ball C) To decide what to do next Question 3️⃣ Better scanning leads to: A) Faster play and calmer touches B) More running C) Stronger shots Question 4️⃣ Before receiving the ball, you should already know: A) Where the referee is B) Your next action (pass, turn, dribble) C) How many scans you did 👇 Comment your answers like this: 1-B, 2-C, 3-A, 4-B 🧠 Football IQ – Score Yourself (Lesson 1) Give yourself 1 point for each correct answer: Question 1: B Question 2: C Question 3: A Question 4: B 📊 Your Football IQ Score 0–1 / 4 🟡 You’re just starting — awareness needs work. Focus on scanning earlier. 2 / 4 🟠 Good understanding, but not consistent yet. Keep practicing with intention. 3 / 4 🟢 Strong Football IQ habits. You’re scanning with purpose. 4 / 4 🔵 Elite mindset. You’re thinking before you receive. 💡 Challenge for next week: Scan at least twice before receiving and decide your next action early.