play faster
People tell you to play faster... but you don't know how.... now you can learn!
Downloadable Guide
Best Tip
Playing Fast Does Not Mean Chase the Ball. Playing Fast is knowing how to utilize rotation and positioning efficiently based on the current situation. Most people who chase the ball end up using more boost and being out of position very frequently
Rotation:
Switching your position on the field after your role has been fulfilled or if your teammate has a more advantageous opportunity
Positioning:
Having the game sense and awareness to put yourself in a position that will benefit the play
Are You Chasing or Playing Fast?
Below are signs that you might fall into one of these categories. Just because you do some of each, does not mean you are either fast player or a ball chaser. You should always be working to improve your gameplay (green).
Ball Chaser (bad)
Overcommit frequently
Low accuracy with your touches
Instead of rotating, you turn to hit the ball because you are closer
Hit the ball more than your teammates, every single game
Never pass but always want your team to pass to you
You go for the ball because you have a better shot than your team
Bump your teammates frequently
Fast Player (good)
Constantly assessing the field
Give and receive passes
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Beat opponents to the ball with an advantageous touch
Consistently accurate; especially with quick cuts and fast aerials
When you get cut, you rotate back
Confident in your decision making
Keep pressure on the play
Know when to slow down
Fake Challenges vs. Fake Touches
Fake challenges are used on defense
Fake touches are used on offense.
Fakes allow for smooth gameplay and if used correctly, fast rotation and increased overall game speed
Fake Challenge
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Objective
Force the opponent into a bad touch by challenging them early and making them feel pressured
When to Use
When you are shadow defending or if you have a teammate behind you as backup/support
Fake Touch
Objective
Try to convince the opponent you are going to hit the ball in a specific direction
When to Use
When you are in a 1 on 1 situation and have enough space to "fake" driving into the ball
Scenario Review:
You're shadow defending, teammate positioned near-net; the momentum of the ball is going towards your net
How to Fake Challenge
Using the Scenario above, the opponent is most likely going to pass or flick the ball when they see you "challenge"; stay on the ground, turn quick and rush the attacker, fake challenge by driving at him and turning back to defend immediately. This forces him to make a quick decision and can cause an awkward touch. Let your teammate push the play as you rotate behind him. This will keep the game speed up and the rotation flowing.
If you challenge the attacker instead of fake challenging, you will have these NEGATIVE EFFECTS:
1. If you lose the 50/50 the opponents will now have 1 less defender to get around
2. You will get out of position and waste valuable time and boost getting back
3. Now your teammate(s) are in an awkward position to defend
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Learn to Slow Down
Increased Game Sense
An increased game sense can help you understand when you need to play fast and when you can save your boost, not flip, observe the field and wait for your time to shine. You do not need to be going supersonic the entire game. Being able to put yourself in the right location on the field by anticipating the play will help speed up the gameplay and improve the overall flow of the game.
Situations:
a. A good example of this is when the ball is boomed to your corner against the wall. Instead of racing the opponent back to your boost you can use your flips, rotate far post and be ready to receive his touch. If your teammate rotated behind you, challenge quicker, if not, stall for time and try to clear the ball. If you chase the ball, the ball you will most likely have low boost and be out of position. Slow down, assess the play and see where you should position yourself to benefit the play the most.
b. Don't challenge if you don't have a defender / someone rotating back. Stall for time, hit the ball to the corner and allow your teammate to rotate back. If you overcommit, you can get scored on. Stalling for time doesn't mean you are playing slow. It's Smart!
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Decision Making
Be DECISIVE and Be Confident
a. If you're indecisive you usually have a hard time deciding to choose between:
1. Challenging
OR
2. Turning Back To Defend
b. If you hesitate and don't commit to either challenging or defending, you are more likely to get scored on. When in reality, if you just picked one of them, you could have prevented a goal. Hesitating is one of the easiest / most preventable ways of getting scored on; it just takes commitment.
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