How to Improve Speed of Play in Soccer: 7 Essential Tips
Two players. Same technical ability. Same fitness level. But one looks like they’re playing in slow motion, while the other one looks rushed and panicked. The difference?
Speed of play – the invisible skill that determines whether you control the game or the game controls you. Speed of play is one of the most important skills in soccer that is made up of your game intelligence, your ability to scan and stay aware of everything going on, quick decision-making skills, the creativity to find solutions in tight spaces, and the composure to execute without panic.
In my experience coaching and playing, the difference between players who struggle under pressure and those who thrive in chaos always comes down to how quickly they can process information and execute the right decisions. That is why in this guide, I’ll go over some of the best tips, drills, and exercises to help you improve your speed of play, no matter what level you’re currently playing at.
How do you improve Speed of Play in Soccer?
To increase your speed of play, you need the right training regimen that targets both mental processing and physical execution. Here are seven essential areas that will help you develop the reaction speed and game intelligence you need to dominate at higher levels of play.
Master the Basic Skills of the Game with Both Feet
Building a faster speed of play begins with mastering fundamental ball control and technical skills, such as first touch, passing, dribbling, and shooting, using both feet. High-level players can execute these skills without hesitation because in their mind and body, they’re basically automatic, allowing them to focus entirely on reading the game and making split-second decisions.
The goal is to reach a level where technical execution happens instinctively, which will free up mental capacity to help you process tactical information faster.
Play More Soccer and Aim for Higher Levels of Play Each Season
Playing more soccer is by far the most effective way to increase your speed of play naturally. The more time you spend on the soccer field facing real opponents, the faster your reaction time becomes and the better you’ll process information during high-pressure situations.
Expose yourself to different variations of the game through team training, pickup games, small-sided games, and futsal to build game intelligence. It is also important to always look for opportunities to step up to more competitive leagues or teams because the increased pace and pressure will naturally improve your speed of play.
Develop a Strong Mindset
A strong mental approach is crucial for improving speed in soccer because it allows you to stay composed under pressure and trust your instincts. Soccer players who develop innate confidence and focus can make faster decisions without second-guessing themselves, which will give them a huge advantage over opponents who hesitate too much.
This mindset also helps you learn from every training session and game experience more effectively.
Improve Your Athleticism
The next step of improving your speed of play involves improving your athleticism and coordination so that your body can actually do what you want it to during a game. To develop an athletic body, focus on playing a lot of soccer, and soccer variations, playing a lot of different sports, fascia training exercises, barefoot training, breath work, strength training, agility drills, and high-intensity exercises like hill sprints and box jumps.
Improve Your Awareness and Scanning Abilities
Scanning the field before receiving the ball is one of the most important factors in developing elite speed of play. This habit allows you to process information better, such as where your teammates, opponents, and the open spaces are located or are going to be located.
By knowing your options before the ball arrives, you can make better decisions instinctively and play with the confidence of someone who’s always one step ahead of the game.
Improve Your Stamina
High stamina levels are very important for maintaining a high speed of play throughout an entire match. As fatigue sets in, your ability to think clearly and execute at full speed can decrease, which is why conditioning drills like soccer, flying sprints, and shuttle runs, on top of your regular soccer training, are essential for building the endurance needed to dominate in the final minutes of games.
Focus on soccer-specific endurance training that combines running, decision making, and ball work to simulate the demands of a real game.
Improve Your Football IQ and Decision-Making Abilities
Finally, developing your football IQ by studying professional games and your individual footage can accelerate your understanding of when and how to execute different plays. This knowledge helps you better anticipate what will happen next during a game and positions you to react faster than opponents who are still figuring out what is going on.
Final Thoughts
Like with any other skill in soccer, improving your speed of play isn’t something that happens overnight—it requires consistent training that combines technical mastery, physical conditioning, and mental development. Focus on the seven areas covered in this guide and gradually increase the intensity of your soccer training drills to build explosive speed and reaction time.
Remember that speed of play is ultimately about making faster decisions under pressure, not just running faster, so prioritize developing your game intelligence and scanning abilities above all else.
FAQs
How can I improve my speed for soccer?
To increase speed as a soccer player and get explosive speed, it is important to perform fascia training exercises, perform breath-work, roll out fascia adhesions with massage tools, and perform soccer speed drills, acceleration drills, and dribbling drills to improve speed while dribbling with and without a soccer ball.
How to improve the speed of thought in soccer?
To improve your speed of thought in soccer, practice scanning the field constantly during training and games to build your awareness of teammates, opponents, and available spaces. Also, study professional matches and analyze their decision-making patterns to develop your football IQ and better anticipate what will happen next before it occurs.
How to last 90 minutes in soccer?
To last a full 90 minute soccer game, it is very important to train consistently with soccer-specific stamina training that combines running, ball work, and decision-making to simulate the demands of a real game. It is also important to take care of your mental health and physical and mental recovery.
