Sportskeeda's guide to enhance the football viewing experience

#2 Watch the off-the-ball movement

Bayer Leverkusen’s off the ball movement against Monaco. (Photo Credit: Foarsite.com)

Off the ball movement is perhaps one of the most crucial aspects of football. When a midfielder or defender has the ball, watch the players and the various runs they make. At every given instant, there are a variety of options to choose from for the player with the ball. Try to see where the players are running and which is the best option for a pass.

Whether it is the full back across the field or the winger running inside or the striker turning off the opposition defender’s shoulder. Keep an eye out for 2v1, 3v1, 3v2 situations and the options available. Watch the overall movement unfold, i.e. the vertical, diagonal and lateral movement.

While defending, watch the pressure applied on and off the ball. While watching the game, it will impart an idea of which teams pressure the ball more and which do it less.