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Some players need 15 or 20 minutes before they really enter the match.
That is dangerous.
Before you find your rhythm, you may already lose important duels, make mistakes or allow your opponent to gain confidence.
Learn to use the first five minutes properly.
- MAKE YOUR FIRST ACTION SIMPLE AND POSITIVE
You don't need to impress anyone with your first touch.
Complete a simple pass.
Win a duel.
Protect the ball.
Make a good defensive action.
Start by doing something successfully.
It can immediately increase your confidence.
- SCAN MORE THAN USUAL
Use the opening minutes to collect information.
Where is the space?
Which opponent is pressing you?
Who is fast?
Who gives you time?
Where does your direct opponent move?
Don't just play.
LEARN WHAT KIND OF MATCH YOU ARE PLAYING.
- GET PHYSICALLY INVOLVED
Don't spend five minutes avoiding the game.
Make a sprint.
Press.
Compete for a ball.
Make yourself available.
Attack space.
Your body and mind need to understand that the match has started.
- TEST YOUR OPPONENT
If you're a winger, attack your defender.
If you're a striker, test the centre-back with a run.
If you're a defender, see how your opponent reacts to pressure.
If you're a midfielder, learn how much time you have when receiving.
You are collecting information you can use for the next 85 minutes.
- COMMUNICATE IMMEDIATELY
Talk from the beginning.
“Man on.”
“Turn.”
“Time.”
“Left.”
“Right.”
“Drop.”
Communication keeps you mentally involved and helps your teammates.
Don't wait until you feel comfortable.
ENTER THE MATCH WITH YOUR VOICE TOO.
- DON'T LET YOUR FIRST MISTAKE CHANGE YOUR MATCH
Your first pass goes out.
You lose your first duel.
You miss your first chance.
So what?
The worst thing you can do is spend the next five minutes thinking about it.
React immediately.
Your next action matters more than your last mistake.
- FIND THE SPEED OF THE MATCH
Every match is different.
Sometimes you have two seconds on the ball.
Sometimes you have half a second.
Sometimes the opponent presses high.
Sometimes they wait.
During the first minutes, adjust your decisions to the real speed of the game.
The faster you understand the match, the faster you can influence it.
FINAL MESSAGE
Don't use the first five minutes to wake up.
Use them to collect information.
Scan.
Communicate.
Compete.
Make a simple successful action.
Test your opponent.
Understand the speed of the game.
And if you make a mistake — move immediately to the next action.
DON'T WAIT FOR THE MATCH TO COME TO YOU.
ENTER IT FROM THE FIRST SECOND.
SUPPORT FOR PLAYERS
For 6 years, we have been helping less-known players completely for free — guiding them, giving honest feedback, and creating real football opportunities. During this time, we have completed over 25 player transfers to clubs across Europe.
If you value our work and want to help us continue supporting players worldwide, you can support us through Football Talents Tube.
Every supporter will have the chance to speak personally with me.
I will check your level, give you real feedback, and guide you individually.
The most determined players receive invitations for official trials.
