CONCEPT OF OPPORTUNITY (OPPORTUNE MOMENT).

"The opportunity" is defined as the precise moment in which the application of the optimal response / Slogan, allows to solve the game situation (this aspect being the only manifestation of talent that the player needs without the ball).

This ideal moment is conditioned by:

  • The location of the ball (Game Situation).
  • The location of the player in relation to the ball (passing line).
  • That the game is oriented -or not- towards the position / demarcation of the player without the ball.
  • The moment in which the possessor has the availability to play the ball.
  • Whether the player is marked or not.
  • The location of the opponent (space/time aspects of the game situation).

The player must learn to detect and take advantage of this moment to:

  • Apply the Slogan that allows to solve the game situation from an individual and / or collective perspective.

For example: being the ball in our defensive line, and after several changes of orientation between our defenders, detect the opportune moment (Opportunity) to make a change of pace that allows us to link with the completion phase with the minimum number of touches possible.

  • Manifest a response of talent/improvisation different from the slogan.

Once the FOUNDATION is mastered, the player will be allowed, based on his talent and his perception of the opportunity, to manifest a response different from that defined in the SLOGAN (provided that it is effective or that it can become so).

This circumstance is what gives meaning to the idea that the manifestations of talent must be located in an orderly and cohesive play environment of the team. 

This situation contrasts with those players who continuously and indiscriminately try to face situations of 1:1 – 1:2 – 1:3 ..., as the only resource to develop their game. We could say that in most cases it is not about talented improvisation actions, but about the realization that this player only has this resource. 

This is the way to enable the development and enhancement of the factors of improvisation and talent that we have discussed above.

We see that the player should not manifest an improvised action because he does, or because he has no other option, but will perform it after:

  • Recognize the game situation and know what the appropriate slogan is.
  • Determine that the precise circumstances (opportunity of the moment) are given to execute a talent / improvisation action.
  • Compare both options.