Soccer Intelligence

Are you a dumb jock? Or a smart one?

The most successful athletes are often the smartest ones on the court or on the field. Hockey's Wayne Gretzky and basketball's Michael Jordan were sublimely skilled athletes. However, that wasn't what set them apart. Some say that Gretzky's greatest attribute was his ability to see the game. He knew what was going to happen on the ice before anyone else. "Air" Jordan was famous for his "hops", but what really set him apart was his court vision. Both men seemingly always made the right decisions.

Likewise with soccer. While soccer may be a game played between white lines, it is a game that, more often than not, is won between the ears. In other words, intelligence is an important component - arguably the most important one - of success in soccer. We have all seen the player who is strong and fast, and who possesses a good touch on the ball, but who makes poor decisions. This is a player who lacks, what some call, a "soccer brain." He (or she) makes passes into congested parts of the field, mindlessly hoofs the ball upfield, fails to make supporting runs or provide defensive support, and in general, fails to anticipate the consequences of their actions.

The National Soccer Coaches Association of America has put together a series of quizzes to test your decision-making ability. Take a look at them and see how you do. (It will take you a few questions to get the hang of the symbols and lines, but if you can handle an X-Box or Playstation, you won't have any trouble.)

Try to get through all of the quizzes prior to the World Cup, then see how well (or not) the players make decisions. You will have a much better understanding of the game unfolding before you.

Remember, your brain is like a muscle; if you don't use it, it will get flabby, too. Eventually, you (and your teammates) will pay the price for neglecting it.