Why Do Some Footballers Always Seem to Have More Time on the Ball?
Have you ever watched a player receive the ball and wondered how they always seem to have so much time?
The game can be moving quickly, opponents can be closing them down, yet they still seem calm. They take a touch, look up and make the right decision without appearing rushed.
It can look like they simply have better technique — but often, there is much more going on.
Players who seem to have more time on the ball are often making good decisions before the ball even reaches them.
It Starts Before You Receive the Ball
One of the biggest differences between players is what they do while they are waiting for the ball.
Instead of simply watching the ball, good players are also looking around them.
Where are the defenders? Where are their teammates? Where is the space? What could they do next?
This is known as scanning, and it can give players valuable information before they receive possession.
The more information a player has, the easier it becomes to make a decision quickly when the ball arrives.
Look Before the Ball Arrives
Scanning doesn't have to be complicated.
Before receiving the ball, a player can quickly check what is happening around them. Even a brief look over their shoulder can tell them whether they have space, whether an opponent is approaching or where their next pass could go.
This means they aren't seeing the situation for the first time when the ball reaches their feet.
They already have an idea of what they want to do.
That can make a player look like they have more time — when really, they have prepared earlier.
Your Body Position Makes a Difference
How a player positions their body when receiving the ball can also affect how much time they have.
If they receive the ball facing the wrong way or with their body closed off, they may need an extra touch or movement before they can play their next pass.
A more open body position can allow them to see more of the pitch and play forwards more quickly.
This is particularly important when receiving the ball under pressure.
Your First Touch Can Create Time
A good first touch isn't simply about keeping the ball close.
It is about putting the ball somewhere that helps you with your next action.
A first touch into space can move the ball away from pressure and give a player another moment to decide what to do.
A poor first touch, on the other hand, can take the ball towards an opponent or force the player to spend their next touch trying to regain control.
This is why first-touch practice is so important for young footballers.
Think About the Next Action
Players who regularly appear calm on the ball are often already thinking about what they want to do next.
That doesn't mean they know exactly what will happen every time. Football is unpredictable, and situations change quickly.
But having an idea of the next action means they can react more quickly.
For example, if a player knows where their teammate is before receiving the ball, they may be able to play a quick pass without needing to stop, look around and then decide.
The decision has already started before the ball arrives.
It's Not Just About Skill
It's easy to assume that players who look comfortable on the ball are simply more technically gifted.
Technique is important, but awareness, decision-making and positioning all play a part.
A player might have excellent close control, but if they don't know what is happening around them, they can still find themselves under unnecessary pressure.
Likewise, a player who scans well, moves into space and takes positive first touches can make the game feel easier for themselves.
How Can Young Players Practise This?
These habits can be developed during training and games.
Try focusing on one simple question:
“What can I see before I receive the ball?”
During training, players can practise:
Looking over their shoulder before receiving
Checking where teammates and opponents are
Receiving with an open body position
Taking their first touch away from pressure
Thinking about their next pass before receiving
Looking for space rather than simply waiting for the ball
The aim isn't to make every decision perfect.
It is to become more aware of what is happening around you and gradually make those habits more natural.
The Players Who Look Like They Have More Time Often Create It
Football will always be a fast game.
You can't control how quickly an opponent closes you down or exactly where your teammates will move.
But you can improve what you do before and when you receive the ball.
Scanning, body position, first touch and decision-making can all help players make better use of the time they have.
So the next time you watch a player who seems to have all the time in the world, look closely.
They may not actually have more time.
They may simply be better prepared for what happens next.
Want to Develop These Skills?
At SS United, we help young footballers develop the technical skills and game awareness they need to feel more confident on the ball.
Our Technical Training sessions focus on areas such as close control, passing, movement, decision-making and awareness in tight spaces, while our 1:1 and Small Group Coaching gives players the opportunity to work on specific areas of their game with more individual attention.
For younger players, our Saturday Soccer School provides a fun and supportive environment to build strong football fundamentals and confidence.
Whether your child is looking to improve a particular area, build confidence or simply get more quality time with the ball, our sessions can complement their regular team football and give them extra opportunities to develop.
Ready to take the next step?
👉 Explore our training sessions at SS United and find the option that's right for your child.