I've started scanning more but I still panic when someone is tight behind me

Question

I've been trying to look before the ball comes like I've been told, and I can see the player behind me now. The problem is I almost think about him too much and rush the next touch. Is there a simple way to decide whether to turn, set it back or protect the ball?

Verified Coach · Accepted Answer

Scanning is only useful if it helps you make a calmer decision. At the moment you may be seeing the pressure but treating it as a signal to hurry.

Give yourself a simple order: first identify which shoulder the pressure is on, then decide whether you have a route away from it. If you do, receive on the foot that takes you into that space. If you do not, protect it or set it back and move again.

There is no failure in playing one touch backwards when the opponent has taken away the turn. The mistake would be forcing the turn because you feel you should be positive. With experience you will start recognising the same pictures earlier, and the scan becomes less about spotting danger and more about confirming the decision you have already prepared.

LewisP · Answer

This was me when I moved into the 6. I was scanning properly but then trying to turn because I'd seen the space on the other side. Took me a while to accept that the player tight behind me can make the simple bounce pass the best option.

AfterWorkFC · Answer

I wouldn't treat seeing someone behind you as a warning that you have to escape them. Sometimes I've already decided I'm just setting it back before the ball arrives. That makes the touch much calmer.

I've started scanning more but I still panic when someone is tight behind me

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