'Reading the game'

Seeing the big picture
He opened by illustrating how crucial an ability reading the game is for coaches, players and officials, although the groups face different challenges; they are either participating in the game, or have a static viewpoint from the sidelines, so an ability to appreciate the big picture is vital. He used a quote from Michel Platini - "My great gift as a player was my ability to read the game" - to exemplify how important this talent is.

Three phases
Roxburgh's next step was to break down the need to read the game into three distinct phases: before, during and after a match. Before the game, the focus is on what might happen, based on previous experience and education, video highlights and other preparatory aids. During the match, those involved have to watch and interpret what is happening and make decisions based on that, which breaks down into a number of sub-categories.

Varied factors
The interpretation of the game, according to UEFA's technical director, is affected by a number of factors such as knowledge of the game, understanding its subtleties and anticipating what happens next. Players have individual and collective roles to perform which they must be aware of and each must be able to make decisions at the appropriate time. Roxburgh used another quote, this time from Liverpool FC manager Rafael Benítez, to illustrate this point: "To know what to do in each situation is the key."

Rapid responses
Such is the speed of modern football, however, that players have to make split-second decisions and have to quickly assess a situation and react accordingly; unsurprisingly, those with better technique invariably possess better vision. As far as coaches are concerned, meanwhile, a whole host of factors can affect their interpretation of the game, and specific circumstances should determine decisions, of which are three separate types: good ones, bad ones and no decision which, Roxburgh added, is often worse than making a bad decision.

'Training the eye'
After the game, there is a period of evaluation and analysis when what actually happened and the reasons for it are considered. Roxburgh believes the ability to read the game is based on instinct and insight, and that it is necessary to train the eye to make the correct decisions. Knowledge and experience allow those involved to identify the pattern of the match and act accordingly.

Crucial ability
He finished by reiterating the key points, namely that the phrase 'reading the game' can be broken down into four areas: what is likely to happen, or expectation; what is happening, interpretation; what might happen, anticipation; and what should have happened, evaluation. Reading the game, he emphasised, means seeing, understanding and responding to what is happening during a match. "The ability to read a game is crucial - it makes players, coaches and officials better at what they do," he concluded. "It is an art and its importance must never be underestimated."