Mastering the Gomets: A Midfielder’s Guide to Control and Vision

As a midfielder, your role is to dictate the tempo of the game, to be the link between defense and attack. It’s about receiving the ball under pressure, knowing where your teammates are, and having the vision to unlock defenses with a killer pass. One of the most effective ways to do this is by mastering the art of “Gomets.”

Midfielder showcasing exceptional ball control using gomets technique

Now, you might be thinking, “Gomets? What in the world are those?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s not a term you hear thrown around every day. “Gomets” is a term we use in the Netherlands to describe a specific type of ball control that involves quickly shifting the ball from one foot to the other using the inside and outside of your feet. It’s about manipulating the ball with speed, precision, and unpredictability.

Why are Gomets Important?

Think about those moments in a game when you’re surrounded by opponents, pressure coming from all sides. This is where mastering gomets becomes crucial.

• Creating Space: By quickly shifting the ball, you can wrong-foot your opponent, creating that split second of space you need to make a pass or take a shot.
• Maintaining Possession: Gomets allow you to keep the ball close, making it difficult for defenders to dispossess you even under pressure.
• Dictating Tempo: The speed and rhythm of your gomets can directly influence the pace of the game, speeding it up or slowing it down as needed.

How to Practice Gomets: Tips from a Pro

Mastering gomets requires dedicated practice and repetition. Here’s a simple drill you can incorporate into your training routine:

1. Find an Open Space: Start in a comfortable stance with a cone or marker about five yards in front of you.
2. Inside-Outside Touches: Use the inside of your right foot to push the ball towards the cone, then quickly use the outside of your left foot to bring it back.
3. Repeat and Switch: Repeat this movement, gradually increasing the speed and focusing on maintaining control. Then, switch leading feet.

Player diligently practicing gomets drills with a cone

Beyond the Basics: Incorporating Gomets into Match Play

Practicing gomets in isolation is essential, but the real magic happens when you seamlessly integrate them into a match situation.

• Scanning the Field: Before you even receive the ball, scan the field and identify where your teammates and opponents are positioned. This will help you anticipate pressure and decide which direction to move the ball.
• Using Your Body: Use your body to shield the ball from defenders, making it difficult for them to read your intentions. A slight shoulder drop or a change in body weight can be enough to create an advantage.
• Staying Unpredictable: Don’t become predictable with your gomets. Mix up the speed, direction, and the surfaces of your feet you use to keep your opponents guessing.

The Power of Vision: Unlocking the Game with Gomets

Mastering gomets isn’t just about fancy footwork; it’s about using your vision to see passes others might miss.

• Playing One Step Ahead: When you’re confident in your ability to control the ball under pressure, you can start thinking one step ahead. Where will your teammate be in a few seconds? Can you anticipate their run and deliver a perfectly weighted pass?
• Breaking Defensive Lines: Gomets can help you create those crucial passing lanes that can unlock even the tightest defenses. A quick shift of the ball, a moment of hesitation from a defender, and suddenly you’ve created an opportunity for a dangerous through ball.

Midfielder executing a precise pass after creating space with gomets

Gomets: Your Path to Midfield Mastery

Gomets may not be the most glamorous aspect of football, but they are an essential tool in any midfielder’s arsenal. By dedicating time and effort to mastering this technique, you’ll develop the confidence and creativity to control the midfield and dictate the tempo of the game. Remember, it’s not just about how fast you can move the ball, but about the vision and intelligence you bring to every touch. So get out there, practice, experiment, and discover the power of gomets!