Game IQ
Game IQ is our third phase in the ABFT Player Development Pathway, built specifically for players aged 10 to 12. This stage is where everything begins to click into place — technique, awareness, speed, and decision-making all start blending into real match performance.
Through two complete 36-week cycles, players are challenged in increasingly game-realistic scenarios. We go beyond skill development and introduce how to scan the field, recognize pressure, move off the ball, press as a team, and transition between phases of play.
Each session is built on incorporating technical-tactical integration, cognitive development, and real game simulation.
Cycle 1: Game Application
Mastering the ball at speed and under pressure
Cycle Description:
Game Intelligence builds on technical execution and speed of play by developing the brain behind the game. Players will be guided to read the field, understand timing, and execute during transitional moments. The goal is to create adaptable, positionally intelligent athletes who can operate under real game stress.
Each sub-cycle sharpens awareness of space, the ability to apply pressure with purpose, and the reactions needed to dominate transitions — both defensively and offensively.
⚽ Game Technique (Weeks 1–12)
🚀 Speed of Play (Weeks 13–24)
🔲 Pressure & Decision (Weeks 25–36)
Key Development Areas:
⚽ Game Technique
Clean first touch into space
Proper body shape and scanning
Efficient passing with weight and accuracy
Finishing and crossing fundamentals
Combining technique in tight areas
🚀 Speed of Play
One- and two-touch passing
Recognizing moments to drive or pass
Playing quickly between lines
Finishing with pace and timing
Reading the game and adjusting tempo
🔲 Pressure & Decision
Handling pressure and making fast decisions
Advancing or protecting the ball under pressure
Managing attacking and defensive transitions
Defensive recovery and team compactness
Playing with purpose and intelligence under game conditions
Duration: 12 Weeks | 36 Weeks
Schedule: Monday - Thursday
Session Length: 75 minutes
Start Date: September 2nd, 2025
Location: Laveen, Az
Cycle 2: Game Intelligence
Playing smarter, not just faster
Cycle Description:
Game Intelligence builds on technical execution and speed of play by developing the brain behind the game. Players will be guided to read the field, understand timing, and execute during transitional moments. The goal is to create adaptable, positionally intelligent athletes who can operate under real game stress.
Each sub-cycle sharpens awareness of space, the ability to apply pressure with purpose, and the reactions needed to dominate transitions — both defensively and offensively.
🧠 Space & Awareness (Weeks 1–12)
🔥 Pressure & Timing (Weeks 13–24)
⚡ Transitions & Reactions (Weeks 25–36)
Key Development Areas:
🧠 Space & Awareness
Recognizing space on and off the ball
Creating width and depth in buildup
Positioning between and behind lines
Switching play to exploit weak sides
Compact and zonal understanding
🔥 Pressure & Timing
Pressing in various field zones
Understanding pressing triggers
Individual and unit-based pressing
Delaying and redirecting counters
Defending compactly as a group
⚡ Transitions & Reactions
Reacting immediately after loss or regain
Transitioning from defense to attack
Compacting or expanding shape on the move
Winning second balls
Decision-making under game chaos
Duration: 12 Weeks | 36 Weeks
Schedule: Monday - Thursday
Session Length: 75 minutes
Start Date: December 2nd, 2025
Location: Laveen, Az
