Sitter

Just like in any other sport, there are many terms used to describe different aspects of the game. One such term in soccer is called a “sitter”. 

A sitter is a term that is often used to describe a missed opportunity or a glaring miss in front of the goal

What is a sitter in soccer?

As mentioned briefly in the intro, a sitter is a term used in soccer to describe missing an opportunity that almost certainly would result in a goal. This term is often used to describe a situation where a player has an excellent chance to score but fails to do so. It is used to describe a situation where a player misses an easy or straightforward opportunity to score, and it is usually accompanied by a feeling of frustration or disappointment for both the player and the team.

Examples of a Sitter in Soccer

To understand what a sitter is in soccer, it is essential to look at some examples. Here are some of the most common situations that can be considered a sitter:

  • Missing an open goal: This is the most common situation that can be considered a sitter. When a player is standing in front of an open goal with the ball at their feet, it is expected that they will score. However, if they miss, it is considered a sitter.
  • Header from close range: Another common situation that can be considered a sitter is when a player has a clear header from close range. 
  • One-on-one with the goalkeeper: When a player is one-on-one with the goalkeeper, it is expected that they will score. Another quite common example of a sitter.
  • Penalty miss: When a player misses a penalty, it is considered a sitter. This is because penalties are considered to be one of the easiest ways to score in soccer.

Why Do Players Miss Sitters?

There are several reasons why players miss sitters in soccer. Here are some of the most common:

  • Lack of concentration: One of the main reasons why players miss sitters is because they lack concentration. When a player is in front of the goal, they need to be completely focused to make sure they score. Depending on the period of the game and the player’s mental strength, this is a quite common reason for missing.
  • Nerves: Another reason why players miss sitters is because of nerves. When a player is in a high-pressure situation, such as a penalty, they may become nervous and fail to score.
  • Lack of skill: Sometimes, players miss sitters because they lack the skill to score. For example, if a player is not good at headers, they may miss a sitter that involves a header from close range.

The Impact of Sitters on a Match

When a player misses a sitter, it can have a significant impact on the match. Here are some of the ways in which a missed sitter can impact a match:

  • Loss of momentum: When a player misses a sitter, it can lead to a loss of momentum for the team. The team may start to lose confidence and struggle to create chances.
  • Increase in pressure: When a team misses a sitter, the pressure on them to score increases. This can make it harder for them to score as they become more desperate.
  • Boost for the opposition: When a team misses a sitter, it can provide a boost for the opposition. The opposition may become more confident and start to create more chances.

Conclusion

To summarise everything, a sitter is something that a professional soccer player should never miss. By failing to score an obvious sitter, a player could not only lose self-confidence but also be ridiculed by the opposition. That would obviously affect the player both in the short and long term. Next time you watch a game, keep an eye out for clear chances and see for yourself if it actually was a sitter or not.

A good example of a missed sitter could be seen here: