The present study examined the differences in anticipatory performance and visual search strategy between skilled and novice soccer players. Fifteen skilled and 10 novice soccer players participated in the experiment. Their anticipatory performance was evaluated using a temporal occlusion paradigm. Both groups looked at film clips that had been recorded on a soccer field including only one offender (1 vs. 1 situation), or three offenders and two defenders (3 vs. 3 situation). Participants were required to predict the direction of passing from the offender. Each film clip was terminated at 500ms (T1), 200ms (T2), 100ms (T3), or 0ms (T4) before, or 100ms (T5) after the ball had been passed. Skilled players showed high accuracy under T1, T2 and T3 conditions in the 3 vs. 3 situation than novice players. By using an Eyemark Record System, we tested the visual search strategy involved. The skilled players had lower search rates and longer fixation durations just before the ball was passed. These results suggest that, in comparison with novices, skilled soccer players adopt a more appropriate and effective visual search strategy, which has been acquired through experience in complex situations specific to soccer play.