Player Assessment
Assessment Home
Players and parents often wonder how coaches assess the talent and future potential of a soccer player? Players are evaluated and assessed on the following four components of the game: Technical Ability (on ball skills), Tactical Awareness (off ball skills), Psychological (attitude/approach), and Physical Aspects (Fitness/Athletic Ability). At the foundation of player development is the technical ability of a player, but players are complete only when they have developed in all four components. These components are developed by exposure to highly challenging training sessions run by quality coaching and frequent highly competitive matches. By placing players within a competitive environment coaches will be able to see which players are totally committed to maintaining or regaining possession on the ball. Feedback needs to be provided to players in all four components of the game for their continued development and ability to play the game.
Coaches also look for players who have the ability to make their teammates better, have the ability to make an impact upon the game, and have the ability to play numerous positions on the field. Does the game change when you enter or leave the field? Are you comfortable playing different positions when called upon to do so? Does your team elevate their level of play when you are in the lineup? How hard do you work in a game? How hard do you work in training? Are you willing to challenge and push your teammates in a positive and constructive way? Are you willing to be challenged and pushed by your teammates? The bottom line is good players have the ability to bring out the best in those around them.
Navigate the above sections to see the four components of the game utilized for player development and some ideas of what coaches look for as they evaluate talent.
