michiana echo soccer club

Technical Ability

Ball Control
• Must be able to control a ball played to you instantly and smoothly. (First Touch Skills)
• You must have the ability and confidence to prepare the ball with a positive first touch and vision to make quick decision of your next play. (First Touch Skill Selection)
• Ability to collect and move in a different direction without stopping the ball completely, yet still maintaining it securely. (Second Touch)
• Develop the technique of receiving a pass at top speed. This means not slowing down to collect a ball coming on the ground, bouncing, or in the air. (First Rule of Touch)
• You must be able to protect the ball by shielding it and developing deception in order to rid yourself of your opponent.

Passing
• Must be able to successfully complete short and long-range passes. (Short-Short-Long)
• This incorporates all of your ball skills, including heading, bending, chipping, and the ability to drive the ball to a partner. (Personal Skills)
• You will find that at a high level, it is easier to control and make quick decisions with a ball that is driven to you, rather than one that is weakly played to you.
• Develop the skill of one touch passing.

Dribbling
• Ability to fake, burst past opponents, change directions under control, and develops a change of pace/speed to separate yourself from defenders.
• Can you exhibit quick feet, combined with a sense of comfort under pressure, to penetrate into space and open opportunities for yourself or a teammate?
• Must develop the confidence and ability to take players on 1v1 at speed.

Heading
• The ability to head at goal after crosses.
• The ability to head high, wide, and deep for defensive clearances.
• Heading balls as an one touch pass.
• Can you effectively demonstrate the ability to this under pressure.
• Ability to dominate the game in the air?

Finishing
• Do you have the correct technique of striking the ball in various ways; driving low balls, hitting volleys, half volleys, half chances, chipping, bending, heading, etc.
• Coaches are looking for that player who can exhibit composed aggressiveness, swift and secure decision taking at opportune times.
• Don't be afraid to fail.
• Do you know the physics of shooting and have the ability to use all six (6) surfaces of both the ball and foot?.