
Sachem Youth Soccer
Player Evaluation
Definitions
Technical Ability
Ball Control:
You must be able to bring a ball played to you under control instantly and smoothly. This is the
ability to collect and move in a different direction without stopping the ball completely, yet still
maintaining it securely. 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. You must be able to
protect the ball by shielding it and developing deception in order to get rid of your opponent.
Passing:
You must be able to successfully complete short and long range passes. This incorporates all of
your ball skills, including heading, bending, chipping, and the ability to drive the ball to a partner.
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 weakly played. Develop the skill of one-touch passing.
Dribbling:
This is the ability to feint, burst past opponents, change directions and speed at will, and break
through packed defensive lines. Can you exhibit quick feet, combined with a sense of comfort
under pressure, to penetrate into space to open opportunities for yourself or a partner?
Heading:
The ability to head at goal after crosses, heading high, wide, and deep for defensive clearances,
heading balls as a one-touch pass (both into space or to a partner’s feet) in order to create
shooting chances. Can you effectively demonstrate the ability to do this under the duress of the
game?
Finishing:
Nothing makes more of an impression on people than the skill of goal scoring. This aspect takes
in the correct technique of striking the ball in various ways; driving low balls, hitting volleys, half-
volleys, half-chances, chipping, bending, heading, etc.. Good goal scorers can also finish with
their chest, heel, toe, and thigh. Coaches are looking for that player who can exhibit composed
aggressiveness, swift and secure decision taking at the opportune times. The successful goal
scorer has the mentality of a great used-car salesman, very aggressive and not afraid of failure.
Tactical Awareness
Tactical insight incorporates the anticipation, reading, and execution of certain clues that happen
during possession and non-possession of the ball.
In Attack:
A. Player not in possession:
1. Makes themselves available for the ball, perhaps by a diagonal run or a crossover run.
2. Realizes when it is crucial to offer close support and when to stay away.
3. Recognizes the proper time to execute “take-overs” and “overlaps”.
B. Player in possession:
1. Has good peripheral vision, recognizing the correct time to switch the ball to the other side of
the field.
2. Has good penetrating vision, allowing them to see and utilize players who are far down the
field.
3. Recognizes the correct time to play directly, and when it is important to hold the ball (shielding
or dribbling), or when to run at top speed past players opening up passing angles for his team.
4. Sees opportunities to play “one-twos”.
In Defense: