Job Description for a Soccer Player

Soccer is a demanding sport.

Soccer is a demanding sport that requires a combination of skill, stamina, coordination and athleticism. Soccer players must be able to run long distances--many miles in the course of game--but also turn on bursts of speed to chase down long balls or track streaking wingers on the flanks. In addition, the capacity to learn complex modern systems that demand precise positioning is required at the higher levels of the sport. Your job description should include all these, along with superb ball skills.

Skill

The ability to dribble, head, cross the ball accurately, trap shoot and play defense are the primary attributes for the game of soccer. Any job description for a soccer player must include these basic skills as a prerequisite, at the level appropriate for your game.

Stamina

Stamina is a must for a soccer player. Games are 90 minutes long, with a 15-minute break at halftime. Most of that time is spent in motion, a lot of it at a high speed. There are no timeouts and infrequent stops of play. Considering that a champion runner completes a marathon in just about 40 minutes longer than a soccer game, you can see how important stamina is to perform well in soccer.

Technical Understanding

Formations are becoming more complex, and the ability to know where you are supposed to be on the field at any given time is necessary. Being caught out of place can lead to an opening in your defense and lead to goals. Players need to understand the systems and zones employed, and be able to work with their teammates to make the systems work.

Adaptability

Prior to the Total Football of Johan Cruyff and his teammates on the great team from the Netherlands in the 1970s, players more or less learned one position and stayed with it. Total Football introduced the idea of players able to range freely about the field to exploit opposing weaknesses, and cover all positions. Today's top-level game might demand that a back move forward in the attack, or that a midfielder track a forward back to the penalty box. The ability to adapt to the game as it happens and cover multiple positions is a highly desirable asset.

Speed

Speed can't be taught, as the adage goes, but it is a very desirable trait in a soccer player. The ability to get behind backs with raw speed can equalize a skill advantage. Likewise, a fast player can make up for a mistake and catch an opponent who has dribbled past him.

References

• BBC: You Want to Be a Football Pro?