How to Evaluate Youth Soccer Players

At the beginning of the soccer season, youth soccer coaches begin the process of evaluating their players to determine their strengths and areas that need improvement. In the end, the coach hopes to put together a practice program that addresses the overall development needs of each soccer player, as well as a game strategy that makes the best use of each player’s abilities. This allows the kids to have fun and gives the team the best chance to win.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Find the level of soccer knowledge in each child. Its' important to know if the kids have played competitively and know the soccer rules. Also, if they understand the soccer positions on the field and their roles, it will save practice time and require little reinforcement.

2. 
   Need for Speed

   Determine player speed, quickness and endurance. Running is a vital part of soccer. Evaluate these items by running laps around the field, running wind sprints and observing during drills and game play. From this information, the coach can determine the best way to use a players speed (offense or defense).

3. 
   Fundamentals

   Work on fundamental soccer skills. You can immediately determine the skill level of a child by running them through a few simple drills. Once you find out their ability to dribble, pass, trap, shoot and head the soccer ball, you can determine where the focus should be for improvement. It will also help the coach get a feel for player positions on the field (forward, midfielder, defender).

4. Determine a child’s desire to improve. You want soccer to be fun for the child and for them to learn the fundamentals. Some children are not out there to develop, but to have fun with their friends. Realize that and temper your efforts to make sure the child is getting what they need. Its' also the coach’s job to nurture the desire to improve with the kids who really want to get better.

5. 
   Soccer Coach

   See how quickly the kids pick up the instruction and techniques that are taught. Tailor the length and detail of drills based on the responsiveness of the kids.

6. Blend all this information into your practice sessions and game planning to help develop each soccer player and put your team in the best position to execute at game time.