How to Know Important Skills in an Intermediate Youth Soccer Player

The intermediate level - two to four years of playing experience - is usually when young players make significant leaps ahead in mastering the game of soccer.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soccer Balls
• Soccer balls

1. Emphasize touch. A player should be developing a refined sense of controlling the ball.

2. Realize that fitness is key. A strong cardiovascular system is crucial for a game that has lots of action, much of it running.

3. Look for dribbling with intent. For example, players should be able to dribble the ball away from a defender.

4. Encourage trapping (i.e. bringing a moving ball under control). Help children learn this skill by playing (tossing) the ball to them at various heights.

5. Practice shooting. Focus on using both feet, and any part of the foot. Often players must shoot in a high state of fatigue (after running up the field), so they need to have developed skills.

6. Remember heading, juggling and tackling. Players will learn to head the ball in various ways; continue to juggle, and learn to gain the ball by tackling opponents.

7. Talk tactics. At this level, players are taught to combine skills with deliberate actions to outsmart and outmaneuver the opposition.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for mastery at previous levels. From rules to basic skills, it is important at this level to reinforce the fundamentals.
• Play with your child. You don't have to have a soccer background to be able to facilitate practice games or exercises.
• Check for understanding. Ask children to explain what they have learned after practice or games.
• Ask children to demonstrate. Children love to be experts, especially with their parents. This reinforces their understanding of soccer skills.
• Check for challenge. A good coach can accommodate children of all skill levels, including one who is ready to move on to more advanced skills. If not, the coach should recommend a player change teams.
• Recognize the priorities. The primary goal of a novice youth soccer program is to provide a fun experience for children.

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