INTRODUCTION

Any healthy boy or girl with a reasonable amount of desire, coordination and mental and physical stamina can become a soccer player. Players must develop fitness, skills, tactical understanding, team effort and mental determination in order to become good players.

Below is a checklist of physical traits and skills of better soccer players. You can evaluate yourself on each skill listed by assigning yourself a score of 1 to 5, as follows:

5--the player is able to perform this skill at will with a high rate of success

4--the player is able to perform this skill or technique most of the time

3--the player is willing to attempt this skill and has mixed success

2--the player rarely attempts this technique but is aware that it is possible. When the attempt is made, it is rarely successful

1--the player doesn't have a clue

 Motivation/Team Commitment

• Does the player try to beat his previous time on timed runs?
• Does the player have a 100% work rate during practice drills?
• Is the player attentive to coaching instructions?
• Does the player treat teammates with encouragement and respect?
• Does the player communicate with teammates, on and off the field?
• Does the player know the rules of the game?
• Does the player understand and apply the system of play?

 Passing

• Can the player pass with either foot?
• Does the player pass and chip with the appropriate part of the foot?
• Does the player pass accurately and with proper pace?
• Does the player disguise his intention when appropriate?

 Receiving

• Can the player control a ball passed to feet without rebound?
• Can the player use the body to receive a ball in the air?
• Can the player trap the ball with any body part?
• Can the player use the first touch to set up his next move?

 Dribbling

• Can the player dribble with either foot?
• Can the player dribble without watching the ball?
• Does the player use soft touches on the ball when dribbling?
• Can the player change speed and direction with control?
• Does the player use fakes and feints?
• Does the player shield the ball to maintain possession?

 Shooting

• Can the player shoot with either foot?
• Can the player strike a moving ball consistently and accurately?
• Can the player volley the ball?
• Can the player shoot accurately with power?
• Does the player shoot to the open part of the goal?
• Does the player shoot every time he has a reasonably good chance?

 Heading

• Will the player try to head the ball when appropriate?
• Does the player use the proper striking surface?
• Does the player strike the ball rather than the ball striking him?
• Can the player head with power and accuracy?
• Can the player flick the ball on?

• Does the player break down and contain when approaching a ball carrier?
• Does the player delay the attacker until the appropriate time to tackle?
• Can the player block, poke and clear effectively and with both feet?
• Does the player fake and feint to induce the ball carrier to make a false move?
• Does the player tackle with 100% commitment?
• Is the player willing to use his body and go shoulder-to-shoulder to win the ball?

Continue to learn the Heritage system of play from the links below