How to Evaluate Players Presented by Tom Goodman, M.Ed Former National Director of Coaching US Youth Soccer

How to Evaluate Players

Presented by

Tom Goodman, M.Ed

Former National Director of Coaching

US Youth Soccer

Tom Goodman [email protected]

Question?

What criteria do you use to evaluate and select players?

(What do you look for in a player?)


National

Regional

State

Challenge

Recreation

Premier


Evaluation Program

Evaluators/Coaches

Environment

Criteria


Evaluators/Coaches

Experience

has observed many good playershas observed multiple levels of playhas observed multiple playing

environments


Evaluators/Coaches

Expertise

has identified many good players

has selected many good players

has developed many good players

has played the game at multiple levels


Evaluators/Coaches

Patience…don’t write off a player because???

Objectivityunderstands that players may be mis-positionedunderstands that players may be having a bad

dayunderstands what’s best for current level

and potentially for the next level


Environment

Training

Competition

“To evaluate players effectively you must have quality training and competition environments…they must mirror THE GAME!”


Environment

Training

Assess and develop work ethic, discipline, commitment and coachability.

Assess and develop technical, tactical, physical and psychological dimensions…personality.


Environment Competition

Assess and develop current and potential levels of play.

Assess and develop ability to adapt to different positions, styles, systems and environmental factors.

Assess and develop each players’ comfort level with the 4 pillars of the game.


Criteria

Technical vs Skillful

Technical?…performs well technically without pressure.

Skillful?..performs well technically under game pressure (opponent, space, time)


Criteria

Technical vs Skillful

I love players who are both technical and skillful…but if I had to choose one over the other, skillful would win out!

Are the player’s technical abilities economical and effective in game competition?


Criteria

First Touch

Is the player’s first touch economical, precise, efficient and EFFECTVE??

Is the player’s first touch positive; directed to goal?

Does the player’s first touch penetrate? How many opponents are eliminated?


Criteria

Shape

Is the player’s body shape efficient and effective?

Is the player’s positioning conducive to quality team shape?

Does the player’s positioning allow him to play forward?


Criteria

Strikes a ball with Flair

Outside of foot to penetrate and to bend

Bends ball away from goalkeeper

Uses toe to shoot

Strikes a ball quickly

Volleys and half-volleys


Criteria

Creative Dribbler

Double touchLooks to penetrateKnows he will get by opponent (psychological)Excellent change of speed and direction (this is better than pure speed!)Courageous shielder


Criteria

Effective Header

Courage

Skillful at heading

Excellent timing

Purpose


Criteria

Defending

CourageousPatienceJudgmentConstructive tacklingTimely


Criteria

Intelligent

Understands how and when to support play…defensively and on the attack.

Knows how to keep possession for the team…by herself and with others.

Understands transition from one side of the ball to the other.


Criteria

Intelligent

Reads the game well…awareness…sees and understands the whole environment…field, teammates, opponents, referee, fans, coach (competitive savvy)

Is a problem solver…can solve problems by himself, in small groups and with the team.

(tactical application)


Criteria

Mental (psychological)

• Practice (independently)

• Desire to train and compete with the best of the best

• Experiment (desire to accept the challenge of a diverse soccer environment)

• Questions & LISTENS!


Criteria


• Advancement (desire to advance to the next level) • Positive Attitude

• Flexible…willing to and capable of playing other positions

• Tough…remains focused for complete match…controls the controllables and deals with the uncontrollables.


Criteria


• Confident…knows that she and her team will succeed

• Coachable…desire to learn; handles constructive criticism positively

• Loves the game…thrives on competition; can’t wait to play


Criteria

Athleticism

Soccer Fit…

Agile, Flexible, Quick, Fast

Endurance, Strength, Power

“Can the player play 90 minutes effortlessly?”


Criteria

Specialty

Does the player have a special quality that your team needs?

(Left peg, tremendous header of the ball, enjoys the challenge of taking opponents on…)


Criteria

Gamer

Does the player respond positively and effectively to the demands of the game he is playing today?

How about the game she is playing tomorrow?


Ponder

Talent and Performance’ is dynamic; it is always evolving…

Documents

How to Evaluate Players Presented by Tom Goodman, M.Ed Former National Director of Coaching US Youth Soccer