Making the Team

         As parents, we tend to look at ODP as a destination when we should have our children view it as a journey. We want to protect our children against unnecessary disappointment. So, emphasize to them that the main reason players should be trying out for the state ODP pool is to get the top-notch training available – not just to make the team. There are a lot of knocks against the ODP concept. Among them are that it is too expensive, coaches tend to pick players from the clubs they know, and that the choices are too subjective. All of those are true. But it also true that ODP provides a chance for players to play against the better players in the state and to increase their skill level in a way they might not otherwise. 
         There are some traits which your child will be evaluated on that
are not listed on the back of this page. Things like size and pure speed
are critical components which training, at this date, can not change. What we will concentrate on in the next few sessions are the characteristics that can be changed.
         The top 20% of the players will be evident within the first hour of
ODP practice as will the bottom 20%. The other 60% will appear fairly even. Our job is to help our players stand out. The ODP coaches will be looking for any little difference they can detect to pick out the players in that 60% who they think will represent the state of Alabama in regional
competition.


Here are some explanations of what the coaches are looking for.

Speed – Speed kills. While pure speed can't be taught, players can appear
faster by using smartness. Quickness and brains can compensate for a lack of pure speed. By thinking ahead and not “ball watching” a slower player can anticipate the play and move to a better position which provides him the step or two head start which makes him appear faster.

Size – If speed is good then speed and size are better. But smaller
players can play “physical”. The smallest player on the field in the Women’
s Olympic Championship game (5’3” Tiffeny Milbrett) scored the tying goal as time ran out off of a header by soaring above all the taller players.
Proper positioning can make up for a lack of size.

Speed of Decision Making – This is the one quality that tells whether a
player is ready to play at a higher level. The ability to make a correct
decision quickly is imperative. Failure to make a decision shows that a
player will have trouble with the faster ODP game.

Pace - Physical Fitness – Can player run five miles at an 8 minute per mile
pace without becoming winded? Even with only a week left until ODP trials, players can improve their endurance by running several miles a day.

Receiving and first touch – A good first touch (including trapping) allows
for better heads up for decision making. Juggling is a good exercise which
can help develop good first touch.

Passing - ability to pass to space (short and long) and the ability to pass to feet are important.  Passes to feet are easy and will be evaluated for their pace and touch. Passes to space will be evaluated for their creativity. Remember the adage – short, short, long! Two short passes should be followed up by a long pass. 

Communication - Communicates with team mates on the field – verbal communication is important. Uses proper terminology - i.e. drop, square, man on, mark, ballside, goalside, etc. Click here for soccer terms.

Aggressiveness – Does he win or lose most 50/50 balls? Does he win all
60/40 balls? Does he win any 40/60 balls? Does he win the 1v1 battles?
Does he back off when confronted with a 1v1?

Field presence, heart, etc. – These are all intangibles which coaches are
looking for which can be measured by time, weight or height but which stand out on the field. Is he a team leader? Does he get along with and lead the other players or cause dissension among the other players? Does he stand out or disappear? Voice, clothing, friendliness, etc. all combine to add up to field presence.

Creates space with movement - Movement “Off the Ball” is extremely
important and a very good sign of maturity in a player. Does player stand around or does he make runs (without the ball) to create space? Is he willing to make many runs when he doesn't get the ball in exchange for that one opportunity when he does?

Maturity - Attentiveness – Is player talking when the coaches are giving
instructions or is he listening attentively?

Positioning - Does he maintain proper positioning on field? For defenders that is always goalside - for attackers that is usually ballside. Does he “dive in” when
defending?

Field Vision - Does his head stay up or is he having to watch the ball?

Agility and balance – How often does he end up on the ground? Forwards and other attackers must maintain balance in order to attack in the box.

SOCCER  EVALUATION  FACTORS
 

Physical, Technical, Tactical, and Psychological

• Speed - while speed can't be taught players can appear faster by using smartness. Quickness can overcome pure speed.
• Size - While this can't be taught it can and often is a deciding factor.
• Pace - Physical Fitness - Try to run several miles each day to get
  fitness level up to ODP standards.
• Agility
• Balance
• Passing - ability to pass to space (short and long) and ability to pass to feet. Passes to feet are easy and will be evaluated for their pace and touch. Passes to space will be evaluated for their creativity.
• Foot Strength - How strong a shot does he have?  Can he switch fields?  Can he cross?  How good are his corner kicks? Can he shoot or pass with both feet?
• Receiving
• First Touch
• Wins 50/50 balls
• Wins 40/60 balls
• Loses 50/50 balls
• Loses 60/40 balls
• Communicates with team mates on the field
• Creates space with movement
• Presence on field - Does he stand out or disappear? Voice, clothing,
  friendliness, etc. all combine to add up to field presence.
  Speed of play - very important when attacking.
• 1v1 - attacking
• 2v1 - attacking
• 1v1 - defending
• 1v2 - defending
• 2v1 - defending
• Maintains proper positioning on field - for defenders that is always
  goalside - for attackers that is usually ballside.
• Uses proper terminology - drop, square, man on, mark, ballside,
  goalside, back, line, switch, etc.
• If player is a forward or midfielder does he beat his mark?
• Physical play. Shoulder to shoulder battles. Do not back off.
• Emotion
• Team leader - Do you get along with and lead the other players or do you cause dissension among the other players.
• Heading ability - both scoring and clearing by headers.
• Strength
• Trapping ability
• Scoring ability
• Shot selection
• Shooting
• Dribbling - change of direction, moves, right and left foot?
• Maturity
• Attentiveness - Are you talking when the coaches are giving directions or are you listening attentively?
• Runs - off the ball.
• Does he create opportunities?
• Control the ball
• Does he create space for his teammates?
• Can he change the speed of the game
• Respond to a tough, physical opponent
• How well does he read the game?
• Can he remain physically fit throughout the game?
• Attack and defend 1 v 1 and 2 v 1
• Can he beat his mark with speed and finesse?
  

This is just a short list of items coaches consider when selecting a team.  If you would like to add anything or comment on this article e-mail me at dsports@hiwaay.net  Ken Gamble