Testing players techniques

With the Pro Trainer soccer machine you can accurately test players abilities on a number of essential skill techniques. This is a great tool for tryouts when evaluating players on the first day.

Here are some ideas:

• Set up the Pro Trainer soccer ball machine to serve a 10-15 yard ball to a small area- 3 yd square, defined by cones
• Players must bring it down within the area with one touch
• Have them use either their foot, thigh, chest (r and l foot)
• Vary the serve from rolling to air ball
• Each player takes ten on each foot and surface - keep a tally of their success on each serve. Assign a score based on the results. 2 points for each successful touch, grade on a 100 point scale
• You can vary the speed and type of ball served depending on age/ability of the players

• Set up the Pro Trainer to serve a 10-15 yard ball, the player must perform a one touch pass to target several yards away- this can be two flags or cones set up as a 2-3yd wide gate
• Players can use either l or r foot one touch - or head to the target gate.
• Vary the distance and type of ball from rolling, driven to air ball.
• Track the players by grading the touches accuracy.
• Each player takes 10 on the right and ten on the left foot.

• One touch finish on goal is a great way to test your players composure and touch.
• Serve a crossing ball of appropriate pace to the level of players being tested.
• Vary the type of ball- rolling, driven, bouncing, air
• Watch for speed power and accuracy on the finishes by your players.
• Keep score and have each player take 10 on the right side and 10 on the left side.

After you run your tryout players through these drills you can accumulate a pretty good score of where they stand with these crucial skills. If you find all your best players are all in the same range of ability but still cannot accurately receive a ball, one touch a ball, or finish a ball accurately then you know where you will need work when training begins. They will know it as well and will welcome the chance to improve these areas of their game.

Give them real feedback that they can use to motivate themselves and each other to improve!

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