The value of an intuitive decision-maker on the field

There is no rush, despite the presence of collegiate scouting at these ages, to be playing at a more advanced level than the player is ready. To be technically sound is for the player to be able to be ahead of the game.

One important skill for being able to do that is to be able to pass in tight spaces and have good vision of the field. Here’s a great video of some of the kids I train practicing just that.

Below I have outlined the primary difference between knowing whether an athlete is ready for competition with a more mature {i.e., experienced and technically sound} athlete or if more fundamental technique work is still necessary. To be ahead of the game encompasses the athlete’s ability to read the game, protect one’s self, to focus on advancement by revising health and nutrition, improving overall athletic performance, implementing injury prevention / strengthening as part of the daily routine, and more. By these terms I am referring to an intuitive decision-maker on the soccer field.

By age 15 we want decision-making to be automatic / intuitive because a primary focus, particularly for girls, should be on protecting the knee. This is a good time to discuss with us where the player is developmentally in terms of placement along the age chart. Athletes at these ages should be fundamentally and technically sound. The main focus for this age group is body and knee positioning. For the competitive soccer player, club play is important at this stage.

  • Ages 12-14
  • Receiving and Turning with the ball
  • 1 & 2 Touch
  • Receiving air balls
  • Skills
  • Chipping to Pass
  • Bending Balls
  • Ages 15+
  • Vision & Decision-Making
  • One Touch
  • 1-4v1 & 1-4v2
  • ACL / Core Strengthening

SKILLS

  • Receiving
  • Turning
  • Ground
  • Air / Bouncing Balls
  • Stationary & Moving
  • Foot Skills
  • Ball Manipulation
  • Dribbling
  • Using small spaces to create great advantages
  • Passing
  • Inside / Outside
  • Laces
  • Volleys
  • Heading
  • Shooting
  • 1&2-Touch
  • Bending
  • Long Shots & Volleys
  • Dribble & Shoot