How to Coach Soccer Tryouts

Coaching soccer tryouts is a rewarding experience if you love the game and enjoy working with players. Regardless of the age level of the players in the tryouts, the event should take on a standard format. As you put the players through their paces, take meticulous notes about each player's performance and attitude. Younger players will need more focus on the game's fundamentals, while with veteran players, you can forgo the basics and get more into challenging drills.

Things You'll Need

  • Jerseys
  • Whistle
  • Pylons
  • Soccer balls
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Instructions

    • 1

      Give each player involved in the tryout a jersey with a unique number. Having each player numbered in the best way to evaluate the talent, especially if you don't know some of the players. If they aren't numbered, it's easy to make an evaluation mistake.

    • 2

      Arrange a straight line of pylons on the field, roughly 5 yards apart. Instruct the players to dribble a soccer ball, one by one, through the pylons as quickly as they can when you blow your whistle. Watch each player's performance to note his acceleration, agility and ball control. At older levels, place the pylons together and note the crisp turns of the players.

    • 3

      Assemble the players who wish to play goalkeeper for the team. Place one goalkeeper in net and allow the other players to take individual penalty kicks against him. Once each player has shot, rotate in the next hopeful goalkeeper and repeat the process. Though this step, you will be able to gauge the talent of the goalkeepers and shooters.

    • 4

      Pair the players into groups of two and give each group a soccer ball. One player starts with the ball, and when you blow your whistle, she must keep it away from the other player. Give the players 30 seconds and note how well the player protects the ball. After 30 seconds, instruct the players to switch roles and start the drill again.

    • 5

      Line all the players up on one goal line and instruct them to run to the other goal line and back as many times as you require. For young players, one or two times will suffice, while you should push older players to run more. Note the players who have the least trouble completing the run. Because much of soccer involves cardiovascular fitness, this drill will separate the fit athletes from the unfit.