Good Drills to Run at Soccer Tryouts

Soccer tryouts are designed to gauge athleticism and technical skills. Numerous drills are available for tryouts to gauge speed, lateral motion, conditioning and ball handling skills. Although technique is important, athletic players are capable of learning techniques and playing at a high level. You also must monitor the players for positive and competitive attitudes that benefit the entire team.

  1. Running Drills

    • Running drills are designed to test speed, lateral movement and conditioning. Use a stopwatch to time the 40 yard dash and gauge a players' ability to run down the field. Also use cones spaced at 10 yards to time a lateral sprint. Make each player run down and back two times to force a direction change and determine the ability to run in bursts of speed. Test conditioning by running laps around the field. Soccer requires conditioned athletes and running 10 laps around a field should not wear out the players.

    Ball Handling

    • Ball handling is important for defensive and offensive players. Set 15 cones in a staggered line with five yards between each cone. Make the players control the ball as they maneuver through the cones. The best players keep the ball between their feet and use few kicks to control the ball. Also test the ability to pass accurately by positioning players on either side of the cone course. Have the player pass the ball after dribbling through the course.

    Accuracy Drills

    • Use accuracy drills to test the players' ability to score. Accuracy drills are ideal for testing offensive players. Place the ball 20 yards in front of the goal and divide the goal into four quadrants with fluorescent string. Assign the player a quadrant and have them attempt to place the ball in the desired position. After testing from a set position, test the player's ability to accurately shoot while in motion and with defenders present.

    Goalie Drills

    • The goalie is a specialized position and requires a separate set of drills. The goalie is stationary throughout the game but must be extremely athletic. Test the goalie by shooting several balls in rapid succession. Also test and measure the vertical jumping ability and short bursts of speed. The goalie must be quick and have great vision to block a high powered ball. Force the player to dive in front of balls and test the goalie against the best shooters at the tryout.