How to Evaluate Players Presented by Tom Goodman, M.Ed Former National Director of Coaching US Youth Soccer

Tom Goodman Question? What criteria do you use to evaluate and select players? (What do you look for in a player?)

Tom Goodman National Regional State Challenge Recreation Premier

Tom Goodman Evaluation Program Evaluators/Coaches Environment Criteria

Tom Goodman Evaluators/Coaches Experience has observed many good players has observed multiple levels of play has observed multiple playing environments

Tom Goodman Evaluators/Coaches Expertise has identified many good players has selected many good players has developed many good players has played the game at multiple levels

Tom Goodman Evaluators/Coaches Patience… don’t write off a player because??? Objectivity understands that players may be mis-positioned understands that players may be having a bad day understands what’s best for current level and potentially for the next level

Tom Goodman Environment Training Competition “To evaluate players effectively you must have quality training and competition environments…they must mirror THE GAME!”

Tom Goodman Environment Training Assess and develop work ethic, discipline, commitment and coachability. Assess and develop technical, tactical, physical and psychological dimensions…personality.

Tom Goodman Environment Competition Assess and develop current and potential levels of play. Assess and develop ability to adapt to different positions, styles, systems and environmental factors. Assess and develop each players’ comfort level with the 4 pillars of the game.

Tom Goodman Criteria Technical vs Skillful Technical?…performs well technically without pressure. Skillful?..performs well technically under game pressure (opponent, space, time)

Tom Goodman Criteria Technical vs Skillful I love players who are both technical and skillful…but if I had to choose one over the other, skillful would win out! Are the player’s technical abilities economical and effective in game competition?

Tom Goodman Criteria First Touch Is the player’s first touch economical, precise, efficient and EFFECTVE?? Is the player’s first touch positive; directed to goal? Does the player’s first touch penetrate? How many opponents are eliminated?

Tom Goodman Criteria Shape Is the player’s body shape efficient and effective? Is the player’s positioning conducive to quality team shape? Does the player’s positioning allow him to play forward?

Tom Goodman Criteria Strikes a ball with Flair Outside of foot to penetrate and to bend Bends ball away from goalkeeper Uses toe to shoot Strikes a ball quickly Volleys and half-volleys

Tom Goodman Criteria Creative Dribbler Double touch Looks to penetrate Knows he will get by opponent (psychological) Excellent change of speed and direction (this is better than pure speed!) Courageous shielder

Tom Goodman Criteria Effective Header Courage Skillful at heading Excellent timing Purpose

Tom Goodman Criteria Defending Courageous Patience Judgment Constructive tackling Timely

Tom Goodman Criteria Intelligent Understands how and when to support play…defensively and on the attack. Knows how to keep possession for the team…by herself and with others. Understands transition from one side of the ball to the other.

Tom Goodman Criteria Intelligent Reads the game well…awareness…sees and understands the whole environment…field, teammates, opponents, referee, fans, coach (competitive savvy) Is a problem solver…can solve problems by himself, in small groups and with the team. (tactical application)

Tom Goodman Criteria Mental (psychological) Practice (independently) Desire to train and compete with the best of the best Experiment (desire to accept the challenge of a diverse soccer environment) Questions & LISTENS!

Tom Goodman Criteria Mental (psychological) Advancement (desire to advance to the next level) Positive Attitude Flexible…willing to and capable of playing other positions Tough…remains focused for complete match…controls the controllables and deals with the uncontrollables.

Tom Goodman Criteria Mental (psychological) Confident…knows that she and her team will succeed Coachable…desire to learn; handles constructive criticism positively Loves the game…thrives on competition; can’t wait to play

Tom Goodman Criteria Athleticism Soccer Fit… Agile, Flexible, Quick, Fast Endurance, Strength, Power “Can the player play 90 minutes effortlessly?”

Tom Goodman Criteria Specialty Does the player have a special quality that your team needs? (Left peg, tremendous header of the ball, enjoys the challenge of taking opponents on…)

Tom Goodman Criteria Gamer Does the player respond positively and effectively to the demands of the game he is playing today? How about the game she is playing tomorrow?

Tom Goodman Ponder Talent and Performance’ is dynamic; it is always evolving…