The Details Freaking Matter, I Promise!!!
‘What gets me to the next level?’ One of the most common questions I get from my players as a small group technical soccer coach.
I always echo that mastering ‘the details’ is essential for you as a youth soccer players.
The details distinguish the good youth soccer players from the great youth soccer players.
GREAT youth soccer players are the ones who go on to play for professional soccer academies, earn university soccer scholarships and sign professional soccer contracts.
But what are ‘the details’ when it comes to soccer? How can you be one of those earning a full-ride scholarship to their dream college/university?
Training, focusing on, and mastering these 12 details on the soccer field during training and games will make you a better and more valuable soccer player – I guarantee it.
The 'Details'
- Pass Along The Ground (Roll the ball into your teammate, don’t bounce it in)
- Pass To Your Teammates Correct Foot (Based on their body position and opposition pressure)
- Always Stay Ready And ‘On Your Toes’ (Expect and be ready for the unexpected)
- Correct Weight Of Pass Based On Distance From Teammate (Pass the ball with the correct force)
- Scanning Before Receiving The Ball (Be aware of your position on the field, where your teammates are, and where the opposition is)
- First Touch Out Of Your Feet (Allows you to keep your eyes up and take your next action)
- Giving Information To Your Teammates When You Pass To Them (Helps your teammate – one of the most undervalued skills to learn)
- Making A Decision Before Receiving The Ball (Essential to play confidently, positively, and quickly)
- Communicating With Teammates & Coaches (Tactics, game information, and encouragement)
- Tackling With Aggression (Don’t hold back on your tackles – keep them clean, but tackle hard, regardless of your size)
- Receiving The Ball With An Open Body (Allows you to move forward with the ball and see the field)
- Moving Off The Ball To Create Space & Angles For You And Your Teammates (Helps you to receive the ball with optimal space, and helps your teammate to pass to you)
I must emphasize that these ‘details’ do MATTER when it comes to your development to get to the NEXT LEVEL!
Put these into action and you’ll see short- and long-term success!
Can you think of any others details that might be distinguish the good from the great soccer players? Let me know in the comments below!