Introduction to the Soccer Tryout HandbookThe goal of this book is for you, the soccer coach, to run an effective and fair tryout. When conducted correctly, you will have a complete ranking of all participants. You will have clear evidence on how players performed in 1 vs. 1 competitions, 4 vs. 4 small-sided games and 11 vs. 11 soccer. These activities are designed to evaluate a large group of players in a short amount of time. The end result is clear, unbiased evidence on who should make the team.
The methods selected for this workbook are objective in that they are "non-political". Team assignments and opponents are formed in a random fashion. Everyone is evaluated and ranked. With these activities it is impossible for a player to hide. It is impossible for a coach not to have any information on a participant.
The methods in the workbook have been used by soccer clubs, high school and college soccer teams and by the Olympic Development Program.
Conducting fair and objective tryouts is critical to any team's success. Tryouts reflect the philosophy of the coach and the image of the club. As the Director of Coaching for a soccer association with over 1000 players, I pay particular attention to running fair and objective tryouts. I try to assure that all players have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their soccer playing abilities.
Soccer Based Competitions
The competitions chosen for this booklet are "soccer based". Players are evaluated on how they perform while playing soccer in a highly competitive situation. I strongly believe, as do many other veteran coaches, that a player's performance in 1 vs. 1 situations directly relates to his or her performance in 11 vs. 11 games. Likewise if a player can perform well in small-sided games, such as a 4 vs. 4 game, it is almost certain the player will do well in large games.
Subjective Evaluations
As you gather objective performance results, I also encourage your evaluators to make subjective observations and remarks. Because the games run themselves, evaluators are free to observe players in action.
All tryouts must incorporate 11 vs. 11 scrimmages. Player performance must be observed in the true and pure 11-a-side game. Perhaps the best soccer tryout is an 11 vs. 11 game with skilled evaluators. Evaluators watch and choose the best players. If you don't have skilled evaluators or if you want confirmation, then the 1 vs. 1 and 4 vs. 4 competitions are the next best thing.
Speed and Fitness Testing
You may want to consider speed and fitness testing as well. If you're a college or high school coach, for example, you will have more tryout time available for this type of evaluation. Fitness and speed data can be very helpful. High scores may signal athleticism, dedication or potential. The tests chosen for this booklet are field tests in that no special equipment is necessary. Like the soccer-based competitions, they too are meant to rank a large group in a short amount of time.
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