There are 7 categories of expertise we analyze during the Performance Assessment
Shooting Mechanics
Dribbling
Passing & Distribution
Players will pass the ball back-and-forth with the coach, against a wall, or with another player for 2 minutes while coaches decide the consistency of technique as well as if the players approximation of a pass is indeed in keeping with any of the 6 qualities we are looking for. One area that may stump players testing out is two-footedness, so be sure the technique is bilateral in its consistency.
*If players can not use both feet equally, a point will be subtracted from overall points.
Juggling
Level 1-4
Conventional juggles only. Avila coaches will watch up to 2 minutes and help count. The player can also count out loud. The juggles must happen with the feet only alternating each touch.
Level 5 only
Trapping & Receiving
High-ball Trapping
Elevator trapping
Outside of the foot
Inside of the foot
Trapping with sole
Receiving
Receiving with both feet
Receiving and turning
Receiving and redirecting with one touch
Cradling the pass as it is received
Soccer IQ (Possession)
The 5 Unit Play Characteristics
1
Consistently shows proper passing techniques even though drills involve switching the point of attack while shifting body weight
2
Displays balance when running to open spaces by not leaning over too much and keeping upper body over feet
3
Rhythmically shows a bounce in one’s step as they both distribute and run to open spaces
4
Never is found to have delayed or hesitated in choosing to move to a new space
5
Understands how to shift with the trainer’s movements to maintain space that allows for triangles or passing lanes
The 5 Link-up Play Drills
6
No look pass using sole to trainer
7
Pass and overlap the trainer
8
Perform a wall pass, run and receive your own wall pass, and back pass it to a trainer without stopping to settle the ball*
9
Create a triangle around a cone with a trainer at speed at least 3 times fast with no traps, all one touch*
10
Check away from trainer to create space, move into a new space, receive a pass on the run, then dribble to a new space and distribute the ball to the trainer who will also be in a new unpredictable space
For #8, 9 and 10, there are several Avila Soccer Drills for the trainer to choose from that would test out this aspect of Unit/Link-up Play. The trainer will explain the drill of their choice to the player at the time of the test.
Here are some videos of our best link-up play drills
Barcelona Drill
4-Man Drill
6-Man Drill
Competition
Demonstrate scrimmaging skills
- Assertiveness or aggressiveness
- Nose for the goal
- Defensive posturing
- Skill under pressure
- Creativity and style