Young player about to kick a soccer ball during indoor training

player

Understanding the player

Our player-centered approach starts with understanding each individual player

PLAYER

Positional traits

Different positions require different skills, behaviors and attributes. Select a position to explore key traits of the 11v11 game.

Young girl dribbles a soccer ball during a youth training session indoors.

Key Traits

  • Dominating 1v1, dribbling and running with the ball to take-on opponent
  • Shooting and crossing (early cut-back, etc.) off the dribble
  • Making aggressive runs with and without the ball
  • Reading and initiating pressing moments
USWNT player dribbling through defenders during a training drill.

Physical Attributes

  • Speed
  • Change of direction
  • Body feints
  • Repeated accelerations

Recommended Resources

Click each resource to download a PDF overview

PLAYER

Understanding your players better

Our player centered approach starts with understanding each individual player

PLAYER

meeting a player’s basic needs

Help meet your players’ basic needs by focusing on four areas

PLAYER

the ages and stages of development

As players grow and develop they will experience changes in five areas