Assessing Strengths and Weaknesses
Physical Traits
In this area of assessment we are determining if the individual player as well as a collective team
possess the fitness level to cope with the physical demands of the game.
During a soccer match it is difficult to isolate and evaluate objectively physical performance.
However, you can attain an overall general sense of the physical factors. Are they match fit and
where are the slow spots on the team? Use your team as the comparison to the team your assessing.
Overall fitness level Individual fitness levels Team speed Individual speed Strength and power Quickness Jumping abilities
In preparation for an opponent it is crucial that you formulate simple objective, strategies, and that orders are clear and concise. Simplicity keeps the team motivated, focused and unified. When your assessing strengths, you are determining their strong qualities. Meaning, their resistance, durability and firmness. What is their capacity for effective action and where does their source of power come from?
What is their degree of intensity and concentration? With regards to weaknesses, you are determining what are their individual and team defects? How will you play over, through and or around and how will they play versus your team.
1. Speed
a. Overall team speed (with and without the ball)
b. Speed by position (with and without the ball)
2. Size
a. Overall team size
b. Individual size by position
3. Technical Abilities
a. Overall team technical style
b. Individual technical ability
4. Tactical Concept
a. How does specific players effect attacking purpose
b. How does specific players effect defending shape
Psychological Factors – To excel you not only have to have a high degree a fitness level but equally important is the mental side of the game.There is absolutely no question that soccer is an intense physical sport. To excel you not only have to have a high degree a fitness level but equally important is the mental side of the game. Do the players your observing have the right head for the game? What is their psychological make up? Are they mentally tough? What is their inner player like? Do they have mental lapses and if so who and where? Do they choke under physical pressure? Is there body and mind
connected? How do they handle mistakes individually and collectively. Who are their strong and weak personalities? How can you effectively match your stronger players with their weaker players? How does the score effective their behavior? Do they behave differently away from home. If so, how?
Self Control, Team motivation, Individual motivation, Leadership roles, Courage, Mental toughness, Concentration, Heart, Determination, Communication, Fighting spirit.