Now, while some seasons may be coming to an end, such as across Europe, in other parts of the world, eg Australia, some soccer seasons are just beginning.

This weeks tip is based on sound principles for getting the most out of your trial or try-out sessions so you get the best players and also for the players too, so they can show you what they can do.

OK, when I'm holding trials there are a couple of things in particular that I'm looking for...

1. The players first touch

2. Their awareness of what's around them (i.e. space, support)

3. How comfortable are they on the ball

4. Do they have good close control and can take opponents on

5. How well do they communicate with others

6. How fast are they, both in the mind and in the feet

7. Can they close down and tackle

The best way I've found to establish the seven key criteria is to put the players in to small groups, either 3 v 3 or 4 v 4.

Playing in large groups when holding trials won't allow you to see how good a players is.

It's best if you can set up small pitches for 3 v 3 or 4 v 4 games where players get plenty of touches and show what they can do.

One of the key benefits of playing in a small area is that it reflects, very accurately, the types of situations players would encounter on a full size pitch but in a much more concentrated fashion.

So, that's it for this weeks tip... however, we have written and published a number of articles on this very topic this week.

If you would like more information on the...

• easiest way to make sure that trial players perform on the day
  
  
• dos and dont's of holding trials
  
  
• one thing soccer coaches get wrong at trials
  
  
• simplest way to check a players game knowledge
  
  
• best way to evaluate and select from the talent pool
  
  
• most effective way to inform trialists of your decision

...then we've got just what you are looking for in the main pages of Junior Soccer Coach.

You can join Junior Soccer Coach and have a FULL access all areas pass for only £1 for fourteen days.

Find out more here: -

Junior Socccer Coach Fourteen Days For Only £1.00

That's your tip for another week, good luck in this weekends game.

Best wishes

Neil T.

Neil Travers
www.JuniorSoccerCoach.com

Don't forget...

Junior Socccer Coach Fourteen Days For Only £1.00