Qualities of a Soccer Player Part 2

PHYSICAL ABILITY

Skill - Application of technique under pressure

There are many facets of the game that will cause a breakdown of technique. Good

players are able to maintain technical efficiency under pressure. They will show

composure under the following demands.

Movement of the ball.

Movement of the body with the ball (body/ball control).

Opponents.

As concentration lapses and technique deteriorates when most players are tired,

good players will be able to perform under the pressure of fatigue.

MENTAL ABILITY

Confidence

In the make-up of good players physical ability goes hand in hand with mental ability.

Not only must players possess good skill but also, they must have the confidence to play

to their potential.

Mental Toughness

There are many situations in a game that affect confidence and concentration. E.G.

Losing by more than one goal in the latter stages of the game, the team being totally

dominated throughout the game, individual breakdown in technique, constantly losing

"individual battles" can all result in a loss of confidence and concentration. Mentally

tough players will endeavor to perform to their utmost despite those odds.

Impact

Good players have the ability to affect the nature of the game from their positions on the

field. Goalkeepers, defenders, midfield players and forwards can all make an impact on

the game from their respective roles on the team.

FITNESS

Endurance

Fitness is a vital component of the game. Not only must players have the ability to play

for the game's duration but also, they must be able to recover while working in the game.

Concentration lapses and skill levels decline when players are tired. Therefore, the

greater the soccer endurance the less chance of errors created by fatigue.

Speed

While speed of movement is a wonderful advantage in the game it is not vital to success.

However, speed of thought is essential. Good perception and quick reactions save much

time. The following elements combined are ideal.

Perceptual Speed is the time that elapses between the occurrence of a situation in a game and its recognition by a player.

Reaction Time is the time that elapses between the occurrence of a situation and a player's initial physical reaction.

Contractile Rate is the rate at which a player is able to get his muscles into action; quickness and explosiveness.

Speed of Movement is how fast a player is able to move over a distance of five to fifteen yards.

Balance and Agility

Good players must have both static balance to resist challenge and dynamic balance

(agility) so that they are in control of their bodies while moving without the ball or

performing skills of the game.

Strength

As the game presents many challenges both on the ground and in the air, players must

have the strength to withstand those challenges.

Naturally, not all players possess all the qualities stated. In fact, not all professional and

international players have all those qualities. As a result, when observing players for

selection or evaluation, coaches must take into consideration the standard of the game

and the level of competition being assessed. The art of good coaching is in combining

the talents of the players selected.