What our coaches look for in the Selection Process

The following is to explain the selection process and what we look for

There is no exact process for selecting players. Most of it comes down to eye of the coach/s and therefore can be a bit subjective.

To guide us in the process there are some things that we look for using TIC (Ref: The National Football Curriculum – The Building Blocks)

Technique:         Under 8-13

Insight:             Under 14-15

Communication:  Under 16-17

Technique or Individual Skills

There are 4 core player skills regardless of a player position.

1. First Touch. It is the ability to receive or control the ball. A good first touch will determine what happens with the second touch – shoot, pass, get out of trouble etc. A poor first touch means an extra touch may be required resulting in attracting more pressure. A good first touch is essential to play at higher levels.

2. Running with the ball. Comfortably and effectively at different speeds.

3. 1 v 1skills. The ability to change direction, to beat or lose a defender.

4. Striking the ball. The ability to pass the ball – short, medium and long: shoot and cross – preferably with both feet

Insight

As well as the 4 individual qualities or skills as a player, we then look at how the player plays football according to our philosophy

1.     Confidence on the ball

2.     Keeping possession rather than “getting rid of the ball”

3.     Attack minded and proactive as opposed to sitting back and being reactive

4.     Playing in the correct manner of controlled passing rather than a “kick and rush” approach.

5.     Identifying the roles and responsibilities of the different positions they have been put in

6.     Apply the 4 key skills effectively in those positions

In cases where there is still a long list of names at the end of the process. We then look at the player’s performance within the trials.

1.     Does the player do good (or bad) things regularly?

2.     Do they do it more than once or twice in every exercise, under pressure, against good opposition, when it is tight and when fatigued?

At the end of this process players who have been selected will have demonstrated a greater range of competencies than those who were not selected