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2024.05.31 - Expectations and Preparation for Tryouts from Coach Leahy

 

What we do in tryouts is designed to make you a better soccer player, so when you specifically train for tryouts you are improving.

  • Each drill we do in tryouts will be graded/scored, 1-10
  • We will have our Yo-Yo test
    • 18.1 is the mandatory pass mark for Varsity
    • We will set up days throughout the summer to help you with this
    • If you get to 18.5 you get a little boost to your tryout score/grade
  • We will have another fitness test with the ball
    • You will start and go 5 yards back, then 10 and back, 15 and back, 20 and back and 25 and back =1
    • Finishing each in 40 seconds and 40 seconds rest
    • We will look for speed and control
    • 5 with the right foot and 5 with the left foot
    • Look at 1:40 of Summer Conditioning Drills With The Ball video to see an example
  • We will also be grading on the Soccer Specific Workout I created
    • We will look for how much you've practiced and tried to master it
    • This is great for ball mastery and your heart rate should go up and down similar to a soccer game
  • We will be grading on dribbling with your weak foot and strong foot
    • Starting after warm up each day
    • 3 different ways
      • 8-10 cones 3-4 feet apart in a straight line
      • 8-10 cones in a zig zag line
      • 2 cones 10 yards apart and you show mastery of these moves
  • We will be grading your shot with both feet, weak and strong
    • 2 cones, 1 about 25 yards from goal and 1 20 yards from goal
    • Start at first and do any of the moves we will try and master at the second cone (2nd cone like a defender) and complete shot before 18 yard box
    • Grade for accuracy, strength and how you set yourself up for the shot
  • Rondos will be graded throughout the tryout
    • 8-10 players with 2 defenders in the middle of a square or circle
    • Outside players play keep away with a strict 2 touches max
    • Make a mistake and go to the middle
    • This will test a lot of skills: possession, thinking, touch and defense
  • We will play 2 touch scrimmages to 4 small goals (2 defending and 2 to score on)
    • This could be 4v4 to 11v11
    • Grading on how you help your team, your intelligence, seeing the play develop before the opponent and your touch and execution
  • We will also have no touch limit scrimmages 8v8 to 11v11
    • Grading on...
      • How do you play without any touch limits
      • How well you defend individually and as a teammate
      • Does the player work hard after losing the ball
      • How does the player get teammates involved
      • How does the player help offensively no matter the position
  • You will be graded on 1v1s offensively and defensively, and 2v2s offensively and defensively
  • One grade will be based on your overall attitude during tryouts
    • Did the player help clean up or set up?
    • Did he help the drill with attitude and effort?
    • Did he respect every coach and player?
    • Was the player positive to his teammates and coaches during tryouts?

Goal keepers, refer to the posted Goalkeeper Tryout Evaluation Template for what you'll be graded on and what you should focus on this summer. 

Other suggestions to help.