Soccer skills are best learned using progressive steps

Category: Advice for Coaches

Unfortunately, the majority of up and coming soccer players are not born with a natural talent and skill. These skills need to be taught, practiced, and developed throughout the course of their soccer careers. But how should these skills be taught, practiced, and developed? Let’s find out.

Soccer skills are best learned using the following steps:

  1. Perform at a slow pace from a stationary position
    After demonstrating a move or technique, have the players perform the move or technique very slowly and standing still.
  2. Perform at a jogging pace
    After players show progress, add a small bit of difficulty by having them perform the new move or technique while jogging.
  3. Perform at a running pace
    After players show progress, add a bit more difficulty by having them perform the new move or technique at a running pace.
  4. Introduce an opponent using minor pressure
    Once players are comfortable and able to use the move or technique both standing still and while running at various speeds, add difficulty by introducing an opponent. However, this opponent should only use minor pressure. This is to allow players a chance to practice the new move or technique with the feeling of pressure just like in a real game.
  5. Introduce an opponent using average pressure
    After players show progress, add a bit more difficulty by having the opponent use average pressure. Again, this is to allow players a chance to practice the new move or technique with the feeling of added pressure just like in a real game.
  6. Introduce an opponent using full pressure
    After players show progress, add a bit more difficulty by having the opponent use full pressure. Again, this is to allow players a chance to practice the new move or technique with the feeling of full pressure just like in a real game.

Once a skill is learned, it needs to be reinforced with repetition. This is key because the player will be able to perform the skill quickly and effectively without having to think about it.