Select the number rating for players in each category.

To be ranked as a 5, a player should consistently demonstrate: 

To be ranked as a 4, a player should consistently demonstrate:

To be ranked as a 3 a player should consistently demonstrate:

To be ranked as a 2 a player should demonstrate the following traits: 

A player should be ranked as a 1 if they: 

• are missing some of the age specific techniques & principles of play
• are not aggressive
• don't listen or follow instructions during a game or at practice
• typically daydream during a game 
  

PRINCIPLES OF PLAY RATING GUIDE

ATTACKING PRINCIPLES OF PLAY

Penetration - The ability to dribble around (doesn’t attempt to dribble through) the defending players. - Plays the ball into open space to allow for advancing the ball. - Passes the ball to teammates in a leading manner as to allow forward motion of the receiver. - Accurate shooting skills (consider form, power and placement of shot) - Dribbles using all surfaces of the foot with exception of toe.

Mobility - Players can effectively change positions on the field (fill in for one another when necessary) - Can communicate with teammates during transitions (attacking and defending) to create numerical advantages which create scoring opportunities. - Players do not gravitate towards the ball unnecessarily - Players are continuously moving within their areas of responsibility (not standing around watching the play, but getting involved).

Width - Players maintain their spacing on the field - Players attack on a broad front spreading the defense out and create open space in which to advance.

Depth - Players use knowledge of triangular spacing to allow for passing options - Players read the game and communicate the need for support of teammates. - Players position themselves in a supporting position to players with the ball.

Creativity - The ability to create opportunities for advancing, possessing and scoring using personal skills. - Can perform fakes and feints while dribbling.

DEFENSIVE PRINCIPLES OF PLAY

Delay - Players position themselves to prevent advancement of the ball, while allowing teammates time to get into supporting positions. - Denies opponents the space to advance the ball. - Forces attacking player to make mistake then take the ball vs. being overly aggressive in defending and getting beat.

Depth - Players use knowledge of triangular spacing to allow for effective delay. - Players read the game and communicate the need for support of teammates. - Players position themselves in a supporting position to players attacking the ball.

Balance - Players can read the attack and recognize the need for additional support in the defense - Players ensure that an equal or greater number of players are available to defend by communicating and effectively and efficiently position themselves on the field - Players ensure that the vital areas of the field (near the goal) are covered.

Concentration - Defending players condense the attack into a smaller area limiting the number of defenders needed to cover the attack - Players position themselves to cutoff passing lanes, thereby covering two players at once.

Composure - Players maintain calm and collected in the face of an attack. - Players maintain proper techniques and positioning to “break-down” an attacker and regain possession of the ball. Mastery is a word that should not be used lightly to describe a player’s abilities. There are very few players who should be rated a 10, yet some players do possess the necessary skills to achieve this level of play.

TECHNIQUE

Dribbling - Player DOES NOT use their toe to control the ball. - Player can use the inside and outside of the foot as well as their laces and heel to control the ball.

Striking (w/laces) - Shows proper technique (Toe-Knee-Chin – Keeps head over the ball and aligned above the knee and toe) - Uses laces to strike ball (NOT THE TOE) and finishes with toe pointing forward and not up.

Throw-In - Keeps some part of both feet on or behind the touch line. - Uses two hands to throw the ball from behind the head. - Leads the receiving player.

Push Pass - Leads the receiving player. - Strikes the ball using the inside or outside of the foot with adequate force to reach the receiving player. - Strikes the ball with heel down, toe up and approximately halfway up ball.

Shooting - Can shoot from distance with accuracy (able to place the ball anywhere in the net). - Can shoot using all surfaces of foot. - Can effectively “bend” the ball.

Tackling Front Block - Player keeps toe up when striking the ball - Prevents ball from rolling over foot during tackle -Player keeps ankle locked during tackle

Foot Control - Player can trap the ball using sole of foot - Player can distribute the ball using the sole of the foot - Maintains possession while controlling the ball with the sole of the foot

Thigh Control - Player can properly trap the ball with the thigh - Player maintains control of the ball using thigh trap - Player can juggle using the thigh

Slide Tackling - Player DOES NOT slide tackle from behind the player, but from the side or front - Player uses only ONE foot to tackle, keeping other foot tucked under body - Player tackles with cleats facing away from player being tackled - Player tackles with tackling foot near ground preventing injury to player being tackled - Player must contact the ball PRIOR to any contact with the player being tackled - Player DOES NOT use excessive force and DOES NOT tackle recklessly.

Heading - Player uses the forehead and NOT the top of the head while heading the ball - Player can distribute the ball using head - Player can shoot using head - Player can trap and control the ball using their head

GOALKEEPING

Proper hand position while receiving the ball - Ability to distribute the ball by rolling, throwing or arching - Ability to distribute the ball by punting - Ability to communicate and interact with teammates - Can read the game and position themselves properly