Over the next 8 weeks, we’re going to be doing a series on what makes a complete soccer player. This is a topic that can cause much arguing and debate. Different coaches want to see different things in their players, such as good ball control, passing, positioning, shooting, etc. Even within a team, different players need to have different sets of skills. For example, forwards need to place a lot of focus on shooting, ball control, and speed, while midfielders utilize more endurance, passing, and the ability to play a long ball.
We recognize that different players need different skills, but we want to focus on a set of skills that ALL players should practice in order to become the most complete, well rounded players they can be. A player that has worked on these areas can play any position, and play it well. Obviously some players will be stronger in these areas than others, but every player should strive to be strong in the following areas.
We use the acronym FASTEST to help remember the areas players should cultivate to be a complete player. We will get into each one of these areas more deeply in the following weeks, but here is a simple summary of why each one of these areas is important.
F – Fitness
A complete player should be fit. No matter your position (even as a goalkeeper), fitness is paramount. Soccer is a game of running, and if you are too busy sucking wind to get to the areas on the field where you need to be, you can’t be an effective player.
A – Agility
A complete player must have strong agility. In order to beat the opposing team with the ball, a player must be able to make quick movements. This is fundamental in most soccer moves.
S – Strength
Many people think that strength training is not important for soccer. This is the furthest thing from the truth. Speed does not just come from having a strong lower body. Having strong legs, a strong core, and a well built upper body will make you faster and more difficult to beat on the field.
T – Team Player
This area encompasses many skills (passing, communication, etc), but basically refers to the skills required in order for you to both utilize your team and be a resource for them. Soccer is a team sport, and a team of 11 average players working as a unit will beat a team of selfish players every time.
E – Excellent Ball Control
A soccer player needs to be able to possess and control the ball. This doesn’t mean they need to have the foot skills of Messi or Ronaldo, but they do need to be able to receive and control the ball without losing it. A player that always loses the ball to the other team due to poor ball control is no good to anyone.
S – Shooting
Lots of people think that shooting is only the realm of the forward. This is not the case at all! A player needs to be able to accurately get shots on goal to be a complete player. Defenders especially need to develop this skill, as a defender that can provide offensive support is far more valuable than a defender that cannot.
T – Tactically Sound
The player’s movement off the ball is just as important as their movement once they receive the ball. Forwards need to be able to move to open space, midfielders need to control the middle of the field, and defenders need to be able to position themselves well defensively and provide support for their team on the attack.
There are other skills that players can and should develop, but these are the skills that we feel, when put together, create a strong, complete player.
Next week: Getting back in shape after the holidays
In 2 weeks : Becoming a Complete Player – Fitness
What do you think of our list of the areas of a complete player? Do you think there is something that should have made our list but didn’t? Tell us below in the comments.
