Sharpening Skills: Smarter Youth Soccer Assessments

Imagine you’re at a youth tryout. Two players look equally promising—both fast, both fit, both confident with the ball. But only one has the skill set that will truly shine years from now. How do you tell which one?

This is the challenge at the heart of youth soccer talent identification. Clubs invest millions in academies, expecting them to produce the next Rashford or Alexander-Arnold. Yet, as a recent scoping review shows, the way we test young players’ skills isn’t always giving us the clearest picture of who will succeed.

A review of 93 studies found 226 different skill assessments used in youth soccer research, but with huge variation in what they measured, how they were done, and how closely they mirrored actual game play. The result? We’re great at explaining why we should measure skills—but less clear on how to do it well.

What the Research Found

Here are the big takeaways from the review:

• Most tests don’t look like real soccer. About 68% of assessments were “field-based isolated” drills—think dribbling through cones or passing into static targets. These are easy to set up and measure, but don’t capture the chaos and decision-making of a real match.
• Offensive skills dominate. An overwhelming 99% of tests focused on attacking play—passing, dribbling, shooting—while defensive skills like tackling or intercepting were rarely assessed.
• Outcome over process. 95% of studies measured results (e.g., pass accuracy) rather than how the skill was executed. That means we might miss valuable insights into technique and decision-making.
• Small-sided games are underused. Only about 19% of assessments used game-like formats such as 3v3 or 5v5, even though these provide richer, more realistic data.

Why This Matters for Coaches and Clubs

Talent isn’t just about speed or size—it’s about skilfulness under pressure. Relying heavily on isolated drills risks favoring players who train for the test rather than those who excel in real match situations.

Also, overemphasizing offense can leave blind spots. A youth center-back with superb reading of the game might not shine in a passing accuracy drill, but could be vital in high-level play.

Finally, focusing only on skill outcomes ignores important developmental factors like technique under fatigue, decision-making speed, and adaptability—all critical at the professional level.

Practical Takeaways for the Soccer Community

1. Make it Match-Like

Whenever possible, assess skills in formats that mirror actual game conditions.

• Use small-sided games with varied player numbers and field sizes to simulate real decision-making and movement.
• Track multiple variables—touches, successful passes, tackles, shot quality—to get a fuller player profile.

2. Balance Offense and Defense

Include drills and scenarios that highlight defensive positioning, pressing, and tackling, especially for players in backline and holding midfield roles.

3. Look at the ‘How,’ Not Just the ‘What’

Pair outcome measures (accuracy, completion time) with process measures (technique form, decision timing). This can help spot players with excellent fundamentals who may just need time to develop speed or strength.

4. Use Tests to Guide Development, Not Just Selection

Even the best assessment is only a snapshot. Use results to create individualized training plans, focusing on both strengths and areas for growth.

Connecting the Dots to Player Development

The review makes one thing clear: skill assessment should be as dynamic as the sport itself. That means combining the objectivity of measurable drills with the unpredictability of real soccer play.

Coaches who use a blend of isolated skill tests, small-sided games, and match analysis will have a better chance of spotting not just the current standouts, but the future stars who can thrive under real-world demands.

This isn’t just about talent identification—it’s about talent nurturing. The right assessments can pinpoint the skills to work on today so they translate into game-changing performances tomorrow.

Your Turn to Kick It Off

We’d love to hear from you:

1. What’s your go-to method for assessing youth soccer skills?
2. Have you found small-sided games to be more telling than standard drills?
3. How do you balance evaluating both offensive and defensive abilities in your players?

Drop your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation on our social channels. Let’s work together to build a better future for player development.