How To Impress At A Football Trial !!!

So now you are prepared for your football trial. Next you need to understand what happens at a football trial and how you maximize your chance of succeeding on the day or during the trial period?
The main issues during this stage are nerves, the fear of not performing and over thinking everything you do on the pitch or at training.

The thing you need to remember is that a football trial is as much a test of your mental strength as it is your physical.
Football trials allow scouts to assess how you react in pressure situations and how you cope with a new environment or stepping up a level in quality.
So take a few deep breath and show them you are as good as they already believe you are.
And REMEMBER…
The recruiters are not trying to prove you aren’t good enough; they are on your side and hoping they have unearthed a future star.
Below are some of our top football trial tips to help you impress the scouts at your trial.

Football Trial Tip 1: Make Yourself Available in Game and Training Situations
It’s important that you don’t shy away from the ball. You want to get involved in the play as much as possible. Find space to receive the ball and always communicate when you are available.
Even if you don’t receive the ball, the football academy recruiters will notice your efforts.
Help out with defensive and attacking duties, by either finding space or tracking back where necessary. Stay alert to what’s happening all over the pitch and your own contribution to the game.
Player scout !

Football Trial Tip 2: Be Efficient with the Ball
During your football trial, you’ll soon notice that the pace of academy football may be quicker than what you’re use to. Therefore you won’t have as much time and will have to play with more speed.
So, it is important to keep things simple and show you can do the basics well. Concentrate on quick sharp passing, getting the ball under control and opening up the play with good technique.
Don’t overdo it with excessive dribbling and showboating!
A little skill is good, but recruiters want to see an end product which benefits the team.
By all means, take a player on if you’re in an attacking position and there are no better options. But if you lose the ball work hard to track back and put the opposition under pressure.
Check out these football trials tips from Chelsea legend Gus Poyet:

Football Trial Tip 3: Be an Impact Player
Impact the game!
Whether you’re a goalkeeper or striker, you need to make sure your contribution to the trial process is impactful.
Alongside doing the basics, you need to make sure you leave something of quality in the recruiter’s mind that makes them want to sign you.
As a striker, the best thing you can do is score a goal, as a defender put in a strong fair tackle, or a winger put a great cross in that shows your delivery quality.
Show the recruiters you have what it takes to influence a game.
Communication is also an important attribute that football scouts like to see. If you appear to be orchestrating and leading the team this will go in your favor as this is a skill that every team requires.


By

Lawal Abiodun


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