What it takes to be on a ODP team

When a coach says that a player has talent it says a lot about the player. But what specifically do coaches look for? Here are some things that could seperate you or your player from the rest of a group.

1) A good first touch: Having a good first touch helps to set yourself up to either play a good short or long pass, dribble at opposing players or have a shot on goal. With a good first touch you are in a good position to control what you want to do next with the ball.

2) Ability to strike a ball: Anyone can hit a ball, and a lot of people can hit a ball hard. But a player who can strike a ball well and accurately will get noticed quickly. This player will be able to feel the weight of a ball and use their foot accordingly to place the ball exactly where they want to.

3) Ability to dribble at opponents or create space: Players will sometime receive the ball in tight situations and those players who can keep the ball close and either penetrate the opposing team or maintain it through traffic will position themselves and their team in better positions on the field.

These are three things you should think about when training to improve and take your game to the next level. More to come.