This year will introduce the idea of Skills Challenges for all players at DCSA. The Skills Challenge is a way for players to work with the ball on their own time and get rewarded for their hard work and great soccer skill.

During these Skills Challenges, players will be asked to perform certain tasks and will be graded on each task performed. There will be 4 levels of testing and each time a level is completed (players are eligible for 1 level per season), a star patch will be given to the player to place on his/her uniform shoulder. Players who pass all 4 Skills Challenges (each level has an increasing degree of difficulty), will have 4 stars on their uniform and most likely be the one's dominating the pitch!

Areas of testing will be: Receiving, Dribbling, Passing, Shooting, Juggling, and Defending .
 

To receive all 4 Skills Challenge stars, players will need to do the following:

--Pass all Skill Challenge tests

--Be able to perform all Top 20 dribbling moves

--Juggle 5 times your age

--Pass the "Rules of the game" test

--Coach 1 technical and 1 tactical session for a younger team

--Attend an Injury Prevention class

 

If you want help regarding information that will assist you in passing the Skills Challenges, ask your coach to see the Skills Challenge examples in our new Player Devlopment Manual as well as the Dribbling DVD that has been provided to all teams. The Player Development Manual can also be downloaded from our main page - scroll to the bottom of the page.

Also, click HERE to view a sample of our "Rules of the Game" test.

-- Dribbling Homework --

If you are waiting to receive a copy of the Dribbling DVD from your coach, you can get a headstart on becoming a good dribbler by clicking here.

The link above is a fabulous site that shows a lot of the dribbling moves that will be required during the Skills Challenges. These moves should help you familiarize yourself with the ball and make you use all surfaces of your feet while playing. If you start dribbling and juggling the ball for 30 minutes a day, every other day, you'll be amazed by how much your game improves. So check out the link above and get started now!

Tips on Individual Dribbling Training :

1) Start by doing the moves with a stationary ball, then work up to a slow pace.

2) Keep the ball close to you throughout the move.

3) Once you get the hang of it, perform the move with a rolling ball. Emphasize change of direction AND speed (don't come out of the move at the same speed that you went into it.)

4) Kick the ball off of a wall and work on receiving with all surfaces of the foot in every direction. After receiving (ball shouldn't stop upon receiving), immediately start dribbling and perform different moves.

5) Practice, practice, practice. Repetition is the key!

If you can master these moves, work on your receiving and be able to juggle five times your age, you are well on your way to passing the Skills Challenges.

Good Luck and Have Fun!