The Complete Soccer Athlete

During the 16 years that I’ve been coaching youth soccer, I’ve had the fortune to see
many great players develop and I’ve observed the qualities that are necessary to excel
at this sport. 

Many young soccer players are happy just to show up and play simply for
the love of the game, which is fantastic. However, this article is for those athletes who
dream of taking their game to the next level; for the player who wants to become the
complete soccer athlete.


My primary focus in coaching soccer at the youth level has always been “Technique,
technique, technique.

” A strong player needs to be technically skilled with both feet,
and be able to apply those skills appropriately on the field. Good ball control and the
ability to read the play are essential. To be a well rounded player, you also need to be
fit, athletic, fast, and mentally focused.


Technique is something that can be coached, and something that I’ve become very
proficient at coaching over the years. 

Fitness and physical conditioning are other
aspects that a coach or trainer can develop in their players by implementing regimented
athletic conditioning programs. But there are other important qualities that must be
developed in order to become the best soccer player you can be. Some of these
qualities a coach has less influence over.


Qualities such as maturity, independence, mental toughness, creativity, and what I call
that certain “X-Factor” (or WOW Factor) can be encouraged and modeled by a good
coach, but these are characteristics that a player will need to develop on their own.
Incidentally, this is the sort of personal development that will not only make you more
successful at soccer, but also more successful at life in general.
WOW Factor



A player should view their sport not only as competition but also as entertainment, and
should therefore learn to be creative and add another dimension to their game. Put
yourself in the position of a fan or a spectator. Would you pay to watch a boring game? I
don’t think so.

The game is about entertainment. People want to see a quality game with great
athletes, plenty of creativity, and exciting goals! When a talented player can enter the
field of play and change the chemistry of the game in such a way that makes the crowd
go crazy, that’s what I call the X-Factor. This player is unique, creative, skillful, and
passionate about the sport. These are the qualities that make us remember a player,
and this is part of what makes a “star” stand out from the rest.


Check our Complete Soccer Training Program:
Here are some of my recommendations for those who want to take it to the next level,
and who dream of being a pro:

 Be a student of the game. Take a personal interest in learning everything you can.
 Eat right, stay fit, train smart, and adopt a positive attitude.
Be unique and creative. Develop your own personal style and make a difference on
the field!

Become a master of technique. Try to be the best in your position.
Being talented is great, but you must also be a team player! A superstar is of no use
if they can’t work with the team.

To be a pro, you have to eat, sleep and breathe soccer!
Remember to have a strong work ethic when you train, and perform your drills with
intensity. Don't worry about mistakes. Even the pros make mistakes.

I encourage you to check out my new DVD, “Building the Complete Soccer Athlete:
Train Like a Pro”, which covers strength and conditioning programs, speed and agility
training, nutrition, psychology, and several important technical drills with the ball. Go to