Every soccer tryout is different: Every coach or coaching staff has a distinct way of evaluating players and orchestrating the selection process. Some coaches may even conduct a series of tryouts before making a decision. Although you may not know the specifics, rest assured that certain fundamentals will be tested.
Running Drills
You should be in peak physical condition when you arrive at a tryout. This means developing your aerobic fitness over many weeks -- even months -- to ensure you're at your best. Running drills allow you to warm up and to demonstrate to the coaches that you can follow directions. The coaches typically give instructions on how to do the drills for those not familiar with them. If you've played soccer before, you should know basic running drills, such as step-overs, heel kicks and foot-fire. Timed sprints may also be part of a tryout.
Dribbling and Passing
Nearly all tryouts require you to demonstrate your dribbling ability through any number of drills that may involve other players or cones to dribble around. Coaches almost always look for whether you are able to dribble the ball efficiently without the need to look down at your feet. Mobility, quickness and overall ball control can also influence a coach's decision.
Passing drills often accompany dribbling skills. If you play a wing position, you may be asked to demonstrate your crossing and switching abilities. Sweepers are often put through rigorous dribbling and passing drills, as they are in control of the defensive line in front of the goalie. Coaches give high marks to players who can make lead passes that encourage teammates to move into open areas.
Shooting
Midfielders and forwards must generally participate in certain shooting drills. Coaches set up various in-game situations that end up in scoring chances. You may be asked to take free kicks that are on-goal or directed into the box for teammates to convert. You may also need to show your ability to receive a pass, dribble around a defender and shoot at the goal. Some coaches want to see penalty kick skills and may pit you against a goalie to test your nerves.
Goalies
Goalies experience an entirely different tryout than field players. The goalie coach may run a number of drills that test goalie fundamentals, such as diving onto the ground and properly securing a ball. Other basics a goalie should be capable of demonstrating include goal kicks, throwing the ball out into the field, directing the defense during a corner kick or free kick, diving ability in covering the corners of the goal, and stopping free kicks and penalty kicks.
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