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Passing may be defined as "propelling the ball to a teammate in a fashion that
enables the receiver to control the ball." Passing game strategies include the "ball
possession" pass (within a receiver's comfortable reach), and the "penetrating pass"
(ball is delivered to an open space in coordination with the intended receiver's movement).
Most passes are performed using the feet or head.
Trapping may be defined as "a controlled reposession of ball." Good trapping skills are paramount to maintaining ball possession, and then be able to quickly and effectivly redistribute or shoot the ball. With the exception of a player's arms and hands, all other body parts (i.e., feet, thighs, chest, shoulders, and head) may be used to trap the ball. The purpose of this test is to provide a means of obtaining a baseline measure of fundamental soccer Trapping and Passing skills (control, accuracy, and quickness). The "Wall Pass/Trap" skill test is simple to set up, and is relatively easy for young children to follow. In addition, test practice trials provide a fun and rewarding learning experience. |
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Test Objective: Standing 7 feet (5 feet for less skilled players and 9 feet
for advanced players) away from wall pass ball to wall with enough
force for it to bounce back so player may trap it at her/his starting point. The goal
is to complete as many passing/trapping cycles as possible in 30 seconds.
Space: Withing 15 feet intervals, players assume position inline on flat surface along line, nine feet away from and facing wall. Dimensions: Place cones 1 and 2 five feet apart and 9 feet away from wall. Equipment: one 10 feet measuring tape (or a 9 foot rope); 6 inch or larger cones; stop watch (two stop watches recommended); chalk powder (or blackboard chalk to mark line test taker must stay behind)); clipboard, pen/pencil, and test forms (preferably with pre-recorded player information). Procedures: When skill testing, I recommended the use of a battery of 3-5 tests. Devide team into groups no smaller than 2 and no lager than 5 and send each sub-group to a testing station. The head coach signals the start of a 2-3 minute test demonstration and warm-up/practice time. Following a 30 second warning to end of warm-up, the head coach and her/his assistants begin testing in all stations. Once activity is completed in all testing stations, the head coach signals for a rotation (e.g., clockwise). I suggest that each station tester walk her/his group to the next station and then go back to theirs. Players are then introduced to the new test procedures and start warm-up/practrice trials. Rules:
Scoring: Use stop watch to measure time from the start signal to the 30 seconds mark. Each proper completion of pass to wall that ends with a legal trap (ball is under control in complete rest), counts as one point. Safety: Scan test area for safety hazards (broken glass, uneven surface, etc...). In case several players take the test simultaneously, leave a 15 feet open space on each side of player taking the test. Note that uniformity and accuracy in skills testing is necessary for meaningful test-retest record keeping. The derivation of an accurate test result so that the coach and players may know who is the "best" should never be the focus of skills testing. The critical issue here is the ability to provide the player with reliable feedback about her/his past and most recent performances. |
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