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What is technical training?

The game of soccer and the abilities required to become a great soccer player can be divided into 4 broad categories: mental, physical, tactical and technical.

As with any other highly competitive sport, soccer requires players to develop their mental strength. This includes the ability to remain positive after a loss, remaining concentrated after making a mistake and being disciplined enough to train consistently over a period of many years.

The importance of the physical aspect of soccer cannot be overstated. Agility, speed and stamina allow players to perform at their best. It allows them to beat their opponents (defensively and offensively) and continue to make positive contributions on the field throughout the game. Strength also becomes a key component of a player’s physical abilities as their soccer journey progresses.

Having a good understanding of the game is often what separates good from great. Soccer is a team sport and it is imperative that each player understands how their actions on the field impact the overall team. The role of one player cannot be isolated from the rest of the team. Developing the tactical side of the game is typically a result of watching professionals closely and learning within a team environment.

Finally, what most people notice first are the player’s technical skills. Technical skills relate to the ability to control the ball smoothly and instantly, make accurate passes, dribble at speed and in tight spaces, and finish chances by striking the ball with correct technique and in various ways. Without technical skills, a player cannot put their mental, physical and tactical abilities to good use.

Developing technical skills early in a player’s soccer journey is important because it will allow them to focus on the tactical side of the game as they age.

For example, being able to control the ball instinctively will allow the player to focus on what to do next (pass, dribble, shoot) instead of focusing on the control itself. Another example is the ability to dribble the ball while keeping the head up.

This allows the player to see spaces and movements happening on the field. A highly technical player is able to dribble the ball at high speed without having their eyes glued on the ball.