Assessment Center

U10 Player Placement

U10

6

Criteria

25

Minutes

40

Max Points

Instructions

  1. 1

    Run players through a short technical circuit: dribbling cones, passing pairs, small-sided game.

  2. 2

    Score each criterion based on observations across all activities.

  3. 3

    Use scores to group players into development, core, or advanced training streams.

Scoring Rubric

Ball Control weight 2×

"Does the player look comfortable with the ball at their feet?"

1
Struggling — Ball bounces away on first touch; cannot settle a rolling ball.
2
Developing — Settles stationary passes but loses ball on moving or aerial service.
3
Competent — Controls most ground passes; occasional bobble on quick service.
4
Good — Clean first touch in stride; cushions aerial balls with chest or foot.
5
Excellent — Exceptional touch; sets up next action instinctively; both feet.
Passing weight 2×

"Does the ball arrive at pace and on target?"

1
Struggling — Most passes miss target or are too heavy/soft.
2
Developing — Accurate at 5 yards; weight and direction poor at 10+ yards.
3
Competent — Reliable short passes; some success at 12–15 yards.
4
Good — Consistent accuracy at 15 yards; plays to feet or into space appropriately.
5
Excellent — Sharp accurate passing at 20+ yards; selects the right pass type.
Movement Off the Ball weight 1×

"Does the player move to find space or do they stand still?"

1
Static — Stands and waits; no movement to support teammates.
2
Occasional — Moves only when ball is nearby; limited support runs.
3
Active — Generally positions well; makes obvious support runs.
4
Smart — Creates angles; times runs; gives teammates clear options.
5
Exceptional — Constantly moving; creates overloads; communicates during runs.
Dribbling weight 1×

"Can the player beat a defender in a 1v1 situation?"

1
Struggling — Loses ball immediately when challenged; no feints or changes of pace.
2
Developing — Can dribble in open space but gives ball away under pressure.
3
Competent — Beats defenders occasionally; has 1 reliable move.
4
Good — Beats defenders consistently; uses pace and at least 2 moves.
5
Excellent — Dominant in 1v1; multi-move combinations; uses both feet.
Effort & Attitude weight 1×

"Does the player try hard and respond to instruction?"

1
Disengaged — Off-task frequently; does not respond to coaching.
2
Inconsistent — Engaged in preferred drills; disengages in challenging ones.
3
Good — Consistent effort; responds to coaching with reminders.
4
High Effort — Works hard throughout; applies feedback quickly.
5
Outstanding — Leads by example; maximum effort; helps teammates.
Athletic Coordination weight 1×

"Does the player move fluidly and change direction efficiently?"

1
Limited — Awkward movement; struggles with quick direction changes.
2
Developing — Average movement; some hesitation in directional change.
3
Age-Appropriate — Smooth running; handles direction changes adequately.
4
Athletic — Quick, fluid, and balanced; above average for age group.
5
Exceptional — Stand-out athleticism; explosive pace and exceptional agility.

Score a Player

Running Score —