Whether you are putting together a new soccer team, getting in players to strengthen it during the season, or the next-door neighbour is badgering you to let his child join the team, you need to be able to assess playing ability. Use these soccer coaching tips to guide you.

Here’s the ball - show me what you can do

When you give trials to players who want to join your team, find out if they have a (soccer) football brain by using a series of simple test soccer drills.

Set up a soccer drill: Use two defenders and a goalie for this drill. Three midfield/attackers. Defenders on the goal line, attackers on the halfway line.

Run the soccer drill: On your whistle, both sets of players move off. The defenders' aim is to win the ball and stop a shot; the attackers' aim is to create a goal. Give the ball to the player you are trialing, let him use his brain to take the 3v2 situation to a conclusion. If he is any good he will create a goal-scoring chance.