Soccer is similar to basketball, hockey, tennis,

golf, swimming, and gymnastics, in that no amount

of size and strength will guarantee a player success.

- These sports require a combination of physical skill,

decision-making ability, fitness, and desire.

Although no player is equal in all four areas, a qual-

ity player is at least average in all, generally above

average in at least a couple, and usually special in at

least one of these four areas. Pe/e , still considered

the greatest player of all time, was great in all four

areas.

But a coach of players aged 5 -12 need not be

concerned with creating world-class stars like Pele .

The great majority of young players are likely to

have a modicum of ball contact, and still have fun as

recreational players. As long as there is contact with

the ball in instructional environments which fully

utilize the players imagination and thinking, a

player can become reasonably accomplished. Such

structured practices, combined with regular individ-

ual work, can help to create a very good player.

Yet fun is the single most important element in

developing a soccer player. Fun is the leading factor

because only through enjoyment will a player ever

engage in the activity for the thousands of hours

that are required to develop a quality player.