Let me start off by stating that one, I'm not a canine and two I'm also a coach so please don't hold this against me. I have just finished reading your articles and, may I say that I've read a lot about soccer, I've never had the pleasure of reading a more enlightening or down to earth verbiage in my 10 or more years of coaching. I might add that I readily agree with most of what I read and reluctantly agree the rest simply because the truth is hard to accept. My reason for penning this letter to you is not only because I've always found it easier to talk to dogs but to ask for either advice or directions on where I could find out more on the task of selecting your new team as this is by far the hardest part of my coaching duties that I have to perform each year not to mention the detrimental affect it has on that one or two players who might get overlooked because of some of the reasons mentionned in your article. What to look for in players? What drills to try on them? What skills to look for etc...?

In closing, may I again impart to you just how much I enjoyed reading your stuff and to keep up the fine work your doing for the sport of soccer and to tell you that I hope this message reached you and that I've added you site to my BOOKMARKS.
Thanks Keep it UP!!!!

Tough question. Since I am not sure if you are coaching youth, or adult, men or women, boys or girls, competitive or recreational... It is very difficult to know exactly how to answer your question. I can, however, give you some general suggestions that should work for any team.

Coachability: this may be the single most important aspect. I would much rather take a team of coachable players over a team of stars anyday. No contest. Since so much of coaching is personal and psychological, I have found that sitting down and talking with each of the players is helpful. You can learn much about the players in this manner. You also develop a rappore with them, as well as make them more comfortable with you.

Technical soundness: players need to have basic skills to build on. I'm always amazed at how few players can even pass the ball correctly. This is the most basic skill for the game, and is easily assessed with a one touch passing drill. Juggling is also very important. Juggling helps improve touch and trapping. Players should be asked to juggle at tryouts as well. Dribbling is also of great importance. Make a ten x ten grid on the field. Place all of your team (each player with a ball) in the grid. Have them dribble around in the grid. You can quickly notice which players have control and which don't.

Speed: I hate this one. I am one slow pup, but was able to hold my own at college. A player needs to either have speed or endurance. A little of both is great. You'll want to have a few fast players on your squad. Someone up front and someone back on defense. Try testing for speed and endurance with timed runs, with and without the ball.

Depth: You can't play good soccer with 11 forwards. And you can't play without a goalkeeper either. If you have 10 players trying out for midfielder, and three for forward, it might be best to keep the forwards, and cut a few midfielders. Try to get a well rounded team.

Hint: at tryouts, start with a warmup, do some distance runs (1/2 speed) and then do some middle distance runs (100 to 200 yards) then do some short sprints (doggies/shuttle run). Then go into your skills drills. Once the players are fatiqued a bit, their skills will show much faster with weak legs.

Hope this is helpful. Write back if you want more specifics for your team. Remember to tell me what age, sex and level you coach.
Good luck.