Soccer/Football Skills That Scouts Look For: A Complete Guide

Getting scouted in football (soccer) isn’t just about scoring goals — scouts evaluate a wide range of skills to determine a player’s overall potential. This guide breaks down the key technical, tactical, physical, and mental areas scouts typically assess and how you can prepare for them.

Essential Skills Scouts Test in Football

1. Dribbling

Navigate cone courses to test close control, speed, and direction changes.
Use both feet and demonstrate composure in tight spaces.

2. Ball Control

Receive passes using different body parts (feet, thigh, chest).
Maintain possession under pressure in tight areas.

3. Passing Accuracy

Short and long passing drills using various techniques: instep, inside foot, lofted passes.

Focus on precision and decision-making.

4. Shooting Accuracy & Power

Hit the target consistently in multiple scenarios: volleys, one-on-ones, and free-kicks.
Show variety in shooting techniques and strength in finishing.

5. Heading Ability

Time jumps and direct headers accurately during attacking and defensive drills.
Scouts assess both technical form and decision-making in aerial duels.

6. Tactical Awareness

Small-sided games or situational drills to test positioning, spacing, and game intelligence.

Read plays quickly and respond with smart decisions.

7. Speed & Agility

Timed sprints and cone-based agility tests.
Scouts look for explosiveness, quick turns, and fluid movement.

8. Endurance

Use shuttle runs, interval drills, or long-duration small games to test stamina.
Sustain energy and performance throughout a full match.

9. Teamwork & Communication

Verbal and non-verbal communication in team drills.

Support teammates, organize play, and remain engaged off the ball.

10. Game Intelligence

Recognize and exploit space, anticipate opponents’ moves, and make good choices under pressure.
This is often what sets top players apart from the rest.

11. 1v1 Defending

Win duels by reading attackers and timing tackles well.
Show balance, positioning, and discipline.

12. Goalkeeper-Specific Skills (if applicable)

Shot-stopping, reflexes, handling crosses, and clear communication.

Accurate distribution and game reading are key for modern keepers.

13. Mental Toughness

Scouts observe your response to failure, pressure, and intensity.
Stay composed, focused, and resilient through setbacks.

14. Versatility

Adapt to different roles or systems when tested in various positions.
Show willingness and ability to adjust to tactical changes.

15. Free Play Observation

Less structured games are a great way to show natural creativity and improvisation.

Express yourself confidently while playing instinctively.

Assessment Tips & Feedback

Create a development plan based on strengths and weaknesses.
Ask for feedback regularly from coaches or mentors.

Stay consistent—skill improvement and visibility are long-term processes.

Important: Tailor testing and evaluation to your age group and skill level. Younger players especially benefit from a positive and supportive environment that encourages expression and growth.

Conclusion

Scouts are looking for more than just flashy skills—they want smart, reliable, adaptable players who understand the game and perform consistently. Testing these skills regularly can help you prepare, stand out, and take the next step in your football journey.