It’s crucial to realise that at any time during any football trial, a scout might be observing you quietly in plain clothes, or coaches with connections to clubs could be watching your games.
To maximise your chances of being scouted, adhere closely to these tips, as they can make all the difference since you’ll never know when you’re under watchful eyes.
We strongly recommend paying very close attention and beginning to incorporate them every time you practice and each game you participate in starting today.
If you’re curious about how we gathered this information—it’s not just speculation on our part; we’ve consulted hundreds of scouts who attend our trials along with exceptional Pro Club coaches.
Here’s an exclusive summary enriched by real footage detailing their insights:
A Positive Outlook
Scouts emphasise the importance of a good attitude during football trial, as inappropriate behaviour can lead to rejection.
The “right attitude” includes making polite and respectful first impressions, playing enthusiastically, and listening attentively.
Determination and resilience are crucial in entering trials and during adversity. Being ready, willing, and dedicated to both offensive and defensive work is essential.
Dedicated training, professional development, and understanding nutritional fitness aspects are also crucial.
A single-handed determination alone is insufficient for a privileged roster, but a confident, determined, and discerning player can play a pivotal role in the final decision process.
Technical Skills and Ball Control
Ball mastery and technical ability refer to having excellent touch, control, technique, and the skills needed for passing, dribbling, shooting, tackling, and heading.
In today’s game, while the importance of these skills can differ based on your position on the field—even as a goalkeeper—having at least decent touch or technical proficiency is crucial if you hope to be noticed by scouts.
Some players naturally possess more talent in this area than others; however, even so substantial progress can still be achieved with practice.
A common weakness observed among players is an underdeveloped weaker foot—if it isn’t nearly as proficient as your stronger one, you’ll find yourself facing difficulties getting ahead, so make sure you’re practicing frequently against a wall!
S&C (Strength and Conditioning)
It frustrates us when we hear about players being dismissed for being “too small for professional football.” Take Messi and Sterling, for example—they aren’t giants but are among the world’s best.
No one should be told they’re too short to succeed in the sport, as these athletes clearly demonstrate how misguided such a belief is.
Similarly, some may face rejection during a football trial due to lacking strength—a challenge not exclusive to shorter individuals.
This mindset is equally disappointing since, with proper training and nutrition, any player can develop physical strength.
Consider Ronaldo’s transformation from scrawny beginnings into an exceptionally strong athlete.
Starting exercises like planks or sit-ups will fortify your core, while push-ups and pull-ups enhance upper body power; squats also effectively strengthen your legs.
While it may not be a popular opinion, it’s essential to acknowledge that if you’re serious about football, maintaining fitness is crucial.
There’s no valid excuse for overlooking this aspect. We once had a player with outstanding technical skills who attended a trial but had to leave the game after just 40 minutes due to exhaustion.
Unfortunately, he wasn’t invited back despite his talent—a real missed opportunity. Don’t let this happen to you!
Quickness and Nimbleness
In today’s game, speed is essential and can significantly attract the attention of scouts on any football trial.
If you lack speed, it can significantly reduce your chances of being scouted. Realistically, only commanding centre halves with exceptional game-reading skills can compensate for a slower pace.
While not everyone is naturally gifted with incredible speed, the good news is that you can become considerably faster by training properly and mastering correct sprinting techniques.
YouTube offers numerous tips on increasing your speed, which can make a substantial difference.
Motion and Sight
Another vital aspect scouts look for is movement and vision.
Improving vision and movement requires practice, with a focus on building awareness. Whether you’re in training or playing a game, it’s ineffective to simply wander around waiting for the ball.
Instead, keep your head up and constantly scan the field—identify where your teammates and opponents are positioned.
Look for opportunities to move into spaces free from defenders by making strategic runs or passing the ball, then shifting into open areas ready to receive it back.
Understanding teammate and opponent positions is crucial for quick passes, as demonstrated by Wayne Rooney. Incorporate this mindset during practices or games, maintaining awareness and developing mental imagery.
Mastery over controlling movements and accurate execution timing are essential for successful plays.
Concluion
To maximise your chances of being scouted, it’s essential to have a positive outlook, technical skills, strength and conditioning, speed, and vision.
Scouts emphasise the importance of a good attitude, determination, and resilience during trials. Having excellent touch, control, technique, and passing, dribbling, shooting, tackling, and heading skills is crucial.
Strength and conditioning are also essential, as players can develop physical strength through proper training and nutrition.
Speed is crucial in today’s game, and mastering correct sprinting techniques can significantly increase your chances of being scouted.
Lastly, improving vision and movement requires practice, building awareness, understanding teammate and opponent positions, and mastering over controlling movements and accurate execution timing.
