Every player dreams of that moment when a scout takes notice. But in competitive football, talent alone isn’t enough. Scouts look for specific skills — and they measure them objectively.
If you want to stand out, you need to focus on the fundamentals that make a difference at academy and professional levels. The Soccer Skills Challenge is designed to test exactly these skills.
In this article, we’ll break down the 5 key football skills scouts look for — and how you can improve each one.
1. Speed (With and Without the Ball)
Scouts want players who can cover ground quickly — but speed alone isn’t enough. They also watch for ball speed — how fast you can move while maintaining control.
Why it matters: Speed changes games. Whether it’s sprinting onto a through ball or bursting past a defender, quickness makes you a constant threat.
How to improve: Sprint training, resistance runs, and practising “running with the ball” at game pace.
Want to understand how scouts assess this skill in real trials? Check out our post on how to get scouted in football.
Want to know where you stand? The Soccer Skills Challenge measures both sprint speed and ball speed, so you can compare yourself to Premier League academy players.
Soccer Skills Challenge
If you're a player hoping to break into the world of professional football, the Soccer Skills Challenge could be your gateway to success. Take the first step towards improving your game and getting noticed by professional clubs.
2. Dribbling Under Pressure
Anyone can dribble in an empty field — but scouts want to see how you handle the ball when challenged.
Why it matters: Good dribblers maintain control at pace, change direction quickly, and protect the ball under pressure.
How to improve: Use cone drills, zig-zag courses, and 1v1 challenges to mimic match situations.
3. Decision-Making
Football is as much about the brain as the feet. Scouts want players who make smart, quick choices that benefit the team.
Why it matters: A player who consistently chooses the right pass, shot, or dribble increases their value.
How to improve: Play in competitive matches, analyse game footage, and learn to anticipate play rather than react to it.
4. Shooting Accuracy & Power
Scouts pay close attention to your finishing ability — especially your proficiency with both feet.
Why it matters: Goals win games, and a clinical finisher is always in demand.
How to improve: Practise shooting from different angles, under pressure, and with both feet to become unpredictable.
5. Stamina & Consistency
Performing well in the first 10 minutes isn’t enough — scouts want players who maintain high performance for 90 minutes.
Why it matters: Consistency is the mark of a professional, and it’s essential for trials. Our article on how to prepare for a football trial explains why this matters.
How to improve: Build endurance with interval training, small-sided games, and match-paced drills.
Final Thoughts
To impress a scout, you need more than talent — you need measurable, high-level performance in the areas that matter most.
The Soccer Skills Challenge benchmarks these skills against Premier League academy standards and gives you the feedback to improve fast.
Ready to see how you measure up?
Take the Soccer Skills Challenge today and get noticed.
Soccer Skills Challenge
If you're a player hoping to break into the world of professional football, the Soccer Skills Challenge could be your gateway to success. Take the first step towards improving your game and getting noticed by professional clubs.
Anadi James Taylor
CEO - iSportsAnalysis Ltd
I am expert in helping sports clubs and universities with their Sports Video Analysis and their GPS Performance Analysis.
I developed iSportsAnalysis.com with top sports scientists, coaches and trainers to help maximise training gains and to optimise the performance of athletes and teams.
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