What is iSoccer's Mission?
To raise the level of the game, one player at a time.
What are iSoccer’s Five Founding Principles?
These Five Founding Principles have guided the creation, development and implementation of the iSoccer training model.
1. Technical development should be the primary focus for youth players.
2. Technical ability can be measured.
3. Technical improvement is dependent on the amount and efficiency of training time.
4. Setting and achieving tangible goals builds confidence and reinforces positive behavior.
5. Competition motivates players to train harder.
At what age should a player or team be using iSoccer?
Technical development is the foundation of any soccer player as they progress through their youth career. The iSoccer System is an effective, challenging and fun training program to develop players four years old all the way to adults. But there are skills that are more advanced than others and should be presented at the right developmental stage. Here is what we recommend as age appropriate steps:
- Ages 4 and 5
This is a players first introduction to the game of soccer and the main purpose first and foremost is that the player enjoys his or her experience with the game. But with that said, we also want to make sure they are developing in a fun atmosphere. We recommend incorporating the basic comfort exercises, basic juggling and basic dribbling exercises into your practices. You can even count some of the assessed skills (Toe Taps, Foundations...) to help motivate the players to get better. Do you want to record their scores and log them into iSoccer? That is up to you. It can be a fun and exciting way to teach your players the basics and a method to reward them for improvement that is outside of just scoring goals. But waiting till they are a bit older is great too. We have over 150+ basic video clips that you as a coach or as a parent could use to help develop your team or child.
- Ages 6 and 7
These players are still young, but are ready to begin taking their technical development a bit more seriously. iSoccer is a progressive, motivating program to teach them the right technique while they are still having fun. We recommend assessing comfort, juggling, dribbling, ball striking and speed, but doing all the assessment skills at this age can still be beneficial. Use scores, (healthy) competition and time to motivate your players to want to raise their scores during the assessment and during regular practice. By this age we want to encourage training with the ball outside of practice and provide a resource for the kids who want to improve. Here are over 300+ basic and moderate video clips that a player can use as a resource and training tool.
- Ages 8 to 11
These players are ready for the entire program. Challenge them in a positive way to set goals and work hard to achieve them. Use time, scores and competition to get the most out of your players technically. Also, these players should be training on their own and pushing themselves to raise their level.
- Ages 12 to 14
Although the other three pillars of a complete player are now going to be much more important (Tactical, Mental, Physical), we still want to continue building on the technical base that has been developed. Keep assessing, set goals and track your progress. Begin targeting your training on the specific skills that need extra attention to make yourself more of a complete technical player.
- Ages 15+
The other three pillars (tactical, mental, physical) are now paramount to being a complete player. Use iSoccer to sharpen your technical skills and truly identify where you need to focus your efforts. By this age, you should have a solid technical base and should be setting specific goals on specific skills to raise your level. Being sharper and more comfortable on the ball allows you to focus more on the tactical side of the game.
What is the iSoccer Training Model?
Assess. Analyze. Target. Train. - iSoccer's systematic approach to developing and improving technical ability. Train Smarter with iSoccer.
Step 1: Assess Your Level
Step 2: Analyze the data
Step 3: Target your training
Step 4: Train to improve your weaknesses while continuing to develop your strengths.
Go Back to Assess and repeat.
Why is it called "iSoccer"?
While soccer is a team sport, the sum is only as good as its parts. The “i” in iSoccer stands for the individual. Our Training System focuses on developing each player’s technical ability, requiring him or her to take responsibility for their own improvement by training outside of regular team practices and games. Only you have the ability to unlock your full potential.
Where can I read more about iSoccer?
How do I get started with iSoccer?
Step 1: Register as a coach here and create a roster for your team.
Step 2: Download the Coach’s Guide here. This download provides both video and written instructions on how to assess your team.
Step 3: Assess Your Team at one or over multiple practices
Step 4: Upload player scores to determine the iSoccer Level of individual players as well as the overall team.
Step 5: Set a Team Goal and help players set individual Goals
Step 6: Reassess team to track and measure progress (Go back to Step 4 and repeat)
How often should I assess my team?
The frequency of testing will depend on how often your team plays together.
For a year-round team, administer the test every 3 months, which will be sufficient time to allow for measurable progress. If your players have been training independently, they should show improvement each quarter.
For recreational teams, plan to test at least twice during the season, ideally at the beginning and the end. Are you in the middle of your season? There’s never a wrong time to start focusing on technical development. Test your team today!
In addition, encourage players to set goals and perform self- or parent-administered assessments at home each month. As a coach, you can view player assessment results online once the player uploads scores to his or her profile.
Can I be the designated coach for more than one team?
Yes. You can create a roster for multiple teams.
Can I assign a training session to my players as "homework"?
Yes. You can assign a training session to an individual player, a group of players or the entire team. This is a wonderful way to have your players work on their technical ability on their own. Instead of telling them to go home and juggle, you can now tell you players to go home and do their assigned iSoccer session.
Can I build a custom training session for my players?
Yes. We offer a wide variety of training videos to cater to players of all ages and ability. We currently offer over 500 videos, each composed of a one-minute instructional video clip. You can combine an unlimited number of video clips to create a training session for the length of time you wish your players to train independently. Create a training session for your entire team, or customize a session for an individual player.
Why should I assess my team?
iSoccer is a tool that you can use to become an even more effective coach. iSoccer not only offers a standardized assessment to measures a player’s technical ability but also this assessment will motivate your players to want to improve their score . As coach, you can track and monitor your entire team’s technical development through their individual iSoccer Levels or your overall team level. In addition, you can assign training sessions to players to focus on their individual development needs outside of regular team practices.
What is an iSoccer Level?
An iSoccer Level is a measurement of a players overall technical ability and a creates a baseline for the player to build and develop from. We have developed a powerful assessment tool and the results from this assessment (16 skills within 7 Topics) are combined into a single score to determine your iSoccer Level. Levels are color-coded to form a ranking system, which is also used to structure the iSoccer Training System.
How is the iSoccer Assessment structured?
The assessment is comprised of 16 skills across a range of 7 topics. Each skill represents the most basic and fundamental ability required for a player to have a strong technical foundation.
The Seven iSoccer Topics are:
Comfort, Juggling, Dribbling, First Touch and Passing, Aerial Control, Ball Striking and Speed, Strength and Flexibility
The 16 Assessed Skills by Topic are:
Comfort: Toe Taps, Foundation
Juggling: Preferred Foot Only, Non-Preferred Foot, Head
Dribbling: Change of Pace Preferred Foot, Change of Pace Non-Preferred Foot, Change of Direction, Moves
First Touch and Passing: First Touch Preferred Foot, First Touch Non-Preferred Foot, One Touch Preferred Foot, One Touch Non-Preferred Foot
Aerial Control: Foot, Thigh, Chest and Head
Ball Striking: 5.5, 11, 16.5, 22 and 33 meters (6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 yards)
Speed: 20 Second Sprint
Why do you distinguish between a player’s “Preferred Foot” and “Non-Preferred Foot”?
The most technically sound players are equally skilled in using their right and left foot to control and strike the ball. In order to ensure an apples-to-apples comparison of right and left-footed players, we have designated the terms “preferred” and “non-preferred”. If you typically strike the ball with your right foot, then this would be your Preferred Foot (or PF). In skills requiring the use of your Non-Preferred Foot (or NPF), you would then use your left foot only. By isolating each foot to perform a skill, we are able to measure a player’s versatility and pinpoint strengths and weaknesses.
What if I do not have access to a training wall?
Any vertical surface that will rebound the ball can be used as a training wall. Find a cement or brick wall, use the side of a building, or be creative and make your own wall from cinderblocks and plywood. It’s a good rule of thumb to stay away from private property or surfaces with windows!
Do you use a different scale for determining the iSoccer Level of boys vs. girls?
Yes. The reality is that boys and girls are built differently. We tested a large population of players –ranging in age from 6 to 18 – and made the necessary adjustments.
Verified Scores versus All Scores
iSoccer recognizes the need to verify and validate scores that have been recorded, therefore, we have distinguished a player's iSoccer Level between verified and all scores.
Verified Scores
Scores that have been uploaded by a coach is considered verified. A player's verified iSoccer Level is determined solely on a their coaches score.
All Scores
All scores reflect a players highest score per skill. Regardless if the score was recorded by a player's coach or by the player, a player's All Scores iSoccer Level is determined by the highest score recorded.
How do I get started with iSoccer?
Step 1: Register as a player here
Step 2: Download the Player's Guide here. This download provides both video and written instructions on how to assess yourself.
Step 3: Perform the assessment
Step 4: Upload your scores to determine your the iSoccer Level
Step 5: Set a Goal and commit to a training program
Step 6: Reassess yourself to track and measure your progress (Go back to Step 4 and repeat)
What does my iSoccer Level mean?
Your iSoccer Level is a measurement of your overall technical ability as of today. But like any test, the results are based on your performance on a specific day - This is your starting point! Begin efficiently training today to become a more technical player and achieve a higher iSoccer level!
What do I do after I have taken the assessment and know my level?
Now that you know your iSoccer Level, it’s time to set goals, attack your weaknesses and improve your overall technical ability. Your initial iSoccer Assessment is a starting point. Use the iSoccer Training Program to set goals and download training sessions to improve your technical ability. Measure your progress by periodically retaking the assessment and analyzing your scores. Raise your technical proficiency one level at a time.
Why do I need a profile?
Creating a profile with iSoccer allows us to identify you as a unique user each time you log onto the site. A profile also permits you to store all your scores, set goals, track your progress, join challenges and connect with teammates and friends who are also iSoccer members. See our general Privacy Policy and Children’s Privacy Policy for more information.
How much training should I be doing on my own?
Outside of your regularly scheduled practices and games, the amount of individual training you do will depend on your motivation and desire to become a better technical player. If you are inseparable from your soccer ball, then your development will progress quickly with the iSoccer Training System. If, on the other hand, training on your own seems like a chore, try various ways to mix it up. Add variety to your training program by changing the skills you practice and when you practice each day. Create mini-training sessions that focus on your weaknesses identified in the iSoccer Assessment to train smarter not longer. Ultimately, to be a better technical player, you’ve got to spend as much time as possible becoming the master of the ball.
Does iSoccer have a separate privacy policy for children under 13 years of age?
Yes. iSoccer is dedicated to protecting your privacy and handling any personal information we obtain from you with care and respect. The Children’s Privacy Policy is designed to answer your questions regarding our privacy policies and principles with respect to children under the age of 13.
Is the iSoccer Store secure?
Yes. We use industry leading SSL technology to ensure every transaction is secure. iSoccer uses Verisign, a leading trust mark on the Internet, to certify and validate that our site is secure.
Does iSoccer store my credit card information?
No. To ensure maximum security, does not store your credit card information and that is why iSoccer asks for your credit card for each transaction.
What is a Training Session?
A session is a series of training video clips that have been combined to create an individual training program. It’s the equivalent of combining songs to create a playlist.
Each video clip is a one-minute video demonstration of a skill. Clips are divided into two segments: 1) a 20-second video demo with coaching voice-over, and 2) a 40-second practice period to put what you’ve learned into action.
By downloading video clips as a session, the individual video clips are all combined to play as one continuous video. This minimizes the amount of stopping and starting during your workout and the need to hit the play button. Depending on the number of skills/videos combined into a session, your workout can be relatively short or long.
You can download a session built by iSoccer, choose from sessions built by a player or coach in the Community, or build your own session.
What are targeted sessions?
Targeted Training Sessions are recommended training programs professionally designed by the iSoccer Team. These sessions were developed in conjunction with the Training System and focus on a specific topic or skill based on your level or age. These sessions range in difficulty from: Basic to Moderate to Advanced
What is the typical length of an iSoccer session?
iSoccer sessions range in length from 15 minutes to 25 minutes
Why are videos rated Basic, Moderate and Advanced?
iSoccer sessions are designed to make training challenging and fun regardless of your age or ability. They also offer a progression as denoted by the video ratings of Basic, Moderate and Advanced. The video ratings work in conjunction with your technical development and iSoccer Level. Players with an iSoccer Level of White will primarily focus on basic skills, while a Red or Black level player will be challenged by the advanced videos.
How do I build my own session?
We currently offer over 500 videos that educate you in a range of skills from basic to moderate and advanced. You can combine an unlimited number of video clips to customize a practice session for the length of time you wish to train. To get started:
1. Make sure you are logged into your account.
2. Go to Sessions > Build a New Session.
3. Filter each column – Topic, Category and Sub Topic- to view the related list of exercises. To view the entire library, select “All” in each column.
4. Preview a video by clicking on the exercise name.
5. Select [add] to move a training video into your session.
6. Once you have completed your selection – a minimum of 5 videos is required per session – type in a name and description to save your new session.
How are sessions formatted?
All videos are formatted as MP4 files.
Do I need to have an iPod to download and play sessions?
Sessions are formatted to play on any standard portable media player. Therefore, you do not need to have an iPod. Sessions can be played on any device with video capability that supports MP4 files.
How do I create a profile?
How do I add a profile picture?
Log into your account and select the “Account” link on the upper right corner of the top navigation toolbar. Select the “Choose File” button to upload your profile picture. When you have finished, select the “Update” button to save your changes.
Can I edit my personal information?
Yes. After logging in your account, select the “Account” link on the upper right corner of the top navigation toolbar. Enter the information you wish to change and/or upload your profile picture. When you have finished, select the “Update” button to save your changes.
How do I retrieve my login information (email and/or password)?
To retrieve your password, go to http://www.isoccer.org//Register. Enter your email address in to the “Forgot Password?” box and select the “Send Password” button. An email will be delivered to the designated email address.
Can I delete my personal or team account?
Unfortunately, you are not able to delete your account directly from our site at this time. If you are having trouble with your account, please let us know how we may help. If we can’t resolve the issue and you’d still like to delete your account, we will be happy to accommodate your request. Please send an email to support@isoccer.org with the subject “Delete My iSoccer Account”. We can only fulfill requests that are made from the email address on file for the account.
Why can’t I watch videos?
In order to watch videos, you must have Adobe Flash Player (v. 9.0 or higher) installed on your computer. Download a free copy of the software here..
What is the best Internet browser to use when viewing the site?
The iSoccer website has been developed to operate on all major modern browsers, including Mozilla Firefox 2+, Internet Explorer 7+, Safari 3+ and Google’s Chrome 1+. If you are having trouble viewing any portion of the website, please contact us at support@isoccer.org.
Where will my session be downloaded?
Your session will be downloaded to your internet browser setting for downloads. To change or view your download setting, go to your browsers settings (preferences) page.