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?
Please refer to the iSoccer Age Progression Chart.
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.
iSoccer Team
Please click here to read about the iSoccer Team
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.
How do I edit a player's score?
1. Select Levels > Score History
2. Click on the player's name
3. Locate the score you want to edit and click on it
4. From the pop-up box you can edit or delete the score
*NOTE - If your player put the score in, the player is the only one who can edit the score
iSoccer Levels and Assessment
What is an iSoccer Level?
An iSoccer Level is a measurement of a players or teams overall technical ability at the present time. After completing the assessment and uploading the scores, the player and team will receive an "iSoccer Level." Each level is associated with a specific color. The 10 iSoccer Levels (Level 1 is white and Level 10 is Black/Red) are color-coded to provide steps for players to achieve (very similar to Karate). As the player and team improve, they will earn a new iSoccer level. iSoccer provides every player and team an overall iSoccer level, topic level and skill level. This way, players and coaches will know how they are performing overall as well as knowing which particular skill they need to focus on.
Overall iSoccer Level
An average of all of the players highest recorded scores.
Topic Level
An average of all scores in one of the seven specific topic. (Comfort, Juggling, Dribbling, Passing, Aerial Control, Ball Striking, Speed)
Skill Level
A display of the player's highest score for that particular skill out of 16 assessed.
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. Also, the same test is given for players of all ages. To improve your score, a player must have the following: Control. Speed. Consistency.
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 is the overall iSoccer Level for a player and team calculated?
A player's overall iSoccer Level is the average of the skills the players has scores for. If the player has only five skills recorded, then their overall level is based on those five skills.
A team's overall iSoccer Level is calculated in a two step process. The first step is to average the scores of all the players in a particular skill. If ten players have performed the skill Toe Taps, we add all ten scores together and then divide that number by 10 to give an average Toe Tap team score. Secondly, we then average all the "non zero" averaged scores. For example, if the team has scores for eight of the 16 skills, the team level is calculated by just those eight scores. As the team inputs more scores for the other skills, their overall level will be adjusted accordingly.
How does iSoccer Motivate Players?
iSoccer empowers players. After taking the iSoccer assessment, players have full awareness of their current level and what it takes to get to the next level. Giving players a tangible target motivates them to achieve that next level.
How can we motivate players in between formal assessments?
Since the player already has a baseline score, you can always reference back to that score in training. As an example, use the 20 second time period and the player will be able to compare that score to their previous score. Even though it is not a formal assessment and no scores are being written down, the player will know they are making progress and will be motivated be the achievement.
As a parent, how can I motivate my child?
Take advantage of this opportunity to help your child set goals and when they do achieve a new level, recognize their earned success and if you choose, reward them!
National Standards Project
Where can I learn more about this project?
You can learn more at the National Standards Project main website. Go to www.thestandardsproject.org
What is the National Standards Project?
The National Technical Standards Project is the first step in a multi-year initiative to raise the level of soccer in the U.S. The project’s core is a standardized assessment that provides an objective measure of a player’s technical ability. When used to compare one player to another, or evaluate a player’s development over time, the result is a powerful set of data intended to provide insight into youth player development in this country.
What is the objective of the National Standards Project?
The ultimate objective is to raise the level of technical ability in the US and this process begins with assessing the current national level at each age group. Working with coaches, clubs, leagues, states and national governing bodies across the country we will gather uniform, standardized technical assessment data using the National Assessment. Results will then be analyzed to isolate strengths, weaknesses and trends on a local and national level. The resulting National Standards will be the benchmark against which future player development can be measured, both on an individual player and national level. Every player, team, and coach will know how his or her technical ability compares to the National Standard.
Where can I download the National Standards Project Report?
You can download the National Standards Project report after you login to your iSoccer account.
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.
How do I edit my scores?
1. Select Assessment History in the left navigation pane
2. Locate the score you want to edit and click on it
3. From the pop-up box you can edit or delete the score
*NOTE - If your coach put the score in, the coach is the only one who can edit the score
I have more than one child, how do I create multiple accounts?
1 - Make sure you are "logged out" of your first child's iSoccer Account
2 - Create a new player account by inputting your second child's name with the same email address
3 - The system will ask you to either "Create a New Account" or "Send Email" - Select "Create New Account"
4 - Complete the registration for your second child.
5 - In the future, the login for your second child will be their "Username" where your first child will login with the email address.
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.
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 Videos > 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.
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 are the videos and sessions formatted?
All videos are formatted as MP4 files.
How do I create a profile?
To create a player profile click here
To create a coach profile click here
To inquire about the club package click here
How do I add a profile picture?
Log into your account and select the “Settings” link on the upper right corner of the top navigation toolbar. Within the "Profile" window, 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 “Settings” 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//ForgotPassword. 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 videos or sessions 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.
Windows Media Player Support
If you are using Windows Media Player, you may need to download the Codec Package to be able to play and view .MP4 files. To download the Codec Package, go to: Microsoft Download Center and select Media Player in the "Top Download" Menu.
Where can I download Quicktime?
To download Quick Time, please go to the Quick Download Page.