Special Olympics Football Coaches Quick Start Guide Special Olympics Football Skills Assessment Card Athlete’s Name Coach’s Name Date Date Instructions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Use tool at the beginning of the training/competition season to establish a basis of the athlete’s starting skill level. Have the athlete perform the skill several times. If the athlete performs the skill correctly three out of five times, check the box next to the skill to indicate that the skill has been accomplished. Program assessment sessions into your football program. Athletes may accomplish skills in any order. Athletes have accomplished this list when all possible items have been achieved. Control-Receiving Controls ball using inside of foot Controls ball using chest Controls ball using thigh Cushions ball with chest or thigh Distributes body weight, so that they are able to move backward, forward or sideways Judges ball flight speed appropriately Chooses the right technique and body surface to control ball Dribbling Dribbles forward, using the top of foot Uses inside of foot to quickly change direction Uses outside of foot to shield ball from opponents Uses sole of foot to change ball direction Dribbles up field with ball while walking Dribbles up field with ball while running Passing Squares up ball, player and target in a straight line Makes eye contact with intended receiver Follows through in direction of intended receiver kicking foot Places kicking foot flat against back of ball Contacts ball with the toes pulled up, foot parallel to ground and ankle locked 14 Football Quick Start Guide – September 2004