This is a “work in progress” document that combines a bunch of our weekly tests from past years. We’ll fine tune it as time allows (last major update: March 17, 2021), with the long-term goal of creating an easy way for a player to complete a test and submit it on-line.

As it stands now, there’s duplication in some areas and incomplete content in others. But we think there’s enough for a player to find something challenging. (We have a separate page for soccer sense quizzes.)

We encourage parents and players to work together on the quizzes. Good luck!

Quizzes: quick links

Dribbling (mostly complete, but has some duplication)
Passing and Receiving (passing is mostly complete, but has some duplication; receiving is incomplete)
Individual attacking (mostly complete)
Juggling (incomplete)
Crossing and Finishing (mostly complete)
Finishing (mostly complete)
Defending (mostly complete)
Goalkeeping (incomplete)

Dribbling:

Dribbling turns and stop-and-go moves:

Links: video demos and explanation of dribbling turns and stop and go moves

You can earn points if you can demonstrate two different stop-and-go dribbling moves and two different dribbling turns, and also answer these soccer questions:

Dribbling #1: What are the keys to a successful dribbling move?
1. Dribble right into the defender to see if she’s a ghost.
2. Keep the ball under close control as you go into the move, “sell” the move, then explode out of the move.
3. Keep the ball under close control as you go into the move, wait for the defender to get close, then touch the ball about one step away.
Dribbling #2: When is a good time to try a stop-and-go dribbling move:
1. When the defender is in front of you.
2. When the defender is behind you.
3. When the defender is to the side of you.
Dribbling #3: When is a good time to try a dribbling turn:
1. When you’re dribbling toward the other team’s goal.
2. When you’re dribbling away from the other team’s goal.
3. When you’re sitting on the couch drinking root beer and watching wrestling.

Dribbling moves:

You can earn points if you demonstrate the following dribbling moves and also describe when it makes sense to use them in games.

Turns: twist-off turn, pullback, U-turn, V-pull, Cruyff turn, stop turn, step-over turn
Stop and go moves: one-foot and two-foot variations
Moves to beat a defender: demonstrate two different moves that allow you to get behind a defender

Dribbling moves:

You can earn points if you can answer the following questions.

There are a lot of different dribbling moves. We usually group them into three categories. What are the three categories? Hint: one of the categories is dribbling turns. (Turns, stop and go moves, and tricks to get behind a defender)
What are the three parts of each dribbling move? (1. Have control of the ball. 2. Do the move. 3. “Explode” into open space to complete the move.)
Demonstrate your favorite dribbling turn.
Demonstrate your favorite stop and go move.
Demonstrate your favorite move to beat a defender.
Speaking of moves to beat a defender, where should you use them, and where should you not use them? (The fancy tricks work best in the attacking half of the field [near the other team’s goal].)
Fill in the blanks: “Bones and shin guards – bad. Open space – good“

Dribbling for possession:

You can earn points if you can pass a test about dribbling for possession. You’ll need to answer the following questions, plus demonstrate three different dribbling turns and two different stop-and-go moves.

What should you do with your head? (Look up after each touch.)
Which foot should you use when you have open space? (Doesn’t matter since you’re in open space.)
Which foot should you use when a defender is close? (The foot farthest from the defender.)
What should you do with your body? (Get your body between the defender and the ball. This is called “shielding”.)
What are the three parts of a successful dribbling move? (1. Have control of the ball. 2. Do the move. 3. Explode into open space to finish the move.)

Dribbling for penetration (getting behind a defender):

Link: video demos and explanations of moves to get behind a defender

You can earn points if you can answer the following questions, plus demonstrate two different foot or body fakes you can use to unbalance a defender and beat her.

Areas of the field (defensive half, attacking half): Where does it make the most sense to try to get behind a defender? (In the attacking half of the field. If you lose the ball, the other team has a long way to go to score a goal.) Where does it make the least sense? (In the defending half. If you lose the ball, the other team doesn’t have to go far to score.)
You receive a ball and have open space in front of you. What should you do? (Take your touch forward into the open space. Then decide whether to continue dribbling, pass, or shoot.)
There’s a defender 5-10 steps in front of you, between you and the other team’s goal. What should you do? (If there’s only one defender, try to beat her so you can shoot on goal. Or if a teammate is already in a shooting position, pass to your teammate.)
There’s a defender a step away, between you and the other team’s goal. What should you do? (You’re likely too close to the defender to do a fancy dribbling trick. But a twist-off turn or V-pull might work. Change direction to move the defender, and then look for a shooting opportunity.)

Dribbling moves:

You can earn points if you can demonstrate two dribbling turns, two stop-and-go moves, and two moves to get behind a defender, along with answering these questions:

Question 1: You’re dribbling down the sideline in the opponent’s end of the field and you’re a step or two ahead of the defender. What’s your best choice?

Do a stop-and-go move or change speeds.
Do a dribbling turn.
Cut the ball inside and dribble directly toward goal.
Yell “keeper!” and jump on the ball.

Question 2: You’re dribbling down the sideline in the opponent’s end of the field and you’re even with the defender. What’s your best choice?

Do a stop-and-go move or change speeds.
Do a dribbling turn.
Cut the ball inside and dribble directly toward goal.
Yell “keeper!” and jump on the ball.

Question 3: You’re dribbling down the sideline in the opponent’s end of the field and the defender is between you and the opponent’s goal. What’s your best choice?

Do a stop-and-go move or change speeds.
Do a dribbling turn.
Cut the ball inside and dribble directly toward goal.
Yell “keeper!” and jump on the ball.

Passing and receiving:

Passing:

Link: passing video demos and explanations

You can earn points if you can pass a test about passing. You’ll need to answer the following questions, plus pass a passing accuracy test. You’ll need to hit your target four out of five times with your main foot, three out of five times with your other foot.

When you want the most accuracy, which part of your foot do you use to strike the ball? (Inside of the foot.)
When do you look away from the ball? (Look up to locate your target, just before you take your final step to the ball.)
When do you look at the ball? (Look down at the ball as you take your final step to the ball.)
What do you do with your plant foot (also called the standing foot or pointer foot)? (“Plant” it to the side of your ball, pointed at your target.)
How is your foot shaped when you strike the ball? (Toes pointed up and out, with your heel slightly off the ground.)
How hard do you need to strike the ball? (Hard enough so that the ball gets to your target faster than an opponent can get to your target.)
What do you do after you strike the ball? (Follow through toward your target.)

Passing and receiving:

Passing: Which foot surface gives you the best control when making a short-to-medium distance pass? (Inside of the foot.)
Passing: What should you do with your non-kicking foot? (“Plant” it to the side of the ball, pointed at your target.)
Passing: The best short-to-medium distance passes stay on the ground. Which part of the ball do you strike to make sure it stays on the ground? (Strike the middle of the ball. Pretend the ball has a smiley face looking at you. Strike the ball in the nose.)
Passing: Why is a firm pass better than a “soggy” pass? (It gets to its target quicker, so your teammate will likely have more time to control the ball.)
Passing: When or why should you take a “clean-up” touch before passing the ball? (If the ball isn’t in the right position to kick it, take a clean-up touch.)
Receiving: Which foot surface gives you the best control when receiving ground ball passes? (Inside of the foot.)
Receiving: Should your knees be bent or straight? (Bent knees for both legs. This helps you balance and cushion the ball.)
Receiving: Should your ankle be locked or unlocked? (Ankle locked.)
Receiving: Should your toes be pointed down or up? (Toes pointed up. This will help keep the ball on the ground.)
Receiving: Where do you want the ball to go on your 1st touch? (Into new space [not back into the crowd]. If there’s lots of space, you can push the ball a few steps in front of. If there’s not much space, take a softer touch, maybe 1-2 steps away.)

Ball striking (passing, shooting, crossing):

You can earn points if you can answer these questions about ball striking.

Which foot surface gives you the best control? (Inside of the foot.)
Do you want the ball under your body or out in front? (1-2 steps in front, out at a slight angle.)
What should you look at before you strike the ball? (Your target.)
What should you do with your hips? (Have them “square” with your target.)
What should you do with your plant foot (also called your standing foot)? (“Plant” it to the side of your ball, facing your target.)
Head over the ball, or head leaning back? (Head over the ball.)
What should you look at when you strike the ball? (The ball.)
Which part of the ball should you strike to keep it on the ground? (The middle of the ball.)
How should your kicking foot be shaped when you strike the ball? (Heel slightly off the ground, the toes pointed up and out to the side.)
What should your kicking foot do after you hit the ball? (“Follow through” toward your target.)

Where to aim when striking the ball:

You can earn points if you can answer these questions about hitting your target during ball striking.

If you’re passing to an open player, where should you aim the pass? (If she’s standing still, aim for her far foot [the foot closest to the opponent’s goal]. If she’s moving, aim the pass where she’s going to be, not where she is now. This is called “leading” your teammate.)
If you’re passing to a player who is under pressure (for example, taking a goal kick), where should you aim the pass? (Aim for her near foot, which will allow her to shield the ball with her first touch.)
If you’re passing to a player who is running into open space, where should you aim the pass? (Pass to a spot in front of her to help “lead” her to the ball.)
When you hit a “crossing pass” near the opponent’s goal, where should you aim your cross? (Into the area near the goal, but far enough away from the goal so that the goalkeeper won’t be able to be first to the ball.)
If you’re shooting on goal, where should you aim your shot? (Shoot not where the goalie is, but where she isn’t. This usually means a corner of the goal.)
Which body parts control your aim when you pass and shoot? (Lots of them! Plant foot, striking foot, hips, shoulders and head.)

Passing and receiving with the inside of the foot:

You can earn points if you can pass a test about passing and receiving. You’ll need to answer the following questions, plus demonstrate proper passing and receiving technique.

Why use the inside of the foot? (It’s a large surface, and it’s curved to fit the soccer ball.)
What should you do with your other foot? (Step toward the ball and “plant” it to the side of the ball, pointed at your target.)
Legs straight or knees bent? (Both knees bent. This helps your balance and adds smoothness [and power] to your body movements.)
Lean forward or lean backward? (Head over the ball as you start to strike it.)
Toes up or toes down? (Toes pointed up and to the side.)
Floppy or locked ankle? (Ankle locked. A floppy ankle will result in a wimpy pass.)
In your dreams or in your nightmares? (In my dreams at first, then in real life after I get good!)

Receiving / 1st touch:

You can win earn points if you can answer the following questions and demonstrate proper technique when receiving ground ball passes.

Receiving – general questions:

Body posture when receiving: crouched, upright or leaning back?
Foot shape of the receiving foot: toes down or toes up?
Ankle position of the receiving leg: locked or unlocked?
Your other foot: plant firmly on the ground, or take a slight hop as you receive?

Receiving in open space:

Which foot should you use to receive a pass?
Body shape: back to goal, back to the sideline or side-on to the nearest defender? (In soccer terms, body shape doesn’t refer to tall or short or those things. It refers to getting your body positioned so you can see the ball, open space, teammates and opponents. The position of your feet and hips help determine your body shape.)
Direction of 1st touch: toward goal or away from the nearest defender?

Receiving under pressure:

Which foot should you use to receive a pass?
Body shape: back to goal, back to the sideline or side-on to the nearest defender?
Direction of 1st touch: toward goal or away from the nearest defender?

Receiving air balls:

You can earn points if you can pass a test about receiving air balls. You’ll need to answer the following questions, plus demonstrate proper air ball receiving technique.

Why should you try to receive air balls rather than letting them go bouncy-bounce?
Roofing the ball: what does this mean?
Roofing: should you place your receiving foot directly over the ball, to the side of the ball, or at an angle above the ball?
Roofing: play the ball before it bounces, right as it hits the ground, or after it bounces into the air?
Roofing: what body part or body parts do you want over the ball?
Thigh control: should your knee and upper leg be level with the ground, pointing up, or pointing down?
Running through the ball: what does this mean?
In your dreams or in your nightmares?

Air balls #1: What are the keys to receiving a ball out of the air (answer true or false to each choice).

Let the ball bounce until it slows down, then stand on it like you’re crushing a grape.
Get your body behind the ball.
Have a stiff, upright posture.
Have a crouched, balanced posture, with knees bent.
Try to kick the ball before it bounces.
Try to cushion the ball with your foot or thigh before it bounces.
“Roof” it with your foot as it hits the ground.
Toe bash the ball out of bounds.

Air balls #2: The ball is coming to you out of the air. A defender is coming at you from the front. What’s your best choice?

Run away and ask to borrow the crying towel.
Toe bash the ball out of bounds.
Receive the ball with your foot or thigh and settle it in front of you.
“Roof” the ball with the inside or outside of your foot to take the ball away at an angle into open space.
Let the ball bounce and try to get your body between the ball and the defender.

Individual attacking:

You can earn points if you can demonstrate proper shielding technique and show how to “open up” if you pass to a teammate to get out of a shielding situation.

You can win a treat after practice if you can:

answer the following questions about “the first attacker”
make the proper decisions as “the first attacker” in various game situations

1. Who is the first attacker?

Alex Morgan
The player who is closest to the opponent’s goal
The player with the ball
The player who is the best dribbler

2. What is the role of the first attacker?

Play “The Scarecrow” in “The Wizard of Oz”
Force the nearest defender to make a decision (“commit”)
Dribble into the nearest defender
Whack the ball down the field

3. What are some good choices by the first attacker (check all that apply)

Keep your head down and dribble into bones and shin guards
Stop the ball and look for open space, teammates or the goal
Keep the ball moving, get your head up and look for open space, teammates or the goal
Shield the ball if you’re under pressure near your own goal
Pass to the nearest teammate
Pass to a teammate if she’s open and in a better position than you
Shoot if you’re near the corner of the field
Cross the ball if you’re near the corner of the field
Dribble if you’re near the opponent’s goal and you only have one defender to beat
Pass wide if you’re near the opponent’s goal and you have a defender between you and the goal

Question #1: When should you dribble?

When you have open space.
When you’re in a crowd near our own goal.
When a teammate is wide open in front of the other team’s goal.
When you are near the other team’s goal and there’s only one defender between you and a clear shot on goal.

Question #2: When should you pass?

When you have open space.
When you’re in a crowd near our own goal.
When a teammate is wide open in front of the other team’s goal.
When you’re near the goal line between the corner of the field and the goal post.
When you are near the other team’s goal and there’s only one defender between you and a clear shot on goal.

Question #3: When should you shoot?

When you’re in a crowd near our own goal.
When someone on the sideline screams “Shoot!”
When you’re playing defender, and a forward or midfielder plays you a “dream ball” pass in the other team’s half of the field.
When you are at midfield.
When a teammate is wide open in front of the other team’s goal.
When you’re near the goal line between the corner of the field and the goal post.
When you have a clear view of goal and you’re near or in the other team’s penalty area.
When you are near the other team’s goal and there’s only one defender between you and a clear shot on goal.

Individual attacking:

You can earn points if you can answer these questions about individual attacking.

When you have the ball, we ask you to keep the ball moving. Why?
When you have the ball, we ask you to get your head up. Why?
When you have the ball, we ask you to find open space. Why?
What should you do differently when you have the ball in traffic compared to when you have the ball in open space? Hint: Think about which “foot surfaces” (parts of the feet) you use when you’re in tight space, and which foot surface you use when you have open space.

Juggling:

Juggling a soccer ball is fun, and it develops several skills that can help you become a better soccer player. You can earn points if:

You can name at least two of the skills juggling helps you improve.
You can “juggle your age,” with only one bounce for 2nd-year players, two bounces for new players. Or juggle “around the world:” foot-thigh-head-thigh-foot, no bounces.

Crossing and finishing:

You can earn points if you can answer these questions about crossing and finishing crosses:

Question #1: What is a cross (soccer definition)?

A pass from a wide position across the field into the area in front of the goal.
Something you use to keep vampires away.

Question #2: Where should you aim a cross?

At the vampire’s eyes.
The middle of the penalty area (the “big box”), away from the goalie.
Toward the near post, right at the goalie.

Question #3: How can you make sure you put the cross in the right place?

If the vampire runs away, you know you’ve put the cross in the right place.
Someone on the sideline yells “Yeah baby!”
Take a final “prep” touch to get your hips turned toward the center of the penalty area before you hit the cross, then point your plant foot toward your target before you strike the ball.

Question #4: How do you finish a cross?

Run in front of the goal, then stand and wait on the cross and swing hard.
Delay your run so that you’re going forward to meet the cross, then meet the ball with the inside of your foot while you’re still running forward.
By laughing heartily as the vampire runs away.

Finishing:

You can earn points if you can demonstrate proper shooting technique and answer these questions about finishing. (“Finishing” is a fancy way of saying “scoring a goal”. With every attack, you hope that you can finish the attack by scoring a goal.)

Finishing #1: What should you do with your last touch before you shoot?

Keep the ball close to your body.
Take a “prep” touch toward goal, 1-2 steps out from your body.
Toe bash the ball out of bounds.

Finishing #2: Where do you usually want to shoot the ball?

High over the goalkeeper’s head.
Right at the keeper.
Low toward a corner, away from the keeper.

Finishing #3: What should you do after you shoot?

Follow the shot so you’re ready to pounce on any rebound.
Stand and wait for a parade.
Run back to get ready to defend.

Defending:

1v1 defending quiz:

You can earn points if you can demonstrate proper 1v1 defending technique and answer these questions about 1v1 defending.

Defending #1: What is the role of the 1st defender?

Pressure the attacker.
Hope someone else can stop the attacker.
Pick up cones.

Defending #2: What does “goal-side” mean?

Stand to the side of the goal.
Get between the opponent and the goal she is attacking.
Get between the opponent and the goal you are attacking.

Defending #3: When do you shut down space (also called “close down space”) on defense?

Before the ball is passed.
When the ball is passed, before the attacker has controlled it.
After the ball is passed, and the attacker has already controlled it.

Defending #4: How do you shut down space (also called “close down space”)?

Run fast, straight at the attacker.
Make a zigzag run toward the attacker.
Run fast, making a slightly curved run until you’re a few steps away from the attacker, then slow down and get into a crouched, side-on position.

Defending #5a: How should you position yourself when defending 1v1?

Get “side on” to the attacker, about 1-2 steps away, forcing her to dribble away from goal. (We call this “jockeying” or “channeling” the attacker.)
Face the attacker straight on about 1-2 steps away, giving her a choice of going either left or right.
Turn your back to the attacker. (We call this “stoogepid.”)

Defending #5b: When you’re defending near your own goal (where the other team is trying to score), which way do you want to force the attacker?

Away from our goal.
Toward our goal.

Defending #5c: When you’re defending near the other team’s goal (where our team scores), which way do you want to force the attacker?

Away from their goal.
Toward their goal.

Defending #6: Which type of stance should you have when defending 1v1?

Stand upright.
Crouch, with your weight on your heels.
Crouch, with your weight on the balls of your feet.

Defending #7: What is most important when defending?

Stay goal-side, keep your feet moving, stay patient and wait for the attacker to make a mistake.
“Dive in” and risk getting toasted like an English muffin.
Win the ball as soon as possible.

Defending #8: When should you try to steal the ball or knock it away (“tackle” it)?

As soon as possible!
When the attacker makes a mistake.
When you have a teammate in “cover” position.

Defending #9: If you’re able to steal the ball, what should you do with it?

Take a touch into open space, and get your head up as soon as possible so you can turn defense into attack.
Pick it up and hold it over your head like a trophy.
Knock it right back into the attacker’s legs (“bones & shin-guards”).

Defending #10: If the attacker beats you, what should you do?

Grab her shirt, pull her back and ask for her autograph.
Immediately make a “recovery run” to get back into a goal-side position.
Go boo-hoo-hoo, then go home to drink root beer and watch wrestling.

Bonus questions – “own goals:” An “own goal” is when you score against your own team.

What’s the best way to avoid scoring an own goal?
1. Skip the game and stay home drinking root beer and watching wrestling.
2. Stand near the other team’s goal so this can’t happen.
3. Position yourself so you aren’t facing your own goal.
If you score an own goal (it happens — even to the pros!), how would you react?
1. Keep playing and learn from your mistake.
2. Go boo-hoo-hoo, then go home to drink root beer and watch wrestling.
3. Quit soccer and start cheer-leading.

Goalkeeping:

You can earn points if you can answer the following questions about the goalkeeper position.

General:

Fill in the blanks: A goalie is a soccer player who can use her hands.
Is a goalie a statue or a soccer player?
What’s the difference between a “statue” goalie and a “soccer player” goalie?

Positioning:

When the ball is near the other team’s goal, where should you be positioned?
Who protects the space behind our defenders?
How often should you stand on the goal line?
An opponent has the ball and has broken through our defense. What should you do?
The ready position: An opponent looks like she’s ready to shoot. What should you do – start moving, crouch with your hands low and to your sides, or stand tall and proud with your hands up?

Making saves:

Where can a goalie use her hands?
There are two situations when a goalie can’t use her hands in the penalty area (the “big box”). What are they?
An opponent takes a shot. Do you wait for the ball, go to the ball, or go through the ball?
Low ball saves: Fingers down and palms out, or fingers out and palms down? Pinkies connected or apart?
Low ball saves: On your knees, or on your toes with your knees bent and body crouched?
How often do you want to be on your knees when you make a save?
High ball saves: Fingers down or fingers up? Should your pinkies meet, or should your thumbs and pointer fingers meet?
After you make a save, what should you do with the ball?

The goalie as an attacker:

The opponent takes a shot and misses the goal. Our team gets a goal kick (a dead ball kick). Where should you place the ball and aim the goal kick?
The opponent takes a shot and you make a save with your hands. What should you do with the ball?
In your dreams or in your nightmares?