Choosing Your Competitive Soccer Team

The TIPS model is a popular method of spotting talent among young players. The TIPS model was developed by the Ajax youth academy which stands for technique, insight, personality and speed.

Technique is defined as a manner and skill with which the athlete employs their “tools” and “materials” to achieve a predetermined result. IT is much more than the measure of ones skill set.

Insight is defined as the quick and clear understanding of a complex situation. How quick does the player read the game and do they make the right decisions?

Personality describes the character of emotion, thought, and behavior patterns unique to a person. How does the player cope in difficult situations? Are they reckless or stable? Are they mentality able to play at a higher level? Is soccer a passion or pastime?

Speed is measured in terms of physical and mental speed. It is the most important quality of the TIPS model. Players must possess both physical speed (running speed) as well as mental speed (speed of thought process). Possessing both physical and mental speed will allow the player to execute play quicker and allows the player to be much more effective.