Speed Separation: The Importance of Speed in College Soccer
Players’ coaches and scouts alike all agree – speed is needed to play at the highest levels. The sport of soccer demands players in all positions to be fast. In college soccer, speed is often what wins and loses games. Because of how much is riding on each game, teams can often play directly creating an increased number of high-speed actions players are required to make. At COPA College ID Camps, we understand the pivotal role that speed plays in a player’s performance and overall game dynamics. That’s why we objectively assess each player’s speed.
Speed allows players to create and capitalize on scoring opportunities, recover defensively, and outmaneuver opponents. It’s a game-changer that coaches highly value. Paul Hart, Assistant Coach at Stanford Women’s Soccer, emphasizes, “Speed is really important as it’s the fine margins that differentiate the good players from the great.” This insight underscores the significance of speed in setting top-tier players apart. Many college coaches value it as the number one metric when recruiting a player.
At COPA we have dedicated technology within our assessment protocol to measure an athlete’s speed. Thanks to our deep database of over 500 college soccer players, we have an in-depth understanding of the speed requirements of college soccer players. This info is crucial for college coaches when reviewing the speed skills of potential recruits.
Our data shows that male players in the 50th percentile achieve a top speed of 19.78 mph. That is the average for male college soccer players. The 25th percentile for this key metric achieves a top speed of 19.1 mph.
For the 50th percentile female college soccer player’s record is 17.29 mph. At the 25th percentile, they hit 16.8 mph.
The demands of the sport are high with players needing to be able to hit top speeds. College coaches want to know this data, and how prospective players stack up.
No matter where an athlete is at in their development the measurement and development of speed should always happen. It’s a skill that can be developed through effective training. As we get older it becomes more difficult to improve. Without regularly assessing it, however, athletes struggle to understand where they’re at.
College coaches find this objective data invaluable as it allows them to assess a player’s speed in comparison to their current roster. Maybe they’re looking for a speedster to support their style of play. Or maybe they’re graduating high-speed players and need to replace them. This comparative analysis helps coaches make informed recruitment decisions and identify players who can meet or exceed the speed demands of their playing style.
Think your speed will help you stand out in the recruitment process? Join COPA College ID Camps and get your speed tested against our college benchmarks. Our comprehensive assessments offer detailed insights, helping you identify areas for improvement and set you on the path to becoming a faster, more formidable player.