Keep Soccer Stats Like a Pro

Tracking soccer statistics provides valuable insights into player and team performance, helping coaches identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement over time.

While stats tracking can be incredibly useful for development, it’s important to balance data collection with practical application, especially at youth levels.

Why Track Soccer Stats?

Statistics in soccer serve as objective measures of performance that complement what coaches see during games. They provide concrete data points to track progress, set realistic goals, and make informed decisions about tactics and player development.

For younger players, excessive stat tracking can become a distraction, but basic metrics can still motivate improvement and highlight areas needing attention.

In my opinion, the best approach to youth soccer stats is selective minimalism—track only what directly informs your coaching decisions and player development goals. Everything else is too excessive in my opinion.

Essential Soccer Stats for Every Level

Basic Stats Worth Tracking

Goals (G): The fundamental objective of the game—putting the ball in the net. Consider tracking different types of goals (headers, free kicks, penalties) for additional insights.

Goals per Game (GPG): This is the average number of goals scored per game. This would be the total goals divided by the # of games played.

Assists (A): Credits the player who sets up a goal, highlighting playmaking abilities. This stat recognizes contributions beyond scoring.

Assists per Game (APG): This is the average number of assists per game. Divide the total assists on the season by the # of games played so far.

Shots & Shots on Goal (SOG): Total shots shows attacking intent, while shots on target measures accuracy and finishing quality.

Save Percentage: For goalkeepers, divide saves by shots on goal to evaluate effectiveness.

Minutes Played (Min): Tracks participation and can contextualize other performance metrics.

Intermediate Stats for Developing Teams

Possession Percentage: Measures ball control and team dominance, calculated by time with the ball or completed passes.

Pass Success Rate: The percentage of passes that reach teammates, indicating technical quality and decision-making.

Goal Differential (GD): The difference between goals scored and conceded, providing a quick overview of team performance.

I believe that youth coaches who obsess over advanced metrics often miss the forest for the trees—developing fundamental skills and love of the game should always take precedence over statistical perfection.

Advanced Metrics for Elite Competition

Expected Goals (xG): Evaluates the quality of scoring chances based on factors like shot location and defensive pressure.

Turnovers (TO): Tracks possession losses, though natural in soccer, excessive turnovers may indicate issues.

Player Touches: Measures involvement in the game, particularly useful for midfielders and playmakers.

Other soccer stats include:

• Minutes (Min): The minutes played during a game or season.
• Yellow Cards (YC): The amount of yellow cards received in the match or season.
• Red Cards (RC): The number of red cards given to a player during a game or season.

Practical Ways to Track Soccer Stats

For youth teams, simplicity is key.

Designate a parent volunteer or assistant coach to track basic stats using a simple spreadsheet or app.

Many youth leagues already track team-level statistics on their websites, but individual player stats typically require additional effort.

For more serious programs, consider investing in specialized software or apps designed for soccer statistics. These tools can provide real-time data and generate comprehensive reports after games.

Final Whistle: Balancing Stats and Development

While statistics offer valuable insights, they should complement rather than replace good coaching judgment.

For youth players especially, excessive focus on numbers can create unnecessary pressure and detract from enjoyment of the game.

Use stats as tools for improvement—not as the sole measure of a player’s worth or potential!