What would be a good soccer independent study?

First things that come to mind:
Finding the most effective formation against another formation
The best place to shoot a penalty kick against a right- or left-handed keeper
The ideal size and weight for a player each position

Perhaps comparing the training, diet, conditioning and exercise programs compared to baseball, American football, tennis or golf.

Maybe something about the history of the game?

Asking players about their tendencies of when they tend to “kick into high gear” like perhaps do they play with more urgency right off the bat? or at the end? with those mind sets do they tend to win more or less? Defense or offense? Stuff like that probably.

Let’s see… as a 10th grader I expect that he’s about 14–16 years old. That’s a great age for him to be an Assistant Coach on a pee wee soccer team. Have him find a recreational youth soccer league in his area, assist an adult coach in coaching a U-8 (under-eight-year-old) team, and then write about his experiences and suggestions for improving the league and soccer instruction in general.

Brether. My dad say’s ever since I was born the ball was always in my feet. He wants to learn? Tell him to grab that ball and head out to the field. Set out some cones and dribble around them. Simple, effective, important. Shoot, run with the ball. Agree with some of the fellow jellies said.