Youth Soccer Drills

Kids come to practice to PLAY soccer. Most youth players aren't interested in tactics, coaching philosophy or formations. They don't want to stand in line and watch, they want to play. They want to dribble. They want to kick the soccer ball...preferably as often as possible.

HINT: Kids want to have fun playing soccer. They enjoy the game more when they get to touch the ball A LOT!

These drills will get you started. Each child will need a ball, and they will get plenty of good touches.

Toe Taps

Put a ball in front of each player. When you say go, they will touch the ball with the sole of their foot, alternating feet with each touch. You can also have the players use the sole of their foot to slide the ball forward, backward or side to side as a variation. It will take some time for the younger players to get comfortable with this drill, but before long they will develop a nice rhythm with their touches. Perform this game in intervals of 20 seconds or so, changing up what they do each time.

Number of Players: All
Equipment: Each child needs a ball

Side to Side Ball Jumps

This drill is really good for loosening up and developing fast feet. Have each player stand next to the ball and jump from side to side over the ball like a skier coming down the slopes. You can also have players jump frontwards and backwards over the ball. Perform this game in intervals of 20 seconds or so, changing what they do each time. If players are having difficulty with jumping over the balls, pick out a line on the field and have them jump over that instead.

Number of Players: All
Equipment: Each child needs a ball

Dribble & Turn - Dribbling

Set up a line of cones with another line about 10 yards away from it. Have the kids dribble to the opposite line, make a turn and return to the beginning. Have them repeat multiple times. You can have them perform different types of dribbles to keep things interesting. Outside of the foot, just right foot, alternating feet, etc.

Number of Players: All
Equipment: Each child needs a ball. 3-5 cones for each line.

Bowling - Passing & Ball Striking

Place a number of cones inside of a 10 x 10 square. The kids will take turns passing the ball into the space in an attempt to knock down cones. See if they can figure out how to knock down more than one cone at a time for a real challenge.

Number of Players: All
Equipment: Each child needs a ball. 10 cones for pins.

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