Lend me your ears even though you may differ with me on this. It’s important in soccer drills that players are able to have a sense of the game and as such teach them the very basics of soccer. This soccer training should precede the training the kids on more complex components of soccer or the correct method of playing on field.
You as a coach must make it a point that players take their first step in the right direction. As such, they must be taught all necessary soccer skills that are very basic to the game. Let’s discuss some basic skills in the game that are important for every player to understand.
Teach the players the skills of shooting and dribbling the ball: Players must first learn the two most basic techniques in soccer, dribbling and shooting. In order to be successful in the game, these skills play a defining role. However, you must arrange for teaching these soccer exercises before hand.
Begin with placing several balls over the soccer field and line all the players up in a straight line on one end.
Afterwards tell them to start. The players must then run around and attempt to catch the ball using their foot while dribbling and shooting it inside the goal on opposite side of the field. These two soccer drills will be easily mastered by the players if they practice it regularly.
Passing the ball and following directions: These are the two skills that help players to discover and practice unity in game. In any case, soccer being a team sport should be uniformly spread among all team mates. It’ll be extremely difficult for the players to play as one team when they can’t follow simple instructions or can’t learn the skill of passing the ball amongst them.
For the purpose of teaching passing skills in the game and making them understand the guidelines, there is a really simple drill. In the beginning, make the entire team line up in a single row at one side of the field. At a distance of about 5-10 feet, any one player in the team should stand in front of that line.
As soon as you tell them to start, the first player in the line will endeavor to grab the ball from remaining team mates on field. When you tell them to stop, the player having the ball should pass it to the first individual in line. In this soccer practice, players will get an opportunity to practice listening and following instructions.
Handling the Ball: Since you’re the coach, teach the players the skill to manage the ball with their feet and with other parts of their body as well. This will result in players being more natural in their performance on the field. Do this by making the player’s practice bouncing the ball with their heads and knees, or stopping the ball with their backs.
Soccer drills like these help in developing players that become match winners and make their way to learning more difficult components of the game. Find yourself abundant soccer specific information in form of articles, newsletters, tips, and guides at our youth soccer coaching community. So go ahead and become a member today.
Andre Botelho is known online as “The Expert Youth Soccer Coach” and his free ebooks and reports have been downloaded more than 100,000 times. Learn how to skyrocket your players’ skills and make practice sessions fun in record time. Download your free ebook at: Youth Soccer Drills.