Understand this! In order to coach youth soccer, it is always difficult to think and create new drills that are interesting as well as useful for the kids. While teaching soccer, the biggest problem is to keep coming up with new ideas so that the kids are always interested in the game.
Following are some drills that you can teach youth soccer players. These drills help the kids focus on the game, get good at soccer, and enjoy it to the core.
Get the kids going with dribbling and shooting: This is a simple drill that involves all the players at the same time. Instruct the players to stand on a single goal line. Now distribute the balls all over the soccer field. Then, ask the kids to go after the balls and move as if they are attacking the opponent goal post. They should also shoot the ball as soon as they have an opportunity.
This exercise does a lot of good to the energy level, and confidence of the players and at the same time perks their dribbling skills. Since the kids do not have any opposition while they dribble, it also brings out their individual style.
Understanding to pass the ball: Instruct the players to make a line at a distant corner of the field. Tell them to run towards you as fast as possible as soon as you have finished counting till 3. When they are running for you, they also have to capture the ball from the other player who has the possession of the ball. When you shout stop, the ball must be passed by the player who has it to someone else.
To coach youth soccer, these drills are the best tools to teach the kids passing and dribbling. At the same time, they learn the skill of clinching the ball from others which is also vital.
Touch and Go: It’s an exciting game that kids enjoy playing. Make the young players stand in two queues not more than 40 feet from the goal post. Besides, the goalpost should be defended by the goalie. Position yourself anywhere amongst the two lines.
The ball should then be passed on to any one row to subsequently pass or shoot the ball with just one contact. The idea is to translate the ball into a goal. Once the goalie returns the ball, carry on with the practice.
In case of two or more than two goalies in team, they should be rotated between practice sessions. This game involves team effort and also improves the shooting skills. The goalie also gets to learn the art of keeping the ball away from goalpost.
Retaining the possession of the ball: This drill helps the players learn to move forward with the ball saving it from opponents. Take two players, one acts as the defender and the other attacker. The players should then to told to proceed as per their part and try to get a point every time by leading another player.
These account for some easiest practices to coach youth soccer. Make your kids practice them and you will help them learn and have fun at the same time. If you would like more such tips and know about drills, join our youth soccer coaching community.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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: Soccer Drills.