Let this be known! To Coach Youth Soccer, it is a challenge to be creative and come up with innovative tips and techniques to train the kids. In teaching soccer, it is a huge stress to keep innovating new tricks to make soccer drills enjoyable for kids.
Here are some exercises that you can teach youth soccer players. These allow them to concentrate on the game, become good at it, and at the same time, have fun with the game.
Teach the boys dribbling and shooting: This is a straight-forward drill that all the players can take part in at the same time. Have the kid’s line up on the single goal line. Now distribute the balls all over the soccer field. Once done, tell the kids to play with the balls as if they are moving towards the opponent’s goal. They should also hit the ball as soon as they get a chance.
This workout helps the kids build their stamina, confidence and also improves their dribbling skills. As the players do not have any resistance, they move forward without any inhibitions and this brings out their unique style.
Understanding to pass the ball: Instruct the players to make a line at a distant corner of the field. Start counting till 3 and when you finish, order them to run to you as fast as they can. When they are running towards you, they should also try to take over the ball from the other player who has it. When you say Stop, the player who was kicking the ball must pass to one of the teammates.
When you coach youth soccer, these drills bring out the best in kids when it comes to 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 a very interesting game which kids love to play. 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. Place yourself somewhere between the two queues.
You pass the ball to one line and subsequently coach them to shoot or pass the ball with one stroke only. The intention should be to switch the ball into goal. The goalkeeper must then return the ball and the practice continues.
Swap your goalies in between the practice meetings if there are more than two goalkeepers. This sport encourages team effort and helps improve shooting skills. The goalkeeper becomes skilled at protecting the ball from converting to a goal.
Keeping the control of the ball: This exercise allows the players to learn to advance with the ball while retaining its control. Engage two players, one protecting the ball and the other attacking it. Guide them to play their respective roles and win points every time any player wins over the other.
These are the easiest ways to coach youth soccer. You can make your kids perform these as they help them learn along with having loads of fun. If you’re interested in knowing more about such tips, be a part of our youth soccer coaching community.
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 training fun in record time. Download your free ebook at: Coach Youth Soccer