According to the National Sporting Goods Association and the Soccer Industry Council of America, 12.5 million to 18.2 million people in the United States participate in soccer, and approximately three million of these play in high school or youth soccer associations. Because soccer is a growing sport, with reported increases in participation ranging from 11.4% to 21.8% annually, developing basic soccer skills for kids is imperative for them to improve and progress in the sport.
Dribbling the Ball
Players move the ball down the field by dribbling the soccer ball with control and speed. If there are no defenders nearby, then the player should kick the ball about six yards while running full speed to catch up to the ball in order to kick the ball again. In order to dribble the ball around defenders, the player keeps the ball close to the feet using small, tight kicking motions. The player keeps the ball between the legs and away from the defenders.
Passing the Ball
Players commonly use three techniques when passing the ball to other teammates. The first pass is the push pass that uses the arch of the foot to push the ball to a teammate. The second pass is the outside-of-the-foot pass where the ball is passed short and medium distances in a diagonal direction. An inside-out motion is used to pass the ball with the outside of the foot. The third type of pass is the instep pass where the ball is kicked at the point of the shoelaces. This pass is used if the player needs the ball to travel 25 yards of longer.
Shooting the Ball
Whether the player is kicking the ball for distance or aiming for the goal, the player should make contact with the ball at the shoelaces. Once the correct contact with the ball is established, then the rest of the skill is developed through strength, timing and hours of practice. The supporting foot is placed in line with the ball with the toes aimed at the target. The player brings the kicking foot back and swings it forward in one swift motion. The foot accelerates through the ball, as if it doesn't exist. The toes and the ankle of the kicking foot are stretched and locked. To keep the shot low, the player kicks the ball at the middle or slightly above it. The body leans forward and the shoulders are over the ball. The foot strikes the ball at the point of the inside of the shoelaces and follows through in the direction of the target.
Receiving the Ball
When receiving the ball from a teammate or an opponent, the player should control the ball, maintain proper body positioning, and have vision of the field. The player needs to have the ability to gain full control of the ball without giving the opponent the chance to steal the ball. The player should learn how to glue the ball to the feet as soon as possible to gain control and then to either move the ball or pass it. The player can receive the ball with the feet, thighs, chest or head.
Heading the Ball
Because the rules of soccer allow only the goalie to use the hands, there may come a time when the player needs to use the head to pass the ball or make a goal. The main objective when heading the ball is to ensure that the player is hitting the ball instead of the ball hitting the player; therefore, the player should keep the eye on the ball. The goal is to hit the ball with the forehead using a forward snapping motion with the entire upper body. The player can direct where the ball travels by angling the body towards the target.
Throwing the Ball Overhead
Sometimes the ball goes out of bounds on the side lines and the other team's player then gets to throw the ball back in bounds to his teammates. The player must keep both feet on the ground as the ball is thrown directly over the head. The ball must not travel to either side of the player's head. Neither foot can touch or cross the line. The ball must touch another player before the throw-in player can touch the ball again.
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