If you've recently signed up to coach your child's soccer team and you're not sure what to do for your next practice, have no fear. Using drills is one of the most classic and effective ways to teach kids the fundamental skills they'll need out on the soccer field.
Down and Back Drill
The down and back drill helps players learn how to control the ball in traffic, simulating real-game conditions. Mark a practice box that's about 20 feet long by 20 feet wide. Have three players line up on one side of the space, with another three players lined up facing perpendicular to the first set of players. On the whistle, have the players dribble the ball out to the other end of their side of the box and back as fast as possible. Because of where they're positioned, they'll have to dribble through the other set of players on their way through the box. The first player to make it through the box and back wins the drill.
Goalie Around the World Drill
This drill will help your goalie learn how to stop rapid shots coming at him from all different directions. Have your goalie stand in the goal surrounded by five to six players spread out in all different directions in front of the goal. Blow the whistle and have the first player take a shot on goal. The goalie must stop the ball, then immediately prepare for the next shot. Have the next shooter shoot the ball as soon as the goalie is prepared. Continue this rapid-fire succession until all players have shot the ball, then repeat.
Offensive Fake Drill
If your players have trouble getting open for a pass because of stifling defense, try the offensive fake drill. This helps players learn how to use their body when they're off ball to fake their defender and get open to receive the ball. Set up two cones about six to eight feet apart along a straight line. Have two players stand on either side of the line facing each other. One player acts as the offensive player, and one as the defender. On the whistle, the offensive player uses fake moves to try to get the defender off-balance in an attempt to move and touch one of the two cones with her foot. Set a time limit for the drill and count the number of times the offensive player touches one of the cones. Have players switch sides and repeat the drill. The player who touches a cone the most times wins the drill.
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