How To Improve A Kid's Running In Soccer

Youth soccer teaches children the fundamentals of teamwork while aiding in speed and endurance. While game play is important to all these factors, practice and drills are equally important. Increasing your child's speed requires more than merely game participation. Drills that are done during practice and at home provide your child with strength, flexibility and tone to allow for increased speeds. Whether you are a coach or parent of a soccer player, insisting on performance enhancement through exercise will not only benefit your child's game but also his overall health.

Step 1

Bend slightly at the knees as you take your starting stance to run. According to Sports Fitness Advisor, the less bend you exert, the more powerful your muscles react when you push off. This results in an increase explosiveness and speed.

Step 2

Run in place, alternating running style. Begin by running normally in place for ten seconds, replacing with high leg lifts for another ten seconds. End with double time running for another ten seconds and return to normal. Rest and repeat the process five to ten times, three days a week.

Step 3

Attend games and practice --- avoid skipping them. During the course of your child's soccer season, several games and practices are scheduled. This is required to keep your child conditioned and increase soccer skills such as speed.

Step 4

Sprint for short distances with plenty of rest in between. Sprinting trains your leg muscles to provide you with speed on short notice. Sprint for one to two yards then rest. Repeat for five to ten times, two to three times a week. Some soccer players believe sprinting before a game helps with mental clarity as well.