Soccer is a sport that is loved by many, and there’s no better way to bond with your child than by practicing together. Whether your child is just starting out or already has some experience, there are plenty of fun soccer drills that you can do together to improve their skills and have a great time. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best soccer drills for parents and children to practice together, so you can create lasting memories and help your child become a soccer pro. So, grab your soccer ball and get ready to kick some goals with your little one!
Warm-Up Activities
Dynamic Stretching
Dynamic stretching is a type of stretching that involves active movements to prepare the muscles for physical activity. It is an effective way to warm up before soccer practice or a game, as it helps to increase blood flow to the muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance muscle control.
Some examples of dynamic stretching exercises that can be done before soccer practice or a game include:
- Light jogging: A light jog or walk around the field can help to increase heart rate and get the muscles warmed up for activity.
- High knees: This exercise involves running in place while keeping the knees high and the feet moving quickly. It can help to improve leg strength and endurance.
- Butt kicks: This exercise involves running in place and kicking the heels of both feet towards the buttocks with each step. It can help to improve hip flexibility and strengthen the lower back muscles.
- Leg swings: This exercise involves standing with the feet hip-width apart and swinging one leg forward and backward in a controlled motion. It can help to improve balance and coordination, as well as increase flexibility in the hips and legs.
Dynamic stretching exercises should be performed for 5-10 minutes before soccer practice or a game, and should be done at a moderate intensity to increase heart rate and warm up the muscles. It is important to incorporate dynamic stretching into a comprehensive warm-up routine to prevent injury and improve performance on the soccer field.
Soccer-Specific Warm-Up
Dribbling:
Dribbling is an essential skill in soccer that involves maneuvering the ball around the field while maintaining control. It is a great warm-up activity for both children and adults as it helps to improve ball control, agility, and foot-eye coordination. To perform this drill, have your child dribble the ball around cones or obstacles, using both feet and changing direction quickly. This drill can be modified based on the age and skill level of the child.
Ball Control:
Ball control is another crucial aspect of soccer that involves being able to control the ball with different parts of the body. This warm-up activity helps to improve ball control and coordination. To perform this drill, have your child pass the ball from one part of the body to another, such as from the inside of the foot to the outside of the foot or from the thigh to the chest. This drill can be modified based on the age and skill level of the child.
Foot-Eye Coordination:
Foot-eye coordination is the ability to accurately hit the ball with the foot using the eyes as a guide. This warm-up activity helps to improve foot-eye coordination and ball control. To perform this drill, have your child kick the ball into the air and try to control it with different parts of the body, such as the head, chest, or thigh. This drill can be modified based on the age and skill level of the child.
By incorporating these soccer-specific warm-up activities into your practice sessions, you can help your child improve their soccer skills while also reducing the risk of injury. These drills are fun and engaging, and they provide a great opportunity for parents and children to bond while practicing together.
Basic Soccer Skills
Dribbling
Dribbling is an essential soccer skill that involves controlling the ball with your feet while moving in a specific direction. It is a fundamental skill that can be improved with practice. Here are some fun dribbling drills that you can practice with your child:
Cutting
Cutting is a technique used to change direction quickly while dribbling. It involves stopping the ball with one foot and then starting again in a different direction. Here’s how you can practice cutting with your child:
- Start by dribbling the ball in a straight line.
- Stop the ball with your inside foot (the foot closest to the direction you want to turn).
- Change direction with your outside foot (the foot farthest from the direction you want to turn).
- Repeat the process, making sure to change direction quickly and smoothly.
Change of direction
Change of direction is another essential dribbling technique that involves changing the direction of the ball without losing speed. Here’s how you can practice change of direction with your child:
- Change direction by pushing the ball in the opposite direction with the inside of your foot.
- Change direction again by pushing the ball in a different direction with the inside of your foot.
Speed dribbling
Speed dribbling is a technique used to dribble the ball quickly while maintaining control. It involves running with the ball while keeping it close to your feet. Here’s how you can practice speed dribbling with your child:
- Start by dribbling the ball in a straight line at a slow pace.
- Gradually increase your speed while maintaining control of the ball.
- Practice changing direction quickly while maintaining speed.
- Repeat the process, increasing your speed and improving your control over time.
These fun dribbling drills can help your child improve their soccer skills while having fun. Make sure to practice these drills regularly and encourage your child to practice on their own as well.
Passing
When it comes to soccer, passing is one of the most important skills to master. Not only does it help your child to advance the ball down the field, but it also helps to improve their accuracy, timing, and teamwork. Here are some fun soccer drills to practice passing with your child:
Short passing
Short passing drills are great for improving your child’s accuracy and ball control. To set up the drill, divide the playing area into two parts using cones or other markers. Place two players in each area, facing each other about 10-15 yards apart. One player starts with the ball and tries to pass it to their partner using short, controlled passes. The partner tries to control the ball and pass it back, using short, controlled passes. You can make the drill more challenging by adding a time limit or by requiring players to pass the ball with their weaker foot.
Long passing
Long passing drills are great for improving your child’s accuracy and ball control over longer distances. To set up the drill, divide the playing area into two parts using cones or other markers. Place two players in each area, facing each other about 20-30 yards apart. One player starts with the ball and tries to pass it to their partner using long, accurate passes. The partner tries to control the ball and pass it back, using long, accurate passes. You can make the drill more challenging by adding a time limit or by requiring players to pass the ball with their weaker foot.
Throw-ins
Throw-ins are an important part of soccer, and they can be a great opportunity for your child to gain possession of the ball. To practice throw-ins, have your child stand behind the touchline with the ball at their feet. They should bend their knees and toss the ball onto the field, aiming for a spot about 10-15 yards ahead of them. As the ball is tossed, your child should quickly sprint onto the field and control the ball. You can make the drill more challenging by adding a defender or by requiring your child to pass the ball to a teammate after the throw-in.
Shooting
When it comes to scoring goals in soccer, shooting is an essential skill that every player needs to master. Shooting is not just about kicking the ball towards the goal, but it also involves technique, accuracy, and power. Here are some fun soccer drills that you can practice with your child to improve their shooting skills:
Inside of the Foot
One of the most basic shooting techniques is using the inside of the foot. This technique is used to shoot the ball with accuracy and control. To practice this technique, have your child place the ball on the ground and strike it with the inside of their foot. Encourage them to keep their foot pointed downwards and make contact with the ball using the laces. They should aim to hit the ball towards the far post.
Laces
Another shooting technique is using the laces. This technique is used to shoot the ball with power and accuracy. To practice this technique, have your child place the ball on the ground and strike it with the laces of their foot. Encourage them to keep their foot pointed downwards and make contact with the ball using the laces. They should aim to hit the ball towards the far post.
Volleys
A volley is a shot that is taken while the ball is in the air. This technique requires good timing and foot-eye coordination. To practice this technique, have your child stand about 10-15 yards from the goal and toss the ball in the air. They should control the ball with their first touch and then strike it with the inside or outside of their foot. Encourage them to keep their eyes on the ball and aim for the far post.
These are just a few examples of fun soccer drills that you can practice with your child to improve their shooting skills. Remember to encourage them and provide positive feedback as they progress. With time and practice, they will develop their shooting skills and become a force to be reckoned with on the soccer field.
Advanced Soccer Skills
1v1
One on one (1v1) drills are a great way to improve advanced soccer skills. These drills are designed to help players develop their attacking and defending skills.
Attacking
- The first attacking drill involves a player dribbling towards the goal with a defender trying to stop them. The player must use different moves to get past the defender and score a goal.
- Another attacking drill is the “wall pass.” In this drill, two players pass the ball back and forth using the inside of the foot. The player receiving the ball must control it with their first touch and pass it back to the other player. This drill helps improve ball control and passing accuracy.
- A third attacking drill is the “finishing drill.” In this drill, a player takes shots on goal from different angles and positions. The player must aim for different parts of the goal and use different techniques to score.
Defending
- The first defending drill involves a player trying to steal the ball from an attacker. The attacker must try to dribble past the defender while the defender tries to tackle them and steal the ball.
- Another defending drill is the “offensive tackle.” In this drill, two players are on the field, with one player acting as the attacker and the other as the defender. The attacker tries to score a goal while the defender tries to tackle them and prevent them from scoring.
- A third defending drill is the “possession drill.” In this drill, two players are on the field, with one player acting as the attacker and the other as the defender. The attacker tries to keep possession of the ball while the defender tries to steal it. The drill continues until one player scores a goal or loses possession of the ball.
Small-sided games
Small-sided games are a great way to practice advanced soccer skills with your child. These games are designed to promote creativity, ball control, and quick decision-making, which are essential for advanced soccer players.
3v3
In a 3v3 game, there are three players on each team. This format is ideal for younger children who are just starting to learn the game. It encourages them to get involved in the game and helps them develop their passing, shooting, and ball control skills.
4v4
A 4v4 game involves four players on each team and is a great way to practice more advanced soccer skills. This format encourages players to work together as a team and develop their communication skills. It also helps them to learn how to make quick decisions and adapt to changing situations on the field.
5v5
A 5v5 game is the most advanced small-sided game and involves five players on each team. This format is ideal for older children and teenagers who have more experience playing soccer. It encourages players to use all parts of the field and develop their passing, dribbling, and shooting skills. It also helps them to learn how to work together as a team and make quick decisions under pressure.
Overall, small-sided games are a fun and effective way to practice advanced soccer skills with your child. They provide a challenging and engaging environment that helps players develop their skills and confidence on the field.
Fitness and Conditioning
Agility
- Shuttle runs
- Shuttle runs are a great way to improve your child’s agility and quickness on the field.
- They can be done by having your child run back and forth between two cones, with the distance between the cones getting progressively longer as your child becomes more comfortable with the drill.
- Shuttle runs can be done with or without a ball, making them a versatile drill that can be incorporated into any soccer practice.
- T-drills
- T-drills are another effective agility drill that can be done with or without a ball.
- To perform a T-drill, have your child start at one cone and sprint to another cone that is a certain distance away.
- At the second cone, your child should quickly change direction and sprint back to the first cone.
- The drill can be made more challenging by adding more cones or by having your child touch the ground at specific points during the drill.
- L-drills
- L-drills are similar to T-drills, but instead of running straight to the second cone, your child should run to a third cone that is perpendicular to the first two cones.
- This drill requires your child to make quick and sharp turns, which can help improve their agility and cutting ability on the field.
- Like the other agility drills, L-drills can be done with or without a ball and can be incorporated into any soccer practice.
Strength
Improving strength is crucial for soccer players as it allows them to be more effective on the field. There are several exercises that can help develop strength, including plyometrics, resistance training, and core exercises.
Plyometrics
Plyometrics are explosive exercises that help develop power and speed. Some examples of plyometric exercises for soccer players include:
- Box jumps: These involve jumping up onto a box and then landing softly on the ground. This exercise helps develop leg power and explosiveness.
- Depth jumps: These involve standing at the edge of a box and then jumping down into a squat position. This exercise helps develop leg power and control.
- Agility ladder drills: These involve running and cutting through an agility ladder, which helps develop footwork and explosiveness.
Resistance Training
Resistance training helps build muscle and increase strength. Some examples of resistance training exercises for soccer players include:
- Squats: These involve standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and then lowering your body by bending your knees and hips. This exercise works the legs, glutes, and core.
- Lunges: These involve taking a large step forward with one foot and then lowering your body by bending both knees. This exercise works the legs, glutes, and core.
- Deadlifts: These involve standing with your feet hip-width apart and then bending down to lift a barbell off the ground. This exercise works the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back.
Core Exercises
Having a strong core is important for balance, stability, and power. Some examples of core exercises for soccer players include:
- Plank: This involves holding a push-up position for a set amount of time. This exercise works the entire core.
- Russian twists: This involves sitting on the ground with your knees bent and feet flat and then twisting your torso from side to side. This exercise works the obliques.
- Hanging leg raises: This involves hanging from a bar with your legs straight and then raising them up towards your glutes. This exercise works the lower abs.
By incorporating these exercises into your training routine, you can improve your strength and performance on the soccer field.
Endurance
Endurance is an essential aspect of soccer that involves the ability to maintain a high level of physical activity for an extended period. To improve endurance, there are several fun soccer drills that you can practice with your child. Here are some of them:
- Interval training: This is a type of training that involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by a period of rest. In soccer, interval training can be achieved by running at high intensity for a short period, followed by a period of walking or jogging. For example, you can have your child run for 30 seconds, followed by a 30-second walk, and repeat this pattern for 20 minutes.
- Circuit training: This is a type of training that involves performing a series of exercises in a specific order, with minimal rest in between. In soccer, circuit training can be achieved by setting up a series of cones or obstacles, and having your child run through the course as quickly as possible. For example, you can set up a course that involves dribbling around cones, performing jumping jacks, and running through a tunnel, and have your child complete the course as many times as possible in a set period of time.
- Long-distance running: This is a type of training that involves running for an extended period at a moderate pace. In soccer, long-distance running can be achieved by having your child run for 30 minutes to an hour at a moderate pace, either on a track or on a field. You can also incorporate interval training into long-distance running by incorporating short bursts of high-intensity running into the routine.
Overall, incorporating these fun soccer drills into your child’s training regimen can help improve their endurance and overall fitness level, which can translate into better performance on the soccer field.
Goal Scoring Drills
Finishing in the box
- One-touch
- Volleys
- headers
Finishing in the box is a crucial aspect of soccer that involves scoring goals from within the penalty area. It requires precise technique, timing, and accuracy. The following are some fun soccer drills that can help improve your child’s finishing skills in the box:
One-touch
One-touch is a drill that involves receiving a pass and immediately striking the ball towards the goal without stopping it. This drill helps develop a player’s ability to control and strike the ball with one touch. It also improves their decision-making skills and ability to find the back of the net quickly.
To perform this drill, set up two cones about 20 yards apart. Place a goal or target at one end of the cones. Have your child start at one cone and receive a pass from a partner at the other cone. As soon as they receive the pass, they should take a touch and shoot towards the goal. They should aim to score in one touch.
Volleys
Volleys are a technique used to strike the ball before it reaches the ground. It involves striking the ball with the instep or inside of the foot. This drill helps improve a player’s ability to strike the ball with power and accuracy.
To perform this drill, set up two cones about 20 yards apart. Place a goal or target at one end of the cones. Have your child start at one cone and receive a pass from a partner at the other cone. As soon as they receive the pass, they should strike the ball with a volley towards the goal. They should aim to score in one touch.
Headers
Headers are a technique used to strike the ball with the head. It involves using the correct technique to direct the ball towards the goal. This drill helps improve a player’s ability to head the ball with power and accuracy.
To perform this drill, set up two cones about 20 yards apart. Place a goal or target at one end of the cones. Have your child start at one cone and receive a pass from a partner at the other cone. As soon as they receive the pass, they should head the ball towards the goal. They should aim to score in one touch.
Overall, these fun soccer drills can help improve your child’s finishing skills in the box. They provide a fun and engaging way to practice techniques that are essential for scoring goals in soccer.
Attacking headers
When it comes to scoring goals in soccer, attacking headers are a crucial skill to master. Here are some fun drills to practice with your child to improve their attacking headers:
One touch header
In this drill, the child should start with their back to the goal, with a partner standing in front of them. The partner will throw the ball towards the child’s head, and the child should attempt to head the ball back towards the goal with one touch. This drill can be done with both inside and outside of the foot, and can be made more challenging by adding defenders to the drill.
Jumping headers
This drill involves the child jumping up to head the ball. The child should start with their back to the goal, and the partner should throw the ball high into the air. The child should jump up and head the ball towards the goal. This drill can be done with both inside and outside of the foot, and can be made more challenging by adding defenders to the drill.
Attacking crosses
In this drill, the child should start on the edge of the penalty area, with a partner standing on the wing. The partner will cross the ball into the box, and the child should run onto the ball and head it towards the goal. This drill can be done with both inside and outside of the foot, and can be made more challenging by adding defenders to the drill.
Attacking set-pieces
In this drill, the child should start on the edge of the penalty area, with a partner standing on the wing. The partner will take a free kick or corner kick, and the child should run onto the ball and head it towards the goal. This drill can be done with both inside and outside of the foot, and can be made more challenging by adding defenders to the drill.
By practicing these fun soccer drills with your child, they will develop their attacking headers skills and become more confident in front of the goal.
Attacking one-on-one
- Beating a defender:
- The first drill is designed to help your child practice beating a defender when they are one-on-one.
- This drill involves setting up a cones or poles about 10-15 yards apart, with a defender starting in front of one cone and an attacker starting in front of the other.
- The attacker should dribble towards the defender, then make a move to get past them and score a goal.
- The defender should try to stop the attacker from scoring.
- You can make the drill more challenging by adding more defenders or by having the attacker try to score from different angles.
- Finishing in the box:
- The second drill is designed to help your child practice finishing in the box when they are one-on-one.
- This drill involves setting up cones or poles in the box, with a defender starting in front of one cone and an attacker starting in front of the other.
By practicing these one-on-one drills, your child will learn how to beat a defender and score goals in real game situations. These drills will help improve their ball control, dribbling skills, and finishing ability. Additionally, they will gain confidence in their ability to score goals and become a more well-rounded soccer player.
FAQs
1. What are some fun soccer drills that I can practice with my child?
There are many fun soccer drills that you can practice with your child. Some popular drills include dribbling around cones, playing mini-games like “Red Light, Green Light,” and scrimmaging with a smaller ball. These drills are not only fun for children, but they also help to improve their soccer skills.
2. How can I make sure my child is practicing correctly?
To ensure that your child is practicing correctly, it’s important to demonstrate and explain the proper techniques for each drill. You can also videotape your child during practice and review the footage to provide feedback and identify areas for improvement. Additionally, you can seek the advice of a soccer coach or a more experienced parent to get additional guidance.
3. How often should I practice with my child?
It’s recommended to practice with your child at least once a week, but more frequent practice sessions can be beneficial as well. It’s important to remember that soccer is a physical activity, so it’s important to allow your child to rest and recover between practice sessions.
4. What age should my child start practicing soccer?
Children can start practicing soccer at a young age, but it’s important to consider their physical and cognitive development. For younger children, it’s best to focus on basic movements and ball touches, while older children can work on more advanced skills like dribbling and passing.
5. How can I make practice more fun for my child?
To make practice more fun for your child, you can incorporate games and activities that they enjoy. You can also make practice more competitive by setting up small challenges or contests. Additionally, it’s important to provide positive feedback and encouragement to keep your child motivated and engaged.
