In kids soccer drills, I’m not sure if you know this but someone who’s familiar with the game of soccer knows the importance of dribbling. It’s the ability of the player to move around in the ground with the ball and simultaneously keep it with him. To begin with, kids are trained on this very skill of dribbling.
Now the point is to choose the degree of importance of dribbling skills. If you want your kids to develop dribbling skills, regular drills are the best thing to do. As a result the kids learn the fundamentals to move with the ball in field. It’s the skill of dribbling while maintaining contact with the ball which lets you leave behind several opponents in the play ground.
There are some basic rules to follow and some quality time need to be spent with the ball to be a top dribbler. Kids soccer drills coach the kids to use the surface of their foot. When dribbling at a fast speed, kids will be frequently using the front part of their instep.
However, to be a good dribbler, ensure that the kids are expert at using the inside and outside of both feet. This way they can keep control of the ball irrespective of where the defensive pressure comes from. Like in case of a hockey stick, train them on using their feet’s both sides.
Soccer drills for kids must ensure they touch the ball with every step taken with the ball. Keep the ball ahead of you when you dribbling it. The kids will therefore be able to be in charge of the ball and enhance the dribbling speed along the ball.
The kids will therefore be able to escape the defending team as soon as they approach the ball to catch it. So start slowly and focus at it during the initial stages to make sure that kids are feeling comfortable with the ball through each step.
Players in youth soccer drills should be taught to vary the speed. It's not necessary for the kids to be exceptionally fast to beat the opponent on the dribble. In fact, make the defender get drowsy for a moment and then make your way through the opponents at high speed.
Guide the kids to constantly keep an eye on the ball. When dribbling, it’s critical for the kids to be focused on the ball and also know what’s happening in the ground.
Support them in getting their weak foot better. Soccer drills for youth should include continuous striking of the ball against a wall using the bad foot which will help them improve slowly.
When kids find some free time, instruct them to play with the ball.
Teach them to take a seat and rotate the ball from side to side using the weaker foot. Every time they do it, their capacity to maintain ball’s control will increase.
Here it is for you! In kids soccer drills, they should be taught to guard the ball with their body. The ball should be saved using the body when the defender approaches it. For more such tips on dribbling and other soccer coaching techniques, enroll for our youth soccer coaching community.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andre Botelho is a recognized expert in youth soccer coaching. He influences well over 35,000 youth coaches each year with his unique coaching philosophy, and makes it really easy to explode your players' skills and make training more fun in record time. To download your free youth soccer coaching guide visit: Kids soccer drills.