Elite soccer drills for kids

The benefit of individual soccer practice for kids

Don’t just practice soccer for the sake of practice as that will not be effective. It is important to understand the outcomes of any training and ensure they are game relevant. Time is limited so aim to achieve as many outcomes as possible. Much of individual soccer training is about touches on the ball and building a relationship with the ball on both feet so that you are comfortable in any position or scenario on the pitch. Repetition is a big part but the soccer drills need to be varied to keep kids interested and having fun. The aim is to build that muscle memory and master the techniques thus raising your game.

Below are 4 varied soccer drills for kids that will focus on the following soccer outcomes which are vital for all kids to master. These soccer practices are all developed by Saul Isaksson-Hurst, an expert technical coach who has worked at Premier League academies and created a unique philosophy that has been proven on hundreds of players.

• Ball Mastery – Be able to manipulate and control the ball. Being comfortable with all surfaces of your feet (inside, outside, sole and laces) as well as your thighs, chest and head which are the other common areas where ball control and manipulation takes place.
• First Touch – Being in control as soon as the ball arrives is vital to keep the ball and make the best decision for your team. You must learn to control that first touch as the ball comes to you on the floor, in the air, at various speeds and angles.
• Turning – The ability to turn your body with and without the football. Football is not about running in straight lines so it’s vital that you learn how to turn with the ball at your feet whilst being in control the whole time
• Dribbling – Using both feet to move the ball closely at your feet in different directions and speeds.
• Running with the ball – take bigger touches whilst running with the ball under control. This is often straight line work focusing on accelerating and decelerating with the ball and reaching top speed with the ball at your feet.
• Ball Striking – A football can be kicked in a number of different ways. Striking with power or creating a curl on the ball using different surfaces of your feet to gain the desired outcome. The key here is the part of the football that is struck along with body position and follow through. Timing is also vital when striking a moving ball or one that is in the air like a volley
• Quick Feet – The pace at which your feet move can be the decisive factor to beat an opponent. Developing quick reflex action with anticipation to make the ball do what you want at speed. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are masters of this.