How to Practice Soccer with Your Kiddo

This article covers how to have fun with your kiddo while practicing basic soccer skills at home. It’s not about how to coach them up, but rather, get some time in practicing the skills they’re likely learning from their soccer coach. Laughing and being silly is required. 

In terms of equipment, see this article, plus its helpful to have cones, but you don’t need them. You can use any other type of obstacle including other balls, up-side-down beach pails, or other toys in these practice scenarios. 

Adjust the practice to match your kiddo's level of experience. If they’re new to the game, keep the practice short and positive so that they’ll want to do it again. If they are more skilled, increase the speed of movement, length of practice, and give them lots of positive encouragement. Simply handling the ball outside of practice with improve their skills more quickly.

Ball Control and Dribbling. The foundation of any soccer player’s skillset is ball control. In this scenario, your kiddo gets the ball and you become an obstacle. Ask them to kick the ball around you in the yard or field. As they become proficient at moving the ball around you, increase the challenge by trying to steal the ball. Go easy for the littles, and give the older kids a run for their money! 
 
As they progress in skill level, ask them to use a pull back and cut back to avoid you (the defender). A pull back is when the player places their foot on top of the ball and pulls it backwards, away from the defender. A cut back is when the player uses the top outside area of their foot to pull the ball back and away from the defender. 

Ball Pass. Stand about 6 feet beside your kiddo and ask them to pass the ball to you. Pass the ball back and forth. When they’re confident and accurate, begin moving the ball up the field by moving ahead 3-4 steps while the other person has the ball, then they will pass it to you. You can begin by stopping movement when the ball is being passed, then add movement the entire time you’re moving up field to make the practice more challenging. 

Shots on Goal. You are now the goalie and your kiddo is a striker. You can designate an area to be the goal with cones or other markers. Ask your kiddo to try shooting a goal from various angles on the field, left, right, and center. Encourage them to spend time on the angle that they are struggling with the most. Keep it positive and let the balls slip past you more frequently than you want to (especially if your competitive side is coming out😊). 

When you’re practicing and your kiddo begins to lose interest, energy, or focus, wrap up the practice time on a positive note and ask them what they love about the sport. Give them a ton of positive feedback and leave the critical coaching to their coach. This time is all about having fun with your kids doing something they enjoy.