How to Coach Dribbling in Kids' Soccer

Learning to move comfortably with the ball is perhaps the game's most important skill. When dribbling, a player moves with the ball down the field and past opposing players while avoiding tackles. Changing direction and changing speed are key to beating other players.

Instructions

    • 1

      Take into account the four key aspects of dribbling - foot position, ball position, turning/changing direction, and playing both feet.

    • 2

      Focus on other dribbling skills, including keeping the head up, acquiring a sense of space and keeping the field covered.

    • 3

      Have players avoid keeping the ball right under their feet. Rather, tell them to keep the ball a yard or so in front of them - a distance that allows them to play the ball.

    • 4

      Try a game called Spaceman (see the following three steps).

    • 5

      Create a square on the field, about 30 yards by 30 yards.

    • 6

      Have your players dribble around this square. Tell them they are spacemen, and they need to fill up in the space in the square while they dribble.

    • 7

      Make sure your players are spaced evenly within the square. Players will then learn that when one of them moves out of a space, someone else must move into that space.

    • 8

      Ask your players questions during practice. This will help them keep their heads up and be aware of where other players are.

    • 9

      Assign dribbling in the "doggy bag" (homework) given to players after a practice session.