How to Coach a Kids' Soccer Practice for Beginners

Having the confidence to move when in possession of the ball is very important for players to grasp at an early stage. Passing comes a little later, once they have developed confidence with the ball.

Things You'll Need

  • Orange Cones
  • Soccer Apparel
  • Soccer Cleats
  • Soccer Shin Guards
  • Soccer Uniforms
  • Sports Referee Whistles
  • Soccer Videos
  • soccer balls
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Instructions

    • 1

      Work out a lesson plan and decide on your objectives before the practice session.

    • 2

      Get to the practice early to prepare yourself, including setting up cones for drills and games.

    • 3

      Divide practices into a gathering activity, warm-up, technical skills (e.g. passing and receiving, ball control), concluding game, and "doggy bag" (assigning homework).

    • 4

      Have players engage in informal soccer games for a gathering activity. This is done 15 minutes before practice begins, for players who arrive early.

    • 5

      Focus on having young players run with the ball, dribble and play one-on-one.

    • 6

      Encourage players to dribble the soccer ball with their heads up. This is a good skill for beginners to work on during the ball-handling section of practice.

    • 7

      Focus on the most basic and common pass, the inside-of-the-foot pass. Stress good form, with a firm foot and the toe up.

    • 8

      Keep games small, with teams rarely going above three or four per side.

    • 9

      Play a concluding game. Divide your team in half and just let them play. You can use this game to stress one of the aspects of the practice, such as passing.

    • 10

      Decide at the end of each session what your players need to work on for their "doggy bag" (individual work outside of practice).

    • 11

      End practice with a team cheer.

    • 12

      Make sure your ultimate goal is always to have fun.