How to Develop Use of Both Feet in Youth Soccer Players

Soccer is a two-footed game. Although children naturally gravitate toward using one foot, it is extremely important to actively encourage the use of both feet.

Things You'll Need

  • Soccer Balls
  • Soccer balls
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Instructions

    • 1

      Narrow in on the task. Play games that require using the nondominant foot only.

    • 2

      Practice shooting with the nondominant foot. In informal games, award more points for use of that foot.

    • 3

      Alternate the sides on which you defend players, thus forcing them to use both feet.

    • 4

      Encourage a right-footed child to play the left side of the field, or vice versa, in games or practice, which puts the focus on the nondominant foot.

    • 5

      Make sure your child's coach works on developing both feet, in part by playing children on both sides of the field.

    • 6

      Give extra praise when a player uses, or attempts to use, the nondominant foot. Say, "I like the way you played that ball with your left (or right) foot."

    • 7

      Refer to the nonpreferred foot as the "other" foot, not as the "weak" or "bad" foot.

    • 8

      Be patient. It is a challenging task to become skilled at using both feet.