How to Teach Soccer Skills to Kids

Teaching soccer to children requires patience, familiarity with the fundamentals of the sport and an emphasis on learning over winning. While teaching, you must set a positive tone for the activities while still gently pushing the kids to improve their skills. Maintaining a positive attitude and focusing on the fundamentals will go a long way towards improving children's confidence and skill on the pitch.

Things You'll Need

  • Youth soccer balls
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Instructions

    • 1

      Form a lesson plan for your kids based around games instead of soccer "drills." For example, instead of making them do laps while dribbling, encourage them to see how fast they can make it across the line without losing control of the ball. Offer positive reinforcement for their effort, not necessarily their performance. This is especially important for those kids who may not have a natural talent for soccer.

    • 2

      Practice the fundamentals first and foremost so the kids can gain a sense of confidence handling the soccer ball. Dribbling and passing are two of the most important skills in the game, so focus on these first until the kids seem comfortable doing more advanced dribbles and ball work.

    • 3

      Make sure every kid gets equal time and attention while on the pitch. Try to keep the number of touches, or individual possessions, about equal. Have at least one ball for each player on hand at any time to ensure each child is allotted ample practice time.

    • 4

      Encourage the children to make mistakes while learning, and reinforce their initiative. Offer supportive phrases like "Great effort, give it another shot!" An open atmosphere devoid of judgment will go a long way to making the children comfortable trying out new skills that they may not have mastered yet. Push them to try new things and be sure to offer your support and advice when it is warranted.