Soccer Skills & Practices for Preschool Age Kids

In many ways, learning the game of soccer is like learning a language: The earlier someone begins learning it, the easier it is. The odd skill set soccer requires--using your feet to control the ball rather than your hands--can be better grasped if players learn it at a young age. Therefore, teaching preschool-aged kids the basics of soccer and having them practice these skills will better allow them to grow into the sport affectionately known as "the world's game."

  1. Kicking (Strong Foot)

    • By the time a child has reached preschool, he (and his parents) will know what his dominant hand is. He may not be fully aware of what his dominant foot is, which for soccer is a good thing. That said, one foot will feel better than the other to work with, and this is the foot that preschoolers should learn to kick with first.

      The main object of teaching preschool kids the skill of kicking with their strong foot is to kick with any part of the foot, except their toe. Practice kicking the ball to the preschooler and having her kick it back. Reinforce through example, using all parts of the foot excluding the toe.

    Kicking (Non-Dominant Foot)

    • The advantage of teaching kids the game of soccer at preschool age is that they can learn to adapt. It's crucial to also teach them to use their non-dominant foot to kick the ball so they are comfortable using both feet. When they are first learning the game, it's fine to have them kick with any part of their non-dominant foot; the goal is to just get them used to using it. In time, as the feeling becomes more natural, they can further develop their skills with that foot.

      A great practice to do with a preschooler is to have him kick the ball at a target, only using his non-dominant foot. The target can be the goal, a wall or anything simple and big. Have the child start about 30 to 40 feet away and see how many kicks it takes him to hit the target.

    No Hands

    • Soccer is a game that doesn't allow players to use their hands. This goes against a child's natural instinct, especially if an object is coming toward her in the air. Get preschool-aged kids used to using their body to control a soccer ball rather than their hands.

      Start by gently tossing a ball to the child from a foot or two a way and have her use her knee to try to hit the ball. Move on to having her try to use her thigh and stomach to "catch" the ball. Then, have her watch you use your head to head the ball into the air. Ask if she would like to try, and have her head the ball out of your hands. These drills are designed to get children comfortable with the ball and understand that they can control the ball, rather than be scared of it.