Individual Soccer Drills for Kids

Soccer training for kids should be fun and rewarding in order to develop a love and enthusiasm for the game. Drills that are too intensive can sometimes discourage a young player from practicing. Individual drills should be taught so that the kids can practice alone, but it is the role of the coach to demonstrate the correct way to perform the drill in order that the youngster gets the most benefit from the exercise.

  1. Off The Wall

    • Give each kid a ball and have them stand in a row, spaced about five feet apart, facing a wall five feet away. They begin by kicking the ball against the wall so that it rebounds back at them. They then take one touch to control the ball and kick with their other foot. Ensure that they use alternate feet each time they kick the ball, so that they don’t begin to rely too heavily on their stronger foot. Encourage them to kick the ball low, so that it bounces back to their feet.

    Off The Wall Juggling

    • This is a slightly trickier version. Have the young players stand in a row, but this time they should be three feet from the wall. They should begin with the ball in their hands, before dropping the ball so that it bounces. They then kick the ball on the bounce and attempt to keep it off the ground by kicking it on each rebound before it lands. Encourage them to use alternative feet.

    Keep Ups

    • Keep ups are popular with players of all standards. The great thing about this drill is that it can be done simply or elaborately depending on the skill level of the player. The objective is to keep the ball off the ground for as long as possible without using hands. It’s a great way of developing ball control, balance and creativity. Have the young player start by bouncing the ball, then they must gently kick the ball up as many times as possible, using alternate feet. Encourage them to use only a delicate touch in order to retain control. This is a drill that can be practiced without any other equipment, so kids can do it in the garden at home.

    Individual Turning Drill

    • Use the sole of the boot to drag the ball back.

      This drill requires a little space. Starting off with the ball at his feet, have the young player run in a straight line with the ball towards a marker. When they reach the marker, they must stop the ball with their strong foot, drag it behind them using the sole of their foot, turn and return to the starting point before repeating.

    Chest Control Drill

    • The young player simply throws the ball against the wall, then controls the ball by letting it hit the chest, before finally controlling it with the foot. The trick here is to use the chest to absorb the movement of the ball so that it doesn’t bounce away.