Indoor Soccer Games for Kids

Indoor soccer games can be difficult to facilitate because of a lack of space. However, with the right games, a coach or teacher can utilize the confined space to teach players how to dribble, pass and shoot under heavy traffic on the field. These indoor soccer games are adapted for indoor playing from drills created by soccer coaches on SoccerHelp.com.

  1. Relays

    • This game teaches players to speed dribble, receive the ball aggressively, turn with the ball and pass while running. Divide players into two equal teams. Each team is given a ball. Set up seven cones in a straight line in front of each team. Team members stand in a line and take turns racing around the cones. The object is to dribble to ball around each cone in a figure eight pattern, turn, dribble back the same way and pass to the next person in line who repeats the sequence. Whichever team has all players complete the sequence first wins.

    Squares

    • This game teaches players how to dribble with speed and precision. After progressing with the drill, players should be able to dribble quickly while looking up and watching for opponents. Measure a square that is 10 to 20 steps wide, depending on the age and size of the players. Mark the boundaries with cones. The square should be moderately confined so that players must think creatively to dribble past competitors. All players should have a ball and be spread around the square evenly. When the coach says go, players attempt to dribble in a straight line, make a turn and dribble back to where they started. The goal is to avoid running into other players or losing the ball. This confined space will mimic heavy traffic on a soccer field and teach players to dribble well under pressure.

    Hit the Coach

    • Parents can participate in this game, making it more enjoyable for young players. Every player is given a ball. When the coach blows his whistle, he begins running slowly while the kids attempt to dribble after him and kick the ball at him. This game teaches kids to dribble while looking up, as well as kick the ball accurately to hit a target--much like they would in order to score for a goal. If there are other adults around to help, the players could chase multiple moving targets. A point is scored each time a target is hit. Players should keep their own scores and report them at the end to identify the winner.

    Throw-ins

    • At an indoor court, the coach sets up cone targets at multiple distances. Players stand in a line and go one by one, attempting to throw the ball overhead to each target. The coach watches to see that players are using both hands equally, following through, and throwing it high as they would have to over an opponent’s head. This game teaches players to throw powerfully and accurately.

    Invasion

    • This game is used for younger players, teaching them to dribble and pass well under pressure. Nominate a handful of players to be the “monsters,” who attempt to steal the ball from the other players by chasing them around the field. Monsters can steal the ball any way they would like, as long as they do not hurt other players. This will make it more difficult for players and force them to think creatively to escape. If the players are really young, only the coach acts as the monster to teach players how to pass and dribble.