Youth Soccer Drills

Published September 9th, 2007 by Gabby

Youth Soccer Drills- Ball Control

Soccer is the most watched and most played sport in the world. There are an estimated 200 million people that regularly play soccer throughout the world in various countries. Some professionally, while most, kids and adults alike, play the game for fun or amateur competition.
Soccer is a game of skillful control. The more control you have over the ball and the more time you control the ball, the more likely you are to win the game. Youth Soccer Drills are tasks designed to help soccer players improve on their skills through repetition and practice. Without skillful ball control it is difficult to move the ball effectively across the field.  Soccer fitness is also an important part of teaching the game of soccer to kids
One way to begin the process of learning ball control is by using an obstacle course. By learning to manipulate the ball around obstacles, a player can gain tighter control of the ball. Use small posts, or orange cones to create obstacle. The player then has to manipulate the ball around the obstacles without contact in order to successfully complete the course. Tight ball control is probably the single most important factor that makes a soccer player great.
Another very important and common skill required is ball trapping. Using different parts of the body to stop the ball and gain control. Start by having someone throw the ball at a player from different heights and practice getting the ball under control quickly. It is important to be fast because there is not much time in an actual soccer match before the other team is on you.
A good way to practice trapping for a player without a partner is to use a wall. Using a wall give the individual a chance to practice these skills at any time. Stand at about 10-15 feet away from the wall and knock the ball against it and then trap it as it rebounds. This exercise gives the chance to work on both kicking and ball control. As the player gets comfortable, they can start using both feet and incorporate speed by running to meet the oncoming ball.
To learn more on ball control and and soccer drills click here: Youth Soccer Drills

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Published September 1st, 2007 by Gabby

Youth Soccer Drills and Coaching

Youth soccer coaching can prove to be a challenge to the new and experienced coach alike. There are many strategies and Youth Soccer Drills that a coach can use to teach the basic skills to new young players and also to the more advanced athlete.

One of the first challenges that arises especially in the younger age groups is assessing the skill level of the players. At the younger non-competitive age groups there will be quit a mix of skills from the very beginner to the more experienced players. Organization of practices is very important to keep both groups involved and interested in what is being taught.

After a warm-up the technique portion of practice is very important. New players need to be taught the basics of First touch, passing, dribbling, shooting, throw ins, corner kicks and goal kicks. Older more experienced players need to continually practice all of the basics as well. When breaking the team into groups it is best to divide the players evenly with a mix of skill level to give the drill balance. After a 15-20 minute drills session than a scrimmage would give the players time to practice what they have learned and work on playing together. To continue on with more soccer tips click here.

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