Hello Soccer Parents,
One of the beautiful aspects of soccer is that you can practice it almost anywhere, and home is no exception! With the right exercises, your U14 boys can effectively hone their skills, even outside of formal training sessions. This blog post will walk you through some simple yet effective soccer drills that your young players can do at home.
Ball Mastery Drills
- Toe Taps: This drill helps improve foot speed and ball control. Have your child stand over the ball and quickly tap the top of it with the bottom of their foot, alternating feet with each tap.
- Foundations: Another great drill for ball control, foundations involve passing the ball between the insides of your feet, moving it back and forth quickly.
- Sole Rolls: This drill helps players get comfortable using the bottom of their feet to control the ball. Have your child stand with the ball in front of them, use the bottom of one foot to roll it towards the other, then stop it with the other foot.
Dribbling Drills
- Cone Dribbling: Set up a line or a zigzag pattern of cones (or any household items if cones aren’t available), and have your child dribble through them, using both feet and various parts of the foot.
- Cut-backs: This drill involves dribbling the ball in a straight line, then using the inside of the foot to cut the ball back sharply and change direction.
- Turns: Practice different types of turns such as the Pull Back, Inside Hook, and Outside Hook. These drills help enhance control and agility.
Passing and Receiving Drills
- Wall Passes: Have your child stand a few yards away from a wall and pass the ball against it, practicing controlling the rebound with one touch. They can use both feet and different parts of the foot.
- Throw and Volley: Your child throws the ball in the air and volleys it straight back up, aiming to keep the ball airborne for as long as possible. This improves their first touch and control.
Shooting Drills
- Target Practice: Set up a target in your yard, like a small goal or a couple of cones, and have your child practice shooting at it from various distances and angles.
- Power vs. Placement: Encourage your child to experiment with different types of shots – sometimes powerful shots aiming for the corners, and sometimes more precise shots aiming to bypass imaginary defenders.
Physical Conditioning Drills
- Juggling: While primarily used to improve touch and control, juggling the ball can also be a great way to improve balance and coordination.
- Sprints: Set up two markers about 20-30 yards apart. Have your child sprint from one to the other, rest for a few seconds, and then repeat. This helps improve speed and endurance.
Remember, the aim of these drills is not just to improve your child’s soccer skills but also to keep them active and engaged. Always encourage them to try their best, learn at their own pace, and most importantly, have fun.
See you on the practice field (or the living room)!
Coach Mick
