Drills for soccer can be successfully carried out only when the fun part tops the priority list and it’s really surprising how convenient it is for coaches to overlook it. In the absence of fun, kids will not be encouraged to play. But still, the coaches keep on visiting the field everyday and train their kids on these drills as if they are classroom talks.
The soccer drills lack any novelty, originality, and a special touch that is so important. Consequently, the players fail to grow up as great players and even worse, choose to quit the game of soccer. On the other hand, drills that are difficult to perform will be readily accepted by kids when they know they’ll enjoy doing them.
Also, take account of various outdoor games and activities in addition to the regular drills. This not only brings variety to the regimen but also sustains their interest in the game. The important thing to note is that the games should be ones that inculcate quick thinking, build strength, and endurance.
I would not be surprised if, by this time, you’ve managed to get all the necessary equipment needed to execute a few individual exercises. This should be preferably done although, it requires you to spend a good deal of time to first get it, and then put it together. Hence, it’s better to shun this practice when you’re not teaching anything specific.
While carrying out the drills, see to it that they’ve got a ball all the time. Almost all the soccer exercises are to be performed with a ball. Only then will they improve their dribbling, passing, and other skills.
Keep on monitoring the system used by the players. It is important to correct them when they make a mistake. Otherwise, they will get used to wrong approaches.
Another trend that puts off the kids of drills for soccer is making long speeches in briefings. This is totally unacceptable. Their only focus should be on playing soccer.
You can take a 10 minute session that focuses on the important points that you want discussed and prepare these points in advance.
A tested practice that always makes the sessions interesting for the kids is dividing them equally into various teams in soccer practice. But the only disadvantage with this approach is that the kids might get hostile towards each other. This is where your skill as a coach will come into play.
Moreover, never adopt the system of punishment or prize. That is unnecessary. The purpose is to make the players more competitive.
Last but not the least; ensure that every player has a ball to play. The fact that we are considering that kids must enjoy playing while learning the game of soccer must also include this as extremely urgent. You will become a successful coach only by keeping in mind all these simple points.
What’s it that telling you to stop? Get on the field and enjoy these drills for soccer along with your kids by being a part of them. Join our youth soccer coaching community that has tons of helpful information relevant to youth soccer in terms of videos, articles, and newsletters.
Andre Botelho is a recognized authority in youth soccer coaching and has already helped thousands of youth coaches to dramatically improve their coaching skills. Learn how to explode your players’ skills and make training fun by downloading your free ebook at: Fun Soccer Drills.