Weather you are aware or not, in kids soccer drills, dribbling is of utmost significance and you’ll know it if you’ve played it. Dribbling is the art of maintaining control of the ball while moving around in the field. It is one of the first soccer skills taught to the kids at the beginning level.
But the question is how important are the dribbling skills? It’s best to have the kids participate regularly in drills to help them develop dribbling skills. The kids would therefore learn the art of maneuvering the ball well. It’s the skill of dribbling while maintaining contact with the ball which lets you leave behind several opponents in the play ground.
Learn by heart these basic tricks like playing with the ball in order to become a great dribbler. The ability to use the face of their foot is taught in kids soccer drills. It is the front side of their instep that kids use very frequently when they dribble the ball at a great speed.
However, to be a good dribbler, ensure that the kids are expert at using the inside and outside of both feet. In this manner, the kids can manage the possession of the ball regardless of the pressure from the opposite team. Like in case of a hockey stick, train them on using their feet’s both sides.
In soccer drills for kids, make sure kids touch the ball with every move it makes in the field. When dribbling the ball, tap it when it’s in front. This has the effect of increasing the speed of dribbling while allowing kids to retain the ball.
The kids will therefore be able to escape the defending team as soon as they approach the ball to catch it. So start slowly and focus at it during the initial stages to make sure that kids are feeling comfortable with the ball through each step.
Teach young players in youth soccer drills to keep changing the pace. It is not mandatory that kids should be very quick in dribbling to defeat the opposite team. Rather, put the defender to sleep for a moment and then break past the rival with great speed.
Guide the kids to constantly keep an eye on the ball. Kids must keep an eye on the playing field and concentrate on the ball while dribbling.
Assist them in working upon their weak foot. Ensure that the soccer drills for youth consists of the practice of hitting the ball against the wall with the weak foot to effect it’s slow but steady improvement.
When kids find some free time, instruct them to play with the ball.
Teach them to take a seat and rotate the ball from side to side using the weaker foot. The more they do it, the more they will be able to control the ball.
So, there you have it! Kids soccer drills should teach the kids to use their body to defend the ball. When a defender comes near, body should be used to protect the ball. For more such tips on dribbling and other soccer coaching techniques, enroll for our youth soccer coaching community.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andre Botelho is a recognized expert in youth soccer coaching. He influences well over 35,000 youth coaches each year with his unique coaching philosophy, and makes it really easy to explode your players’ skills and make training more fun in record time. To download your free youth soccer coaching guide visit: Kids soccer drills.