SOCCER DRILLS
Practice Do's and Don'ts:
Do Make Practice Fun
Do Plan a "Theme" for Each Practice
Don't Spend a Lot of Time Talking
Do Try to Emphasize Correct Techniques
Do Maximize Each Player's Ball Time
Don't run a lot of laps for conditioning
Do exercise
with the ball
Do Drills in Groups of 3-4 Players
Don't Spend a Lot of Time in Lines
Do Praise Publicly and (Constructively)
Criticize Privately
Do Take the Class F license course this
summer |
The TPSC thanks
(and recommends)
Coaching Cards for Soccer
for its support of
youth
soccer in our community!
 |
Under 8 and 10
Introduce basic soccer skills and let it be fun!
1. Kicking
-proper stance relative to ball
-distance (players standing 20-50 feet apart)
-accuracy (kick ball between cones or in goal of
different width)
-kick stationary and moving ball
-as skills develop try moving targets and
non-dominant leg (can be difficult)
2. Passing
-proper technique (inside of foot)
-accuracy (pass to others players or between
cones). Try to hit target
-pass ball among players in circle - call name of
player to receive ball
-as skills develop try moving targets and
non-dominant leg (can be difficult)
3. Ball control (soft touch)
-receive ball with control (feet, thighs,
chest-learn one, then move if ready)
-receive ball on bounce (trapping)
-receive rolling ball
-receive ball on fly
4. Heading (must use forehead not top of head)
-form small circles and gently throw ball to
forehead; use a soft ball at first
-player must hit ball with forehead not vise
versa
-only introduce to U8 when ready-U10 should learn
proper techniques and strive for some degree of accuracy
5. Dribbling (player should be in contact with ball at
all times)
-dribble with dominant foot
-dribble around/between other players or cones
(do slowly initially)
-ball control is essential here
6. Throwing ball from outside
-hold ball above and slightly behind head equally
with both hands; thumbs and hands should form "W"
-MUST keep both feet on the ground and behind the line
for the overhead toss; referees will always call foul throws
-U10, throw for accuracy and distance
When playing soccer, tackle the ball not the player with
the ball. Remember that soccer is a non-contact sport and kids are breakable.
Click here for an
example of a coaching Theme
|
The Tiburon Public
Library has tons of Videos and Books on soccer technique, drills and
coaching tips. They're always popular, so get there early. Other Marin
libraries also have coaching materials; as does Sunset Soccer, which
also has a variety of coaching supplies. |
Under 12 and above
Skills which were introduced in the lower age levels
should be perfected. Successful performance will depend on the skill of the
individual player. All players at this level should know the basic skills,
and should try to develop them further.
1. Kicking
-proper stance relative to ball is mandatory.
Players should all be kicking with their insteps (not their toes)
-distance (players standing 50-100 feet apart)
-accuracy (kick ball between cones or in goal of
different width)
-kick stationary and moving ball
-kick to moving targets and with non-dominant leg
-kick ball along ground or in the air
-balls above shoulder should be headed and not
kicked at
2. Passing
-proper technique (inside foot, instep and
outside foot-depends on skill level)
-accuracy (pass to other players or between
cones). Try to hit target
-pass ball among players in circle - call name of
player to receive ball
-hit moving targets and use non-dominant leg
3. Ball control (soft touch)
-receive ball with control (feet, thighs, chest
and head)
-receive ball on bounce (trapping - inside or
bottom of foot)
-receive rolling ball
-receive ball on fly (leg, thigh, chest and head)
4. Heading with control
-accuracy
-power and quickness
-juggling by self and with others using all parts
of body (except hands)
5. Dribbling (player should be in contact with ball at
all times)
-dribble with dominant and non-dominant foot
-dribble around and between other players or
cones (speed and accuracy)
-ball control is essential here (ball should not
be more that 1-3 feet away)
6. Throwing ball from outside
-throw for accuracy and distance
7. Shooting (power and accuracy)
-penalty kicks (develop strategy, and use most
accurate kickers in games)
-kick with spin on ball (deceives goalkeeper,
gets ball to teammate)
-tack advantage of goalkeeper's malposition
8. Tackling (tackle ball not player with ball)
-slide tackle ball
9. Goalie (good hands and court sense)
-position self between goal and ball to limit
shooting angle of attacking player
-always be 5-8 feet in front of goal but watch
for overhead lobs. This position is necessary to limit the shooting angle.
Never stand on goalline except for penalty
-goalie can see the entire field and should direct defensive alignment to
provide obstacle to the shooter and limit shooting angle.
At this level of soccer, players should play assigned
positions, and should be used at their best positions (i.e. forward, half line,
back, goalie). Players should exhibit good court sense, deceptions, skills,
accurate short passing, control dribbling, give and go, verbal and non-verbal
communication among team members. Players should know strengths and weaknesses
of teammates and should utilize their strengths and compensate for their
weaknesses. Good sportsmanship is a must at this level - acknowledge good plays
and encourage lesser players. Remember, the chain is as strong as its weakest
link.
See:
Coaching Themes
Soccer Skills
Fun Games to Start Practice |
