SOCCER TRAINING DRILLS AND STRATEGIES FOR 5 YEARS AND BELOW

EGG HUNT

Young kids love playing games, but they also lose interest quickly if it becomes too complex.

So one has to change the rule guidelines a bit quite often so as to retain their interest in the game. The most difficult part is giving out instructions. If the instructions are not broken down to simple processes, they find it harder to follow them. Basically, the aim of any soccer drill is to pick an aspect of soccer such as dribbling or shooting and then develop a drill based on that.

One of the easiest methods for young kids to absorb soccer drills is that each one of them be given a ball to kick and dribble around. They should then be given a variety of games. The game "egg hunt" is ideal for those who are 6 years and below.

Get a number of soccer balls (identified as eggs) and spread them across the field. The objective is try and get the maximum number of eggs in to the goal (identified as the basket) in the shortest period of time. Now get them ready and let them loose. As the players are in the same team, they are not supposed to steal the ball from their colleagues. If they do it, they will be penalized for the same. The final winner is who can score as many eggs into the basket in the shortest possible time.

SIDE TO SIDE BALL JUMPS

In soccer, to come up with a super kick, you need not only balance but also have composure as well. In other words, your other foot is equally important so as to control the kick or your pass. By achieving a balance with your supporting foot, you will achieve great power with your kick

One of the important aspects to remember while teaching soccer to kids is that you have to remember that they are kids first and that they require to be taught basic skills first before moving on to more complex moves. So it is important that they learn these essential skills first

This drill is very good for kids who are 5 years and below and helps the child to develop quicker feet. Each child should be given a ball and all the children should participate. Make each kid stand at the side of the ball and constantly jump over the ball from left to right. The jumps can also be either from front and back over the ball. When they complete 8 jumps, they should reverse the pattern (i.e., jump from the opposite side) and shout done when they complete. These timings should be monitored and those who finish the jumps in the quickest possible time should be declared the winner. You can change the number of jumps according to age.

This game gives them a sense of balance and greater body control.

TOE TAPS

One of the important aspects of soccer is the development of soccer skills at an early age. This can be developed by practicing soccer drills’ repetitive techniques and through observation. With time, the player builds the self confidence that is so essential and the motion gradually becomes natural to him. Most kids are not interested in game-tactics or formations. What they want to do is to kick the ball quickly and keep on doing it.

This drill is good for those kids who are 5 years and below. Each child is given a ball to start with and is sure to get a lot of toe touches.

Place the soccer ball in front of the child. At the word go, they would have to touch the soccer ball with the soles of their feet while alternating the feet after each touch. You can also add a variety to the drill by asking them to move the ball a bit forward or to the side as they touch the ball. Although the kids might take some time to get used to this drill, the whole objective of the game is to get them comfortable with the ball so as to develop a good rhythm while playing soccer. Ask them to 20 touches and monitor each players times and the winner would be the one who completes this drill in the quickest time.