Lend me your ears even though you may differ with me on this. It’s important in soccer drills that players are able to have a sense of the game and as such teach them the very basics of soccer. This soccer training should take place before you begin coaching them on more complicated elements of the game or the right way of playing the actual game.
Since you are a soccer coach, the onus lies on you that the players start on a right note. For this reason, coach your players on every important soccer skill forming the basis of the game. Let’s discuss some basic skills in the game that are important for every player to understand.
Teaching the dribbling and shooting techniques to the players: Dribbling and shooting cover the two basic techniques in the game of soccer. These techniques play a critical role in making the players successful in the game. But, for teaching these soccer exercises, you should see that all preparations are made in advance.
Beginning from one end of the field, arrange all players in a straight line with a majority of players placed all over the soccer field.
Afterwards tell them to start. The players must then run around and attempt to catch the ball using their foot while dribbling and shooting it inside the goal on opposite side of the field. These two soccer drills will be easily mastered by the players if they practice it regularly.
Passing the ball and following directions: These two soccer skills have the potential to inculcate team spirit in the players. Soccer after all, is a team sport that should be shared equally between all teammates. The players will find it really difficult to play as a team if they lack good passing skills and fail to understand and follow simple guidelines.
For the purpose of teaching passing skills in the game and making them understand the guidelines, there is a really simple drill. At the start, the entire team should form a single line at either end of the field. At a distance of about 5-10 feet, any one player in the team should stand in front of that line.
As soon as you tell them to start, the first player in the line will endeavor to grab the ball from remaining team mates on field. The moment you tell them to stop, the player with the ball should then pass it to the first one in row. With the help of this soccer practice, players will learn to listen and also follow your directions.
Handling the Ball: It’s for you to teach your team members the ability to maneuver the ball in the field by using their feet along with other parts of body. This has the effect of enabling the players to give a more spontaneous performance on field. An easy way for players to do it is by practicing to stop the ball with the back or bouncing the ball using knees or the head.
These are the soccer drills which go a long way in developing professional soccer players and then allowing them to master the more difficult aspects and actual game skills. Find yourself abundant soccer specific information in form of articles, newsletters, tips, and guides at our youth soccer coaching community. So go ahead and become a member today.
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: Soccer drills.