Tips to Coach Soccer to Young Kids

Hi Friends,

1. Secure a small practice field for your team. For children ages 7 and under, this field should be between 15 to 25 yards across and 20 to 30 yards long.

2. Each child will need a size 3 soccer ball and a pair of shin guards. Cleats are optional.

3. Start off by teaching the players to kick the ball with the sides of their feet, rather than their toes. Focus only on the technique, not on the direction or accuracy of the kick.

4. Set up cones to form lanes for each child. Instruct the children kick their balls gently across the field to the cones. This will help them to learn ball control.

5. Keep all feedback constructive. Tell them what they did right before advising them how to improve. Always praise the effort.

6. Play a game of "Red Light, Green Light" using your whistle to stop and start the action. This will help them to get accustomed to stopping and starting when a whistle is blown.

7. To teach the proper throw-in technique, line up the players along the sideline of your field with the ball held in both hands. Show them how to raise the ball over their head, and remind them to keep both feet on the ground when throwing.

8. Form two teams and let them scrimmage. This will teach the players the basic flow of a soccer game.

Best Regards
Alexis Allen