Youth Soccer Coaching Drill Tips for Kids Under 8

The key to helping young children learn the game of soccer is to give them practice activities that are interesting and fun. Kids love to run and compete, so don't hesitate to challenge them. But remember, do it with a smile on your face and they will have smiles on theirs.

Soccer is a team game and the best way to get your young players to realize this is to get them passing the ball to each other. Set up cones 10 yards apart. Line your young players up on both sides of the cones, facing each other. Have them make four consecutive passes to each other and give them a reward. No, not candy. A sports drink or recognition in front of their teammates that they have done well will bring the desired smile out on your young players.

Teach your players to dribble the ball by setting up a series of cones 5 yards apart, stretching 25 yards. Have each player go to the outside of the first cone and the inside of the second. Keep alternating until they reach the far cone. Then they pass to a teammate who will dribble the ball back the same way.

The most enjoyable part of the game is shooting the soccer ball on net and scoring a goal. You want your players to learn what it takes to be a goal scorer. Instead of having them kick the ball on net from 15 yards out, put large pictures of top soccer stars in the four corners of the net. Have them try to hit those corners because that's how goals are scored. Shoot for the middle and you will likely hit the goalie. It's more fun to shoot for the corners and learn how to score goals. Give everyone a healthy and nutritious snack after practice and tell them how proud of them you are for trying so hard. The result will be a happy group of young players.