Practice makes a man perfect is something that each of us is aware of. This for sure is applicable to the soccer practice sessions. Every day kids get to the field hoping to do something new and exciting. Nevertheless, it’s imperative that kids practice regularly the old techniques in soccer training as well that have been taught to them.
So here the difficult part for you is to ensure that kids don’t get bored practicing the same drills day in and day out. The following tips should help you carry out practice sessions in a disciplined, exciting, and regular manner.
1. Does this need more emphasis? Kids will learn from you and hence you should be a role model. Be punctual on the field, show them your expertise with the ball, involve everyone in drills, and organize the sessions well. This way you can get the player’s attention, their respect and trust.
2. Instruct the kids to bring their own ball to the field everyday. Every kid is necessarily required to have a soccer ball. But have a few extra balls ready in case the kids forget to carry theirs.
3. Some soccer moves must be practiced everyday without fail. Kicking, passing, dribbling, throw-ins are the essential elements of soccer practice. It’s imperative for the kids to practice these daily without fail. Involve everyone in it and see that even those kids who are apprehensive initially also become a part of it.
4. In soccer drills practice sessions, introduce games more. The reason is that games require much more stamina and dexterity in contrast to drills. Plus, it becomes easier to try out new things as well as concentrate on soccer with games.
5. Regulation is of paramount importance for a team in order to be victorious. With children, it is common to make mistakes. It is mandatory to correct all instances of indiscipline irrespective of their scale. But mind the method since you are dealing with young kids here and not adults.
6. Amidst the action, you will observe that some players do not take active part in the game. You must ensure that this is never the case. All the young players should involve themselves in the game. Instruct the players about their position on the field and make them responsible for it.
7. Do not make them scrimmage a lot. If the players spend 15 to 20 minutes towards the end, it will do. And a goalie is not required in scrimmaging. This will help the team build its defensive skills.
8. Keep looking for new methodologies and games. That is the best way to keep the interest of the kids alive in the training sessions.
Now its time to start putting these tips into action in your soccer practice sessions. These will raise the ability and skills of your players within a short span of few weeks. There is a mass of such youth soccer resources in our youth soccer coaching community. Join it today and you will see your team rise high soon enough.
Andre Botelho is known online as “The Expert Youth Soccer Coach” and his free ebooks and reports have been downloaded more than 100,000 times. Learn how to skyrocket your players’ skills and make practice sessions fun in record time. Download your free ebook at: Youth Soccer Drills.
Tags: practice soccer, soccer coaching, soccer drills, Soccer practice, soccer training, training for soccer