Soccer is one of the best sports for kids. It helps them stay active, learn teamwork, and have fun. If your child is between 6 and 10 years old, this is a great time to build strong soccer skills in a fun and simple way.
In this article, we’ll go over the best soccer training tips for kids in this age group. These tips are easy to follow and perfect for home, the backyard, or a local field.
1. Make Soccer Fun First
At ages 6 to 10, the most important thing is that soccer feels fun. Kids should enjoy practice and play with a smile.
Tips to keep it fun:
- Use simple games like tag with a soccer ball.
- Turn drills into mini challenges.
- Give lots of encouragement and high fives.
- Don’t focus too much on winning or being perfect.
When kids love playing, they’ll want to practice more and improve naturally.
2. Practice Basic Ball Control
Ball control means being able to stop, move, and keep the ball close.
Try these simple drills:
- Dribble in a straight line: Use cones, toys, or shoes to make a path.
- Toe taps: Tap the top of the ball with the bottom of each foot, switching feet quickly.
- Inside touches: Move the ball side to side using the inside of the feet.
- Dribble around obstacles: Set up cones or bottles and weave the ball around them.
These fun drills help kids feel comfortable with the ball.
3. Teach Simple Passing Skills
Passing is a team skill. Even young players should start learning how to pass the ball with control.
Tips for teaching passing:
- Use the inside of the foot to pass, not the toe.
- Start with short passes back and forth.
- Set up targets to aim at (cones or buckets).
- Practice stopping the ball first, then passing it back.
Make sure kids understand that good passes help the whole team play better.
4. Keep Shooting Practice Easy
Kids love to shoot! Shooting drills are fun and build confidence.
Try these ideas:
- Use a small goal, cones, or even two water bottles as goalposts.
- Let the child practice shooting from different spots.
- Encourage using both feet.
- Don’t worry about power—focus on aim and technique.
Always cheer for effort, even if the ball misses the goal. It helps build confidence.
5. Work on Agility and Movement
Soccer is a fast game. Kids need to be quick on their feet and able to change direction easily.
Fun ways to improve movement:
- Ladder drills: Use chalk or tape to make a “ladder” and have kids step in and out quickly.
- Shuttle runs: Set up two cones and have kids run back and forth.
- Jumping games: Hop on one foot, both feet, or over small cones.
- Soccer tag: Try a game where one child chases others with the ball.
These games help build coordination and speed.
6. Play Small Games Often
Instead of long full-field games, let kids play small-sided games—like 3v3 or 4v4.
Benefits of small games:
- More touches on the ball.
- More chances to pass, shoot, and score.
- Less pressure, more fun.
- Everyone is involved.
You can even play 1v1 or 2v2 at home in the backyard or park.
7. Teach Basic Rules and Teamwork
Kids this age don’t need to know every rule, but it helps to teach the basics like:
- Don’t use hands (except the goalie).
- Stay in bounds.
- Share the ball with teammates.
- Take turns and play fair.
Use simple words and repeat the rules often. Praise teamwork and kind behavior.
8. Keep Practices Short and Simple
Young kids have short attention spans, so soccer training should be short and active.
Practice tips:
- Keep sessions 30–45 minutes max.
- Mix drills with games.
- Give water breaks.
- End on a fun note (like a goal celebration or silly game).
Short, happy practices are better than long, boring ones.
9. Celebrate Improvement
Instead of focusing on mistakes, celebrate small wins:
- “You did a great pass!”
- “That was your best dribble today!”
- “Nice try! You’re getting better!”
Positive feedback helps kids feel proud and excited to come back and play more.
10. Be a Supportive Coach or Parent
Whether you’re coaching or just helping your child at home, remember:
- Be patient.
- Show excitement and cheer.
- Don’t shout or criticize mistakes.
- Help your child believe in themselves.
Your energy and attitude help shape how kids feel about the sport.
Final Thoughts
Soccer training for kids aged 6–10 should be simple, fun, and full of movement. Focus on ball control, passing, shooting, and basic movement games. Keep it positive and exciting, and kids will naturally grow to love the game and improve their skills.
