The players who improve fastest aren’t always the most talented. They’re the ones who touch the ball between practices. Ten to fifteen minutes a day at home adds up to hundreds of extra touches a week. Here are seven drills we give our own players. All you need is a ball and a little space.
1. Toe taps
Tap the top of the ball lightly with the bottom of one foot, then the other, switching quickly. Start slow and aim for 30 seconds without losing the ball, then speed up. This builds quick feet and balance.
2. Inside-inside (the “bell”)
Pass the ball back and forth between the insides of both feet, staying on the balls of the feet. Keep the ball close and look up every few touches. Count how many you can do in 30 seconds.
3. Sole rolls
Roll the ball side to side across your body with the sole of your foot, then switch feet. Then try rolling it back toward you and pushing it forward with your laces. This is the base of almost every turn and move.
4. Wall passes
Find a wall or a garage door (ask first!). Pass with the inside of the foot, control the ball when it comes back, and pass again. Use both feet. As it gets easier, try one-touch passes and stand farther back.
5. Cone or shoe slalom
Set up five or six cones, cups or shoes about a big step apart. Dribble through them using only the outside of one foot, then only the inside, then the other foot. Time it and try to beat your record, without knocking anything over.
6. Juggling
Drop the ball onto your foot and kick it back up. Younger players can let it bounce once between touches. Write down your record and try to beat it each week. Juggling builds touch and focus like nothing else.
7. Turn and go
Dribble toward a line, then turn the ball back using a pull-back (sole), an inside cut or an outside cut, and dribble away fast. Do five of each turn with each foot. Turns are what help players escape pressure in games.
How to make it stick
- ✓Keep it short: 10 to 15 minutes is plenty.
- ✓Use both feet, always. The weaker foot gets better faster than kids expect.
- ✓Track records on the fridge: juggles, toe taps in 30 seconds, slalom time.
- ✓Play with them. Kids practice more when a parent or sibling joins in.
Keep it going all winter
At Peace Soccer School we build these same skills at every practice, and our winter indoor program at Teamworks in Seekonk keeps players touching the ball between the fall and spring seasons. Players who keep working through the winter start the spring a step ahead.
