Soccer is soccer, right? The game is the same no matter if the players are 5 or 15. But you can’t coach a 5 year old the way you do a teen. Kids have to reach their developmental stages both physically and mentally. Kids soccer drills should be designed to fit the average stage for the age group.
You may notice your youngest players have difficulty passing. It is not just a coordination issue – it’s a physiology issue. They can’t lock their ankles yet, making it difficult to keep the ball going where they want it to, and also more susceptible to injuries. Passing is an integral part of soccer, but kids soccer drills should focus on the skill in brief intervals rather than a constant 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
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The age and skill level of your players should always be the guide when planning soccer practice drills. You want to challenge players so they will learn, but a drill that is too complex will only confuse them. Along the same lines, a too-simple practice will bore them and lose their focus. Always plan your practice in advance to be prepared, but take cues from your players and have a couple of fun back-up games ready in case you need to regain or redirect their attention.
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