Football is more than just a sport—it’s a fantastic way to boost kids' self-confidence, coordination, and teamwork. So, introducing football techniques to children at an early age can establish the groundwork for a lasting passion for the game and, who knows, maybe even help create the next Ronaldo!
In this short blog, we’ll cover four essential football skills that every young player should master. Each skill includes easy-to-follow instructions to help them get better with practice, as demonstrated by Zaleto Soccer. Thanks Zaleto!
Introducing young footballers to the four fundamental techniques—Boxing, Stop Turn, Scissors and Juggling—will lay the groundwork for their progress in the game. Remember to keep things fun and engaging during practice sessions, celebrating their achievements along the way. The key to mastering football skills is consistent practice and plenty of encouragement!
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Step 1: Boxing (a.k.a. "Penguin Feet")
The first skill to teach your little one is "Boxing," a fun technique that helps kids improve their ball control using the inner parts of their feet. Also known as "Penguin Feet" due to the side-to-side shuffle players make, it’s a great way to build confidence on the ball.
How to Teach Boxing:
- Have your child stand with the ball in front of them.
- Encourage them to use the inner part of their feet to gently pass the ball back and forth between their feet.
- Once they get the hang of it, ask them to do 20 boxing taps in a row as fast as possible. This will not only enhance their agility but also boost their endurance and concentration.
- As they become more comfortable, have them start moving around while practising the boxing technique. This helps them gain better ball control while on the move—perfect for real-game situations!
Step 2: The Stop Turn
The ability to stop and turn is essential in football. It allows players to quickly change direction while keeping control of the ball. It’s a great skill for learning how to protect the ball from opponents. Here are some tips on how to effectively teach this skill.’
How to Teach the Stop Turn:
- Start by having your child sprint towards the ball and then stop by placing their foot on top of it.
- Teach them to jump over the ball, leave it behind, and quickly turn to face another direction.
- Once they’ve mastered that, guide them to spot a target (like a wall or another player) and kick the ball in that direction. This exercise will help them grasp the concept of using their body position to protect the ball from opponents.
- Once they’ve got the hang of moving, they should be prompted to try out the Stop Turn while dribbling.
This will mimic real game scenarios and teach them how to manoeuvre when facing pressure.
Step 3: Scissors
The Scissors move is a great way for kids to learn how to trick defenders and dribble past them. It requires players to step around the ball and use their feet to push it in the direction they want to go.
How to Teach the Scissors:
- To work on the scissors technique get your child to position themselves by the ball. They should pivot around it using one foot and then swiftly follow up with the foot.
- Once they’re comfortable with the motion, encourage them to pick up speed and perform the move while in motion.
- Motivate your child to repeat this move until they gain confidence. It's a skill that aids in dribbling while also enhancing coordination and balance.
Step 4: Juggling
Inspired by Karate Kid Daniel's son, Juggling is a fantastic way to develop ball control and coordination. It may seem tricky at first, but with practice, young athletes will start to get the hang of it and improve their skills.
How to Teach Juggling:
- Start by having your child drop the ball from their hands and kick it back up to themselves. Motivate them to use their feet and concentrate on keeping the ball in the air for a longer period.
- Encourage them to see how many times they can juggle without the ball hitting the ground. This is a fun challenge that will improve their ball handling and boost their confidence over time.
As they practice juggling, your players will improve their focus and hand-eye coordination, giving them a solid edge in their football skills. This practice will contribute to their growth as well-rounded players.
Introducing these four key techniques—Boxing, Stop Turn, Scissors, and Juggling—will set them up for success. Keep practice fun, celebrate progress, and encourage consistent effort to master these skills.
Last but not least, a big thanks to Zaleto for this fantastic beginner’s skills video, which helps players and coaches to become their best. And make sure you follow Zaleto on Facebook and Youtube.
If your children's football business is growing and you’re feeling a little overwhelmed with the admin, consider using an all-in-one solution like Enrolmy. We’ve got you covered with all the features you need to streamline enrolments, payments and on-the-ground operations—all in one place. From managing player registrations to handling invoicing and secure transactions, Enrolmy helps you focus on what matters most: coaching your team and running successful sessions.
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