Y Talk: Youth Soccer: Development from Your Own Home by Kelly Tyrrell

While the 2020 spring soccer season is on hold and the George B. Stuart Fields are closed for the time being, there are still several ways kids can develop as soccer players outside of their normal training environment. If you own a soccer ball and have kids who are willing to dedicate some of their free time to skill development and fitness, there is still a lot that can be accomplished during this time away from teammates, organized practices and games.

Below, I have shared links to YouTube videos that will help players develop their touch on the ball and their fitness level. You don’t need a soccer field to work on technical skills or to work toward improved fitness. The soccer drills laid out below can be performed in a backyard with a soccer ball and some cones. If you don’t have cones, be creative. You can use shoes, socks, etc.

While performing each of these drills, be sure the players are using both their right and left foot. Too often, players rely on using their dominant foot and neglect the development of their weaker foot.

1) Dribbling Drill

The players should repeat each exercise 4 or 5 times. If some of the techniques are too advanced for the younger players, they can focus on the exercises at the beginning of the workout.