Ball control
Build comfort with stops, turns, close touches, and protecting the ball.
Where to start
Allow time with a ball before increasing speed or pressure. Then connect the movement to an exit, a teammate, or an opponent so it becomes a soccer decision. Compare a player with their own earlier attempt rather than the fastest child in the group.
11 resources
Island hopping ball control
Island hopping ball control: a practical youth soccer activity for 4–10 players, with setup, instructions, easier and harder variations.
Inside-outside touch lane
Inside-outside touch lane: a practical youth soccer activity for 2–12 players, with setup, instructions, easier and harder variations.
Sole-roll gate changes
Sole-roll gate changes: a practical youth soccer activity for 2–10 players, with setup, instructions, easier and harder variations.
Pullback and find space
Pullback and find space: a practical youth soccer activity for 2–10 players, with setup, instructions, easier and harder variations.
Side-on shielding and release
Side-on shielding and release: a practical youth soccer activity for 2–12 players, with setup, instructions, easier and harder variations.
U6–U8 practice: get comfortable with the ball
A 45-minute U6–U8 soccer practice with three activities, timed transitions, a final game, and a clear coaching focus.
U9–U10 practice: get comfortable with the ball
A 60-minute U9–U10 soccer practice with three activities, timed transitions, a final game, and a clear coaching focus.
U11–U12 practice: get comfortable with the ball
A 75-minute U11–U12 soccer practice with three activities, timed transitions, a final game, and a clear coaching focus.
U6–U8 practice: keep the ball when space gets tight
A 45-minute U6–U8 soccer practice with three activities, timed transitions, a final game, and a clear coaching focus.
U9–U10 practice: keep the ball when space gets tight
A 60-minute U9–U10 soccer practice with three activities, timed transitions, a final game, and a clear coaching focus.
U11–U12 practice: keep the ball when space gets tight
A 75-minute U11–U12 soccer practice with three activities, timed transitions, a final game, and a clear coaching focus.