If you want to help a player improve their soccer skills at home there are some fundamental drills for beginners, I would recommend you teach to help a beginner make progress.
The skills I will recommend are generally needed to help players develop an appreciation of the ball, the ability to manipulate the ball with different parts of the foot and to control and receive the ball.
With time and practice, a beginner should develop their confidence to handle the ball under different levels of pressure.
What are the 5 soccer drills beginners can do at home?
- Ball Mastery: I would suggest players work on a few different moves that allow them to manipulate the ball with different parts of the foot and help to develop their overall balance and coordination.
- Dragging: This is a skill that is not often talked about but it is really useful for creating angles and opportunities for players to shoot, cross, and pass.
- Turning: This skill helps a player get out of tight situations, eases pressure on the ball carrier, and changes the picture that the ball carrier sees.
- Running with the Ball: A basic video drill will be provided so that players can practice against the clock to see if their ball skills are improving.
- Passing and Receiving: Players are always receiving to do something (dribble, pass, turn) which makes this skill one of the most important skills to learn.
This article will discuss each of the skills in a little more detail and then present some short video routines that players could do themselves at home or with the help of a parent. The exercises are designed to help a beginner make progress in their ability to handle the ball.
There are some trickier moves provided in the videos, but with time, patience, and practice, players will see an improvement in their ability to handle the ball, which should help to prepare them for competitive game-like situations. I must thank my son for offering to do the videos and for demonstrating his skills, he is a little legend. He loves the idea of having his videos online.
Soccer Skills To Help Beginners
Using Ball Mastery: This is a series of basic ball skills coaches can start with to help develop a player’s ability to move the ball in different directions, speed up and slow down the movement of the ball, and manipulate the ball with different parts of the foot. Ball mastery is excellent for developing a player’s feel for the ball and familiarizes them with how the ball will respond to heavy and light touches thus helping to evolve a player’s first touch.
Ball mastery is physically demanding so it is great for developing a player’s general fitness levels as well as their balance and coordination. The physical and technical demands of ball mastery will help a player to develop body awareness.
Ball Mastery Tips
The ball mastery drills for beginners techniques are found in the video as follows:
- PULL PUSH: The player places the right sole on top of the ball drags it back over then pushes it forward with the toes of the same foot. The player then repeats this with the left foot
- PULL PULL PUSH: This time the player places their right foot on the ball, pulls it back two times using the sole of the foot then pushes it forward with the toes of the same foot. The player then repeats on the left foot
- TOE TAPS: The player taps the top of the ball using the sole of the feet in an alternate fashion
- DOUBLE TOE TAPS: The player taps the ball twice using the sole of the foot on the right then twice using the sole of the foot on the left
Ball Mastery Moves Continued
- SIDE SPRINTS: The player keeps tapping the ball side to side using the inside of both feet. The player can be encouraged to move forwards and backward using only that action
- SIDE SPRINTS x 3, OUTSIDE TOUCH: The player touches the ball with the insides of the feet three times (left foot, right foot, left foot) then on the fourth touch they use the outside of the right foot to shift the ball. The sequence then becomes (right foot, left foot, right foot) then on the fourth touch they shift the ball with the outside of the left foot
- TRIANGLE: The player starts with their right foot on top of the ball and drags behind the standing leg, then pushes it past the standing leg with the inside of the right foot, the player then pulls the ball back across their body with the sole of the leg foot and that is one cycle of the triangle. This technique is repeated but starting with the left foot on the ball
Dragging the Ball and Turning with the Ball
The skill of dragging is really useful for helping players create space to complete an action when they are under pressure from opponents. For example, dragging the ball moves can be used to help a player create some space to shoot, cross, or pass the ball. When coaching these moves players must be encouraged to move the ball out of their feet with the touches they take.
Being able to shift the ball from one foot to the other can help to unbalance the defender which allows the ball carrier additional time and space to complete their next action.
When players begin to use these drag moves in games coaches must discuss changing or varying the speed of the touch that changes the direction of the ball. For example, if a player takes two touches with the inside of the foot these could be slow to draw in the defender then the outside of the foot touch happens quickly, this is the moment that creates the time and space for the player to escape or complete their action.
Playing with your eyes up is another coaching tip to keep reinforcing to beginners, as these moves tend to make players play with their heads down until they become coordinated.
Dragging Moves for Soccer At Home
The dragging moves drills for beginners are found in the video as follows:
OUTSIDE INSIDE (BOTH FEET): The player takes a touch with the outside of their right foot, they then take their second touch with the inside of the right foot but push the ball across the body then take the next touch with the outside of the left foot. Next, the player touches the ball back across the body with the inside of the left foot and we are back to the start.
INSIDE INSIDE OUTSIDE (BOTH FEET): The player takes a touch with the inside of the right foot, takes a second touch with the inside of the right foot, then push the ball across the body to take a touch with the outside of the left foot, Ball is moved back across the body with the inside of the left foot, a second touch moves the ball across the body to allow the player to take a touch with the outside of the right the foot.
Dragging Moves Instructions continued
OUTSIDE OUTSIDE INSIDE (BOTH FEET). The player takes a touch with the outside of the right foot. Then takes a second touch with the outside of the right foot. The ball is chopped across the body with the inside of the right foot.
The inside touch should move the ball toward the left foot. The player then takes a touch with the outside of the left foot. They then take a second touch with the outside of the left foot. The ball is then chopped with the inside of the left foot back across the body towards the right foot.
Turning away from pressure
The skill of turning is a great way for players to change the picture they see. Turning helps to decrease the pressure a player is under. It gives the player more time and space to complete a dribble, pass, cross, or shot.
A key aspect of coaching turning. It is asking the players to try and turn away from pressure rather than into it. The reason players turn into pressure is often because they are not confident on their weaker feet. Therefore they turn into the defender and show them the ball. This allows the defender to get a touch and either intercept the ball or kick it away from the ball carrier.
Body position and disguise are also important concepts to coach turning to players. Getting players to lift their arms as though they are going to pass or shoot. This disguises the fact they are about to turn and this can often fool the defender. Trying to turn so the ball carrier’s back is facing the defender helps to protect the ball. Using changes in speed is important. Change speed as the player turns. This is a great way to leave the defender behind and escape the pressure.
Turning Tips and Instructions
The turning moves drills for beginners are found in the video as follows:
- OUTSIDE HOOK. The player takes a touch forward and steps past the ball. With their standing left foot, the player then uses the outside of the right foot to turn and change direction. The player then takes another touch forward. They step past the ball with their standing right foot. Then uses the outside of the left foot to turn and change direction. Getting low as the standing foot passes the ball is a good tip to maintain balance.
- INSIDE HOOK. The player takes a touch forward. They chop the ball back across their body with the inside of the right foot. This changes the direction of play. The player then pushes the ball forwards. The player then chops the ball across the front of the body with the left foot.
- INSIDE INTO OUTSIDE. The player takes a touch forward and then chops the ball back across their body. Use the inside of the right foot. This changes the direction of play, The player then immediately touches the ball with the outside of the left foot. They then repeat this action on their left side by chopping the ball across the body with the left foot. Then immediately touching the ball with the outside of the right foot.
Running with the Ball, Passing, and Receiving
In this drill for beginners, we are working on Running with the ball. This is a skill that helps players cover the ground when they have space in front of them. When coaching this skill the coach needs to think about the size of the touch a player takes.
It should be big enough to let them cover the ground but small enough to allow them to keep the ball under control. The player running with the ball should also be coached. They should move with their eyes up. As they travel they can see different pictures the game presents.
The video provides a drill that can be performed in a relatively small space. But just allow the player enough space to practice running with the ball
FIGURE OF 8 DRILL: See below an image of the pattern the players must follow
The Figure of 8 Drill Tips
If possible, it is helpful to give the players a pattern to work from for this drill. I would suggest three different colored cones can be used to support the players understanding of this drill.
The player starts at a white cone and runs with the ball around the opposite red cone. They then run the ball past the yellow cone and the pattern repeats itself. The route of the run maps out in Figure 8 hence the name of the drill.
I would recommend giving players a few practice runs using both feet. Then attempt a little time trial with the players to add a competitive element to your training.
Ball and a Bounce Board Activities
These passing and receiving moves are perfect drills for beginners. They appear in the video as follows:
A wall or bounce board would be needed for these drills
- INSIDE PASS, INSIDE TOUCH. The player passes the ball with the inside of the right foot off a bounce board. They then take a touch across the body so the ball is playable on the left foot. Players pass the ball off the bounce board with their left foot. Then takes a touch across their body with their left foot.
- OUTSIDE TOUCH, INSIDE PASS. The player touches the ball with the outside of their right foot. Then passes the ball off the bounce board with the inside of the right foot. As the ball returns they take a touch with the outside of the left foot. Then pass the ball off the board with the inside of the left foot.
- INSIDE TOUCH x 2, OUTSIDE TOUCH x 1, INSIDE PASS (L) and (R). The player takes two touches with the inside of the right foot across their body. Take a sharp touch with the outside of the right foot and go straight into an inside pass on the right foot. They repeat this on the left foot taking two inside touches. This is followed by a sharp outside touch with the left. Then flows into an inside pass off the bounce board with the left foot.
Putting It All Together
There are over 15 individual drills included in this post. I would like to suggest a mini format to help users with the practices. I would suggest selecting two to three moves from each section and performing them for rounds of time. Ideally, you would like the player to get comfortable performing the moves with both feet.
Players can record their scores after each period. For example, if they performed the move 30 times in 40 seconds they would write 30 in the empty box.
I would suggest the player work for 30 to 40 seconds per move. Then rest for 20 to 30 seconds before moving on to the next move. The running with the ball is a time trial. They could do two practice laps (one with each foot) and then complete the time trial.
Ball Mastery Drills for Beginners
| Topic | Moves | Round 1 | Round 2 |
| Ball Mastery | 1. Toe Taps 2. Double Toe Taps | ||
| Dragging | 1. Outside, Insides 2. Outside, Outside, Inside | ||
| Turning | 1. Inside Hook 2. Outside Hook | ||
| Running with Ball | 1. Left foot 2. Right Foot | ||
| Passing and Receiving | 1. Inside, Inside 2. Outside, Inside |
I would encourage players to change the moves they practice. Try to perform the session a few times per week for a total time of around 15 to 30 minutes.
With consistency and application, players should see a good improvement in their soccer ability.
It is important to remember that none of these drills are opposed. Players need to be exposed to decision-making practices and opponents at some point to ensure they continue to develop.
Drills for Beginners In Summary
The ideas and drills in this article will provide a nice starting point for beginners. They are designed for players who want to practice at home. A range of fundamental skills has been covered. These are skills that every player needs to play the game effectively.
With some consistent practice and application over some time, players can expect to see an improvement in their game. The drills provided can be done in a relatively small space with limited equipment. Mix and match the activities to create a bespoke plan for the individual.
I recommend practicing with both feet so the player becomes balanced and can move in any direction.
Developing a weaker foot takes time and will be tough to achieve. Two-footed players often carry an edge over players who are dominant on one side. Two-footed players are less predictable, hard to defend against, and generally more composed under pressure.
I hope the article helps to give you some drills for beginners. I have linked some other articles from this site below. They are aimed at developing a fundamental understanding of the game.
- SOCCER DRILLS THAT TEACH SPACING
- 4 Soccer Drills That Teach Communication
- SOCCER DRILLS THAT TEACH AGGRESSIVENESS
Frequent Questions
How do I teach my kid soccer at home? The short answer is that you cannot teach all aspects of the game at home. I would recommend using the above drills for beginners. Focus on the technical side of the game and mastery of the ball using both feet.
The main thing a child can learn at home is an appreciation of the ball. Practice their touch direction and speed of touch. They can learn to use different parts of the foot to manipulate the ball. I would recommend the following drills. Passing and receiving (ball and a wall), ball mastery, turning, dribbling, and running with the ball activities. The article above will get you started