Fundamental foot Skills

In general, children develop a dominant foot very early. In order to advance in the game of soccer we must get them working the non-dominant foot very early in the game. Therefore all exercises should stress the non-dominant foot over the dominant one.

1. Foundation - Fast movement of ball inside right to inside left and back again. Player is in a semi-sitting position and has to develop a rhythm with the ball. Make sure that the knees are slightly bent. This cannot be done correctly, stiff-legged
2. Inside-Out Roll - Place the outside of the right foot just off the top of the ball. Roll the foot over the ball keeping it in contact. The movement is left to right. The foot rotates so at the end of the stroke the inside of the foot is on the outside of the ball. Reverse the movement so that the outside of foot rolls over the ball right to left. The inside of the foot ends the stroke. Use the left foot to do the same exercise. Move inside to outside first, then reverse outside to inside. The foot should stay in contact with the ball if possible.
3. Pull Back to Instep - With sole of the right foot on top of ball roll ball back and trap with the instep of the right foot. After 10 consecutive rolls, switch to left foot.
4. Pull Back to Inside of Foot - With sole of right foot on top of the ball, pull back to the LEFT instep. Alternate left sole to right instep. It is important that the non-receiving foot is not planted. Set up a rhythm.
5. Triangle - Pick a spot about 2 to 3 feet in front of your body. This is the point of a triangle. Your left and right feet are the other two corners. Start with the right foot. Put the sole of the right foot on top of the ball. Pull the ball back to the right inside foot and then immediately play the ball to the left inside. Serve the ball back with the left inside to the sole of the right foot at the point of the triangle. The idea is to keep the ball moving throughout this exercise
6. Block Ball Inside-Inside and Change Direction - Push ball out in front of player. Player covers the ball with the inside of the right foot. Swiveling hips he plays the ball to the inside left and changes direction. Tap the ball out in front again and repeat. After 5 successful changes of direction do the same skill with the left foot covering.
7. Block Ball Outside-Inside Same Foot - This is slightly more advanced than number 6 (above). Push the ball out in front of the player. Player blocks ball with the outside of the right foot and plays it AWAY from pressure to the inside of the SAME foot. When dominant foot is working well switch to the non-dominant foot.
8. Brushes - Starting with the right foot player brushes the top of the ball across his body (i.e. right to left). The right foot ends up crossed over the left. The left foot moves behind the right to the opening position and the next brush takes place. Once a player gets the rhythm right he/she should be able to put 5 consecutive brushes together without the ball running away. Switch dominant and non-dominant feet.
9. Brush Tap - The same basic movement as the brush but instead of making a second brush the player taps the ball to a halt with the inside of the other foot. i.e. if you are Brush-Tapping right, the right foot brushes and the left foot taps.
10. Tap- Tap - Brush - Start with the ball on the inside of either foot. Tap the ball to the inside of the opposite foot and then back again to the starting foot. The starting foot then brushes the ball to the opposite foot. The sequence is then re-started with the next tap. It is important to develop a rhythm and be on your toes for this skill.
11. Tap-Tap-Tap- Step Over Push Outside - Three (3) taps in this drill. After the third tap the opposite foot steps over the ball and pushes it to the outside with the outside portion of the foot. The skill is then repeated.
12. Step Across - Play Outside Away from Pressure - Push the ball out ahead. Stop it with the sole of the right foot, then immediately step past the ball with the same foot. Ball is now near the back (in this case, the left) foot and the right foot/leg is shielding the ball. Then lift the left leg over the ball and play it back with the outside of the foot.
13. Pull Back - Play Behind - Change Direction - Push the ball out front. Stop it with the sole of the right foot. Pull it back past the left ankle. Play it behind the left ankle with the inside of the right foot. Left outside receives the ball and moves off in a different direction. Tap the ball with the instep twice and then repeat using the left sole to stop the ball, pull it back, etc.
14. Inside-Outside - Dribble the ball with one foot alternating the inside of the foot with the outside. Use dominant foot first and then the less dominant foot. When single foot mastery is achieved use both feet going inside-outside-outside-inside.
15. Pull Across - Outside - Start with the right foot on top of the ball. Pull it across your body and then push it outside with the left. Stop the ball with the sole of the left foot and pull it back across your body then push it outside with your right foot.
16. Figure 8's - The outside of the foot is extremely important in guiding the ball away from pressure. Have your players do 360 degree turns with four sharp touches on the ball with the outside of the right foot and then again with the outside of the left, making a figure 8 on the field.

Fundamental Dribbling Skills

1. Basic Cuts - Dribble the ball then turn the body and change the direction of the ball with either the outside or inside of the foot. Practice using the outside and inside of both feet.
2. Step on - Dribble the ball and lightly step on the ball as you step over it to stop it. Then turn around and start dribbling in the opposite direction.
3. Step on 90 - Dribble the ball then step on the ball as you step over it to stop it. Then turn and hit the ball with the outside of the foot you used to stop the ball taking it in a direction perpendicular to your original direction.
4. Step on turn - Dribble the ball then step on the ball and maintain contact with the ball and cut the ball in the opposite direction with the outside of the foot all in one motion.
5. Fake behind - Dribble the ball then swing one leg behind the ball and lean to fake an outside perpendicular cut in one direction the quickly use the outside of the other foot to turn the ball in the in the other direction.
6. Inside out - Dribble the ball then make a perpendicular cut with the inside of the foot in one direction then quickly step over the ball and use the same foot to make an outside cut in the opposite direction.
7. Inside out fake - Dribble the ball in one direction then make a perpendicular cut with the inside of the foot in one direction then lean and fake the outside cut. Allow the ball to continue to travel to the opposite foot and continue to play it in that direction with the outside of that foot.
8. Scissors cut - Dribble the ball then swing one leg in front of the ball to simulate an outside perpendicular cut, then use the outside of the other foot to cut the ball in the opposite direction.
9. Shot fake - Dribble the ball then swing the leg way back to simulate a shot, instead bring the shooting foot down next to the ball and use the outside of the shooting foot to cut the ball in the perpendicular direction.

Introduction

We all realize that having possession of the ball is better than not having it. Our kids have more fun when they have the ball then when they do not. But what do we do in our practices to specifically work on the skills necessary to maintain possession?

This section concerns basic possession of the ball; You have it. How do you keep it?

Basic Possession - Shielding

Shielding Warm Up

Start with a brief warm up, then break the players into two groups about 15 yards apart.

Players each have a ball and face each other. Each player picks out a shadow partner.

Each pair of players then dribbles the ball to the center of the field. As the players approach they prepare to shield the ball from the on-coming player. At first start with a simple swivel of the hips so that as the players pass each other, the body of the player shields the ball from the body of the opponent. When they pass each other they swivel back the other way and complete their run to the far end of the field.

In essence you have 2, 90 degree swivels and the players pass each other back to back.

The next progression is the to use a spin move as they approach. The first spin move is to make a 360 o turn using four (4) small chopping steps with the inside of the foot. Make sure both players turn the same way and use the same foot or there will be collisions.

After several runs like this progress to an outside of the foot turn again using four (4) very light touches on the ball to make the move.

Shielding Fundamentals

Start with two (2) players; a shielder and a person trying to get the ball. Player #1 is the shielder. The shielding player has the ball to the outside of their body. A common mistake is to have the ball between their legs. You want the entire body between the defender and the ball.

The shielder gets LOW, almost as if they were sitting in a chair. A common mistake is to stand almost straight up. The problem with this is very easy to demonstrate. Have a player stand straight up with a ball at their outside leg. A defender trying to steal the ball is allowed to get as close to the ball carrier as they want and try to poke the ball away. They should be able to easily reach the ball. Now have the attacker "sit in their chair". Again have the defender get as close as they want to and try to poke the ball away. You'll see that they can't do it. By sitting in the chair, i.e. getting low, the attacker has created their own space denying it to the defender.

After proper stance has been demonstrated you need to show them how to hold their arms. Players must play with their arms up and away from their bodies. There must be a space between the arm and the body of the player. What is described above is a perfectly legal play. You can shield with your arms as long as you do not push your opponent away with them. That is the common mistake that players make and refs call.

Now put the ball aside for a moment and just have two players assume the roles of shielder and defender. Have the defender try to encroach on the shielder's space by leaning into their shield arm. In a proper stance and with proper arm placement, a 60 pound 8 year old can hold off a 190 adult!

Have the players switch positions with each other and let them go at it for a while. They'll have a lot of fun with this. It teaches aggressiveness (within the rules) and breeds confidence.

Shielding Fundamentals - Progression #1

The next step is to introduce the ball. Set the players up as described above but this time let the shielder hold the defender off by moving the ball around with the outside of their foot (if the player tries to cut in front) and the inside of the foot, (if the player tries to come from behind). Do not let the ball handler move from their spot on the field. This isn't a drill to see who can out run the other. Switch positions after every 'win". Stress stance and arm position.

Shielding Fundamentals - Progression #2

The purpose of this next progression is to instill the concept of "the ball is mine." In order to do that we are going to let the defender play outside the rules by first allowing them to push the attacker with both hands to try to dislodge them from the ball. After that let them try to pull the player off the ball with both hands and finally let them do what ever they have to do, short of dangerous behavior, to try and get the ball.

Let us stress here that we aren't trying to teach the players to cheat. We are trying to instill aggressiveness and confidence in our ball handlers.

Shielding Drill with a Support Player

The next progression is to add a support player for the ball handler. Start with the same set-up, i.e. a player shielding the ball and a defender trying to take it away. Shielder holds off defender as long as she can and then plays the ball to the support player.

The defender then has to break off away from the shielder. In order to ensure this step you may want to make a rule that after the pass is made the defender has to run to a cone, touch it and come back.

The support player must immediately play the ball back to the original ball handler and the shielding drill starts over again. After several passes switch everyone up.

Shielding Drill with a Support Player - Progression #1

Continue this drill by adding a second shielder and a second defender. The support player now has to "service" two (2) sets of players. Shielders now have to hold the defender off longer, make decisions on when to pass and when not to. The support player has to hustle more and make decisions on who to support and how. Again the defender has to break off once the pass is made and come back to defend once the ball is returned to the original ball carrier.

Basic Possession - 50/50 Ball

The following is a simple drill that continues the concept of teaching aggressiveness and "The Ball is Mine."

Put two (2) players shoulder to shoulder. Then place a ball in front of them. Start this drill at about half-speed. Player on the left gently taps the ball in front with their inside leg and then goes for it. Player on the right steps across the player on the left with their inside leg shielding the ball from their "partner".

Note the player doing the shielding has to use their whole leg to step across and shield. They are not going for the ball in this part of the drill. Switch places often.

Basic Possession - 50/50 Ball - Progression #1

Same initial set up. One player taps ball out in front. Both players go for the ball. The player who did not tap the ball:

• Drops his shoulder
• Gets low
• Moves across in front of his partner
• Gets the ball and returns to the start point with an inside of the foot turn.

Players then switch places and run again. Make sure that they also switch sides so that they are dropping both shoulders. Look for weak points and work extra time on them. For example if a player favors their right shoulder, make them work harder on their left.

Basic Possession - 50/50 Ball - Progression # 2

The following is a two man drill that teaches "cushioning" and turning away from pressure. Set a ball approximately 15 yards in front of two players. Both players race for the ball. The player that gets there first must now control their speed by taking short choppy steps as they approach the ball. They then cut in front of their partner and "cushion" them with their backside preventing them from getting to the ball.

You can make this drill even by either giving one player an advantage so that they reach the ball first or by simply telling them that the player on the right is the "cushioner" and the player on the left is the "cushionee." Switch sides often so that each player does both and they do it from both sides.

Basic Possession - 50/50 Ball - Progression # 3

The basic progression of the drill above is to not only get to the ball but to control it and turn it away from pressure.

Have the player reaching the ball do a pre-arranged turn away from pressure. I.E. have them turn right outside with the outside of their foot. In this case, where the turn is pre-arranged, make sure that the cushionee is trying to get the ball by coming from the opposite side.

Coaching Points:

• Get low
• Short Choppy Steps
• Cushion the player
• Turn outside

After several turns at this progression let the players work at it freeform. That is do not pre-arrange the turn, let the player with the ball react to the pressure that they feel on their back and make a decision.

Praise good decision making even if the defender dispossess the ball.

Fundamental Passing

There are many different ways to pass the ball in soccer. Some of them are basic and some more advanced. You can pass with the inside of the foot, the outside, the toe and even the heel (back pass). You can lay the ball out flat, make it curve in or out, chip it, loft it etc. What we'll be concerned with here initially are the fundamentals of basic passing, what you would teach to a 7 year old (and up) to build a foundation for more advanced techniques. The basic coaching points for basic inside of the foot passing , From the Nose

to the Toes are:

1. Head down - eye on the ball

2. Plant non-kicking foot along side the ball

3. Pick a spot near the center of the ball, strike ball at, or slightly above, this spot. Properly struck (in this manner) the ball should turn away from the passer and towards the receiver

4. Follow through

Sounds simple right? Well lets break them down one by one and then suggest methods for teaching this technique.

First, head down...you always hear coaches tell the players to play with their head up right? And of course that is right in most situations. The "head up" component of passing precedes the actual execution of the skill. In other words the player must already have his target picked out before he executes the pass. Why head down? Because your eyes cannot affect the flight of the ball. It is more important that you strike the ball correctly and that is done by eye-foot coordination. In the best case, and with a lot of practice, the head is down for only a split second. As the players get older, peripheral vision comes into play and only the eyes move.

Second.. the plant foot. Important because if you plant your foot behind the ball your kicking foot is coming up as you strike leading to undercutting the ball. Now in advanced passing that is sometimes what you want to do but when we're teaching the younger ages we just want the ball to travel in a straight line with some "weight" on it.

Third.. picking a spot on the ball. Again if you kick too low you'll undercut thebball, pick too high and you'll "top" it. With a lot of practice a child will automatically pick the sweet spot on the ball.

Last.. follow through. A common mistake made at the younger ages is the lack of a follow through...kick through the ball. They tend to jerk back as they strike the ball and consequently do not get a lot of power on the pass.

Teaching the Fundamental Skill of Passing

Have the players form two lines facing each other. One line goes down to their knees and holds the ball with both hands on the ground. The hands are safely together and BEHIND the ball. It is best if you demonstrate this technique before someone's fingers are accidentally kicked. The kicking players are to strike the ball moderately hard, without trying to kick the ball out of their teammates hands.

Coaching Points

1. Break the skill into simple steps.

• Show where to strike the ball
• Show where to plant the non-kicking foot
• Show the head down position (eyes-on-the-ball)

2. Make sure that the players take their time in "resetting" after each kick. It is more important that technique is perfected than they get done with the drill. A lot of the younger players view everything as a race or a contest.

3. Listen for the sound of a ball being struck correctly. This is a very over-looked cue in sports. A well struck ball in any sport has a distinct sound to it. It is a very good way to get feedback on how a player is doing and once they recognize it, it is a powerful motivational tool that does not require "outside" (i.e. you the coach) intervention.

4. Make sure that both the dominant foot and the non-dominant foot are used. As the skill is acquired, try spending twice as much time on the non-dominant foot in order to build it up. Once the fundamental technique is acquired it is time to move on to actual passing. At this point coaches tend to amplify the lesson into both passing and receiving. As the players get older this is more and more appropriate since they have been exposed to both. In addition you really need to be able to do both to effectively work the passing skill but at the real young ages if you introduce a second skill you will dilute what you are trying to get across. In general, teaching one skill at a time is the better course of action at the younger ages.In addition, and I cannot stress this enough, use of the non-dominant foot has to be stressed during each and every exercise.

Progression of the Passing Skill

Basic Passing Progression #1

Have the players form two lines about 10 yards apart facing each other. Each player in one line starts with the ball. Make sure there is adequate room between the players for errant passes. If you find that the distance between the lines is too great stop the drill and bring them closer together. The drill must be geared for success to build confidence.

Have the players begin passing to their partner. As with the static drill mentioned above watch for proper striking technique, proper foot placement, eye-foot coordination (head down) and follow through. But now in addition to these coaching points you must look for:

1) Proper "weight" on the ball. Weight is the speed, spin and/or pace of the ball. Too little weight and the ball doesn't reach the target....too much and it is difficult to trap.

2) Accuracy. The plant foot is a big determiner of where the pass will go. Generally the pass will go where the plant foot toes point. You'll see a lot of toes turning outward at the beginning. This should be corrected.

3) Stress that the player should not step back to kick the ball. A common error at the young ages is for the player to stop the ball, take one or two steps back and then pass it. Again work both the dominant and non-dominant foot. Build success first with the dominant foot and then begin to work the non-dominant foot at a rate equal to twice that for the dominant one.

Basic Passing Progression #2 -The Triangle

The basic "shape" on the soccer field is the triangle. And the first basic tactical concept, which we will not go into in depth here, is the concept of support. In its simplest form the concept of support should find the ball carrier with players to his/her right and left giving him passing options. One coach I know used the approach of having the players "draw his six-shooters", holding their hands out at approximately 45 degrees from their bodies. The fingers of the six-shooters then point at the two support players.

The easiest way to start the support triangle is to set up cones as markers where the players should stand. Start with the ball at the apex (center) of the triangle. Have this player pass to the left and then receive the ball back. Then pass to the right and receive the ball back. After 10 repetitions change the center player and repeat.

Coaching Points

1) Watch for body position on the pass. The plant foot is still the biggest determiner of where the ball will go.

2) The receiving player should take the ball on the foot opposite the direction from which the pass is coming. (i.e. if the pass is coming from the left, the right foot receives, and vice versa.) This is called opening up to the field of play, another concept that we will go into in more depth later.

Basic Passing Progression #3 -One Touch Passing

Have the players form two lines about 10 yards apart facing each other. Each player in one line starts with the ball. Make sure there is adequate room between the players for errant passes. If you find that the distance between the lines is too great stop the drill and bring them closer together. The drill must be geared for success to build confidence.

Have the players begin passing to their partner. At the youngest age you may want to have the ball served by hand, i.e. have the ball rolled to the kicking partner who now has to one touch (or one time) the ball back to their partner who picks it and rolls it back.

Once everyone is comfortable with one-touch you can progress to having both partners kick the ball one touch to each other. Make a game of it. Have them count how many times they can keep the ball going without either missing. Progress to a game where on each successive kick the players take one step closer to each other until the ball is ricocheting back and forth at a rapid pace.

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