by Andre Botelho

Created on: February 11, 2010   Last Updated: February 14, 2010

I don't know a thing about you, but I'll bet that anyone who has played soccer will know the significance of dribbling in kid's soccer drills. Dribbling refers to the skill of maneuvering the ball in the field while keeping its control. This is the first skill that the kids are taught when the coaching begins.

But the question is how important are the dribbling skills? For your kids to become experts in dribbling skills, it’s best to have them do regular drills. The kids would therefore learn the art of maneuvering the ball well. It’s the skill of dribbling while maintaining contact with the ball which lets you leave behind several opponents in the play ground.

Learn by heart these basic tricks like playing with the ball in order to become a great dribbler. The ability to use the face of their foot is taught in kids soccer drills. When dribbling at a fast speed, kids will be frequently using the front part of their instep.

But make sure that the kids have mastered the art of using both inside and outside of their feet in becoming great dribblers. This will allow them to keep the ball in their control no matter where the opponent’s force approaches from. Kids must also be taught to apply both sides of their feet similar to a hockey stick.

It’s pertinent in soccer drills for kids to guarantee that kids come into contact with the ball at each step. Keep the ball ahead of you when you dribbling it. The kids will therefore be able to be in charge of the ball and enhance the dribbling speed along the ball.

This will elude the opponents defending the ball when they attempt to come closer to get it. So initiate step by step and make it certain that kids are increasingly feeling associated with the ball in each step.

Players in youth soccer drills should be taught to vary the speed. It's not necessary for the kids to be exceptionally fast to beat the opponent on the dribble. Rather, put the defender to sleep for a moment and then break past the rival with great speed.

Guide the kids to constantly keep an eye on the ball. Kids must keep an eye on the playing field and concentrate on the ball while dribbling.

Support them in getting their weak foot better. Ensure that the soccer drills for youth consists of the practice of hitting the ball against the wall with the weak foot to effect it’s slow but steady improvement. When kids find some free time, instruct them to play with the ball. The kids should be taught to be seated and use the ball to move it back and forth with the weaker foot. The more they do it, the more they will be able to control the ball.

Here it is for you! In kid's soccer drills, they should be taught to guard the ball with their body. When a defender comes near, the body should be used to protect the ball.

Learn more about this author, Andre Botelho.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.