10 Simple Soccer Drills You Can Do With Your Child at Home
(No Fancy Equipment Needed!)
You don’t need a big field—or even a goal—to help your child improve their soccer skills and have fun. In fact, some of the best practice happens in the backyard, driveway, or even a hallway! These simple drills are perfect for bonding, building confidence, and keeping soccer exciting.
1. Dribble Maze
What you need: Cones (or cups, shoes, even stuffed animals!)
How to do it: Set up obstacles in a zigzag pattern and challenge your child to dribble through as fast as possible without touching anything.
Why it works: Improves ball control and agility.
2. Toe Touch Taps
What you need: A soccer ball
How to do it: Tap the top of the ball lightly with alternating feet as quickly as possible for 30 seconds.
Why it works: Builds foot coordination and stamina.
3. Wall Pass Challenge
What you need: A solid wall
How to do it: Pass the ball against the wall and control it on the return. Start slow, then see how many clean passes you can make in a row.
Why it works: Improves passing and first-touch skills.
4. Juggling Fun
What you need: A soccer ball
How to do it: See how many times your child can keep the ball in the air using their feet, thighs, and head. Make it fun by joining in!
Why it works: Enhances control, balance, and focus.
5. Goal Box Shootout
What you need: A small goal (or laundry basket)
How to do it: Create a “shooting box” about 10 feet away. Your child must dribble into the box before taking a shot.
Why it works: Teaches ball control and accuracy under movement.
6. One-Touch Pass Game
What you need: A partner (that’s you!)
How to do it: Pass the ball back and forth with only one touch. Start close, then gradually move farther apart.
Why it works: Improves speed, timing, and quick decision-making.
7. Obstacle Course
What you need: Anything around the house!
How to do it: Create a course with turns, small jumps, and dribble zones. Time each other for a friendly competition.
Why it works: Builds agility, stamina, and soccer IQ.
8. Target Practice
What you need: A goal or a marked spot on a wall
How to do it: Mark “targets” with tape or chalk. Challenge your child to hit them with the ball using different techniques (laces shot, inside foot pass).
Why it works: Develops shooting precision.
9. Quick Feet Ladder
What you need: A ladder or chalk lines on the ground
How to do it: Step in and out of each square as quickly as possible. Then add dribbling for an extra challenge!
Why it works: Improves foot speed and balance.
10. Story Time Soccer
What you need: A soccer book and your imagination
How to do it: Read a chapter from a fun soccer story together, then act out a play from the book in your backyard.
Why it works: Combines reading and play, keeps kids inspired on and off the field.
(Need book ideas? Try titles like Number 9: The Beginning, perfect for young soccer lovers.)
Final Thought
Soccer practice at home doesn’t have to feel like work—it can be a time of laughter, bonding, and growth. These drills keep kids active, build confidence, and create memories that last well beyond the game.