10 Soccer Practice Drills for 6 Year Olds

Training 6-year-olds in soccer can be a fun and rewarding experience. At this age, children are developing their coordination, balance, and motor skills, making it the perfect time to introduce them to the basics of soccer. In this article, we will discuss 10 basic soccer drills specifically designed for 6-year-olds, along with some tips for better training kids.

10 Best and Fun Drills for 6 Year Olds

Now, let’s explore 10 soccer practice drills that are perfect for 6-year-olds:

1. Dribbling through cones: Set up a series of cones and have the kids dribble the ball through them using both feet.
2. Passing accuracy: Create a target area and have the kids practice passing the ball to a specific target.
3. Shooting at goal: Set up a small goal and let the kids take turns shooting at it. Encourage them to aim for different areas of the goal.                                     
4. Obstacle course: Design an obstacle course with cones, hurdles, and ladders to improve agility and coordination.
5. One-on-one dribbling: Pair up the kids and have them take turns trying to dribble past each other.
6. Tag with the ball: Play a game of tag where the person who is “it” has to tag others while dribbling the ball.
7. Mini scrimmage: Divide the kids into two teams and let them play a small-sided game to practice teamwork and game awareness.
8. Cone races: Set up a start and finish line with cones and have the kids race against each other while dribbling the ball.
9. Passing and moving: Teach the kids to pass the ball and then quickly move into open space to receive it back.
10. Balance exercises: Incorporate balance exercises such as standing on one leg or walking on a balance beam to improve stability.

In this video below you can watch general drills how to train 6 year olds.

Tips for Better Training Kids

Before we dive into the specific drills, here are some tips to keep in mind while training 6-year-olds:

1. Keep it fun: At this age, children learn best when they are engaged and having fun. Incorporate games, challenges, and friendly competitions into your training sessions.
2. Focus on the basics: Start with the fundamental skills such as dribbling, passing, and shooting. Keep the drills simple and gradually increase the difficulty as the kids progress.
3. Use positive reinforcement: Encourage and praise the kids for their efforts and achievements. Positive reinforcement helps boost their confidence and motivation.
4. Keep sessions short: Attention spans can be limited at this age, so it’s important to keep training sessions short and focused. Aim for 30-45 minutes of active play.
5. Involve parents: Encourage parents to participate in the training process. They can provide additional support and help reinforce the skills learned during practice.

You can also follow this program here “Soccer Drills For Kids” with effective drills for kids 5 – 8 year olds that will help you a lot on creating plans for your training and a lot o variations drills to use it.

Can We Train Kids at Home?

Absolutely! While it’s beneficial to have access to a soccer field, you can still train 6-year-olds at home with limited space. Here are a few ideas:

• Set up a mini-goal in your backyard or a designated area and practice shooting and dribbling.
• Use cones or household objects to create an obstacle course for agility and coordination drills.
• Practice passing and receiving with a parent or sibling in a confined space.
• Utilize online resources and videos for guided training sessions that can be done indoors.

Conclusion

Remember, the most important aspect of training 6-year-olds is to create a positive and enjoyable environment. Encourage their love for the game and focus on their individual development rather than winning or losing. With these drills and tips, you can help your young soccer players improve their skills and foster a lifelong passion for the sport.