As a parent, you want your child to have fun while learning the fundamentals of soccer. This blog post will provide you with tips and tricks to help your child prepare for competitive play.
According to Soccer Blade, age 10 is a pivotal point for many kids in soccer. It is the year before tryouts for select/traveling teams, and an important time to help them take their game to the next level. Coaches should teach 10-year-olds key skills they will need to progress their game, like dynamic warmups and more detailed techniques. At the same time, training should replicate game moments and be highly engaging. While they are still young, 10-year-olds are an exciting group to coach and work with!
Here are some tips to help your child prepare for competitive play:
- Focus on game-like drills: 10-year-olds should practice soccer with game-like drills. The activities they do should replicate moments in the game. 10-year-olds should still focus on having fun and enjoying the game, but they should also start to practice some technical aspects on their own.
- Teach them about the importance of warming up: Start teaching them about the importance of warming up and how to do a proper dynamic warm-up. Spend a little time on some basic technical skills or drills. The majority of the practice should be game-like scenarios and drills. Keep the practice pace high, and engage as many players as possible. Continue being positive and encouraging to kids, but provide ample constructive criticism.
- Help them develop their soccer fundamentals: By age 10, most kids have soccer experience, especially academy soccer kids. This means that 10-year-olds should have the following soccer fundamentals: understanding every position, staying in their position when playing, passing with the inside of both feet, shooting with laces, keeping ankle locked and toe up for passing, ankle locked and toes down for shooting, ability to shield the ball, how to do a proper throw-in, restarts like goal kicks, corner kicks, and kickoff, and how to communicate on the field with other players.
- Incorporate competitive drills: Consider incorporating competitive drills like “Fox and Rabbits” to keep things interesting and help players practice their footwork, turns, and ball control.
- Encourage them to practice on their own: Encourage your child to practice on their own. They can practice dribbling, passing, and shooting in their backyard or at a nearby park. This will help them develop their skills and build confidence.
- Attend soccer camps: Consider enrolling your child in a soccer camp. Soccer camps provide a great opportunity for kids to learn new skills, make new friends, and have fun.
- Watch professional soccer games: Watching professional soccer games can help your child learn new skills and techniques. Encourage them to watch games with you and discuss what they see.
By following these tips, you can help your child prepare for competitive play and develop their soccer skills. Remember to keep things fun and engaging, and always encourage your child to do their best
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