If your child is 8 years old and interested in soccer, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explore some tips and tricks to help your child master ball control and passing.

Firstly, it’s important to note that ball control is a fundamental skill in soccer. It’s essential for players to be able to control the ball effectively, as this can help them maintain possession and create scoring opportunities. Here are some ball control drills that your child can practice:

1. Push and Pull Drill: This drill is focused on improving players’ touch of the ball with all parts of the foot. It has three variations: inner push, outside push, and laces push. Stand with the ball at your feet and push the ball with your right foot. Use the same foot to stop it, and push it back with the sole part. Now do the same with your left foot. For inner push variation, use the inner part of the foot to push the ball. With outside push use outside part, and for laces push push the ball with top of the foot (with laces). Try to fulfill the drill as fast as possible, as this will gradually improve your child’s ball control 1.

2. Inside V Cut Drill: This drill focuses on improving players’ ability to change direction with the ball. After performing this move, the player can run in the other way or pass the ball to his teammate in the opposite direction. This is an excellent drill to consider using alongside my list of 10 Best Soccer Coaching Drills that are perfect for training sessions 2.

3. Cone Dribbling Drill: This drill is perfect for improving your child’s dribbling skills. Set up a series of cones in a straight line and have your child dribble the ball through them. Encourage them to use both feet and to keep the ball close to their body. This will help them develop better control of the ball 3.

4. Juggling Drill: Juggling is a great way to improve your child’s ball control. Have them start by juggling the ball with their feet and then progress to using their thighs and head. Encourage them to keep the ball in the air for as long as possible. This will help them develop better touch and control of the ball 4.

Once your child has mastered ball control, it’s time to move on to passing. Passing is another essential skill in soccer, as it allows players to move the ball around the field and create scoring opportunities. Here are some passing drills that your child can practice:

1. Two-Touch Pass Drill: This drill is perfect for improving your child’s passing accuracy and control. Have your child stand facing a partner and pass the ball back and forth using only two touches. Encourage them to use both feet and to keep the ball on the ground .

2. Triangle Passing Drill: This drill is perfect for improving your child’s passing accuracy and control in a game-like situation. Set up three cones in a triangle shape and have your child pass the ball to their teammates while moving around the cones. Encourage them to use both feet and to keep the ball on the ground .

3. Wall Pass Drill: This drill is perfect for improving your child’s one-touch passing skills. Have your child pass the ball against a wall and then receive it back with one touch. Encourage them to use both feet and to keep the ball on the ground .

In addition to these drills, it’s also a great idea to enroll your child in soccer clubs like Bold City Soccer Academy. They offer soccer training programs for children aged 2-10 in the Jacksonville, Florida area. Their programs aim to facilitate physical, social, and emotional growth and development in children by teaching the skills and concepts needed to play soccer. You can sign up for their programs by clicking on the “Enroll Now” button on their website 2.

Mastering ball control and passing is essential for any young soccer player. By incorporating these drills into your child’s routine and enrolling them in soccer clubs like Bold City Soccer Academy, you can help them develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed on the field.