Below you’ll see 7 ways to improve your soccer skills at home. Really there are many more if you include all the variations of first touch and passing.
When I was younger I mainly worked on two things: ball striking and short passing. I would go to the backyard and kick the ball against the fence, then go inside and practice short passing using the couch or fireplace.
You have to find what works best for your environment because every house and property is different.
Originally Published: 2020 | Updated: 2026
Training at home has always been one of the fastest ways players improve technical ability. Many of the world’s best players spent far more time practicing on their own than they did in organized team training.
Touching the ball more at home than team practice
There is an old quote from Johan Cruyff:
“I practiced 2–3 days per week with my team, but I practiced 2–3 hours per day in the streets. So where do you think I learned football?”
This quote perfectly explains how many great players developed their skill.
Key takeaways
- Players who improve fastest touch the ball far more outside team practice.
- Small daily training habits build better ball control.
- Limited space helps develop tighter dribbling skills.
- Pickup soccer builds creativity and decision making.
- Parents can help players train effectively at home.
1) Keeping the ball close when dribbling
There are thousands of dribbling drills. The important thing is learning to use all surfaces of the foot.
The inside of the foot is the easiest for most players, but you should practice with the inside, outside, sole and laces.
Players should mix tight touches with running with the ball.
This video shows me working with two college players who I had never trained before filming. One learns the skill quickly while the other struggles at first but figures it out within a few minutes.
If you want a structured training system, my online ball control courses provide three different levels used by youth, college and professional players.
2) Running with the ball
Running with the ball means keeping the ball close while not touching it every step.
In a 20 yard run you might take only 2–3 touches. In a 5–10 yard run you might take one touch.
At first this will feel strange because most players are used to constant touches.
Once practiced regularly, it becomes natural.
Keep your chin up so you can see defenders, teammates and open space.
3) Keep a few soccer balls in the house
You don’t always need long intense training sessions to improve.
One of the best habits is simply keeping soccer balls around the house.
Dribble from the living room to your bedroom. Take the ball with you whenever possible.
These small touches add up over time.
Coach Tom Byer built a soccer culture in Japan encouraging kids ages 3–5 to start touching the ball at home before joining organized teams.
4) Improve your passing and first touch
A wall, curb or rebounder is one of the best tools for improving passing and first touch.
If possible, set up two walls or rebounders.
Using two rebound surfaces allows you to train faster reactions and both feet.
5) Juggling tips for all levels
Juggling is one of the hardest skills to master.
Ages 10–11 is usually when players begin making major progress.
See my juggling challenge breakdown by age.
6) Invite neighborhood kids to play pickup
Pickup soccer is one of the best ways to develop creativity.
Games like 2v2, 3v3 or 4v4 force players to solve problems quickly.
Many great players grew up playing street soccer.
7) How parents can help train their soccer kids
Parents can play an important role in helping players train at home.
Using a handheld rebounder allows players to practice aerial first touch and volleys.
Even five minutes of passing before a training session adds up over time.
Bonus #1: Mindset for soccer players
Mindset plays a huge role in player development.
Doubt and arrogance are two common obstacles that prevent players from reaching their potential.
Learning emotional maturity is a key part of sports development.
Read more about sports maturity for youth athletes.
Bonus #2: Use your dog to improve soccer skills
If you have an energetic dog, try playing keep-away while dribbling.
This forces quick reactions and decision making.
Not every dog is interested in soccer though — my German Shepherd definitely prefers chasing squirrels.
Frequently asked questions about improving soccer skills at home
How can I improve my soccer skills at home?
Players can improve their soccer skills at home by focusing on ball control, first touch, passing, dribbling and juggling. Using a wall or rebounder for passing drills, practicing tight dribbling in small spaces and juggling regularly helps build technical ability and confidence.
How many hours should soccer players practice on their own?
Many elite players spend one to three hours per day practicing outside of team training. Even short daily sessions of 20–30 minutes can dramatically improve a player’s touch and comfort on the ball.
Can practicing at home really improve soccer skills?
Yes. Individual training allows players to repeat skills far more times than during team practice. Repetition is one of the most important factors in developing strong technical ability.
What is the best drill to practice alone in soccer?
Wall passing and first-touch drills are among the most effective solo exercises. They allow players to practice passing, receiving and quick reactions repeatedly.
Do professional soccer players train on their own?
Most professional players developed their technical ability by spending many hours practicing outside of organized training. Street soccer, backyard training and wall drills are common parts of many elite players’ development.