How to progress in soccer ages 5-7 with video tutorials that build skill and confidence. Above all, you want the kids to learn to love the ball. For some it’s natural, where they don’t need a parent to spark passion. For other personalities, encouragement and teaching is needed. Note: This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
“What a player learns at this age is important.”
Dribbling drills for ages 5-7
It can be tough to categorize players by age because some are more natural or learn faster.
Some players who struggle at younger ages end up being great by middle school. Therefore, it’s important for parents and coaches to be patient.
Learning the right ways to dribble at a young age will set kids up for success later on.
- 5 year old kids don’t need a ton of corrections. Drills for this age should be basics, like toe taps and bells. In addition, put them in game-like situations where they dribble 20 yards and score on a small 10′ goal. At this age most goals will come from dribbling to goal and scoring from 3-5 yards out.
- 6 year olds can start learning how to do ‘in and outs’… A fun game is freeze tag where everyone has a ball.
- 7 year old players can learn to roll the ball and stop it with the bottom of the feet. Pull backs are good. A fun drill is to have everyone with a ball in a 15×15 yard grid – where on your call tell them to turn. Allow them to turn using the inside, outside or bottom of the foot.
Get my online ball control course ‘The Basics’ and have them do this EVERY week. You can also get the ‘works/bundle’ which is all 3 levels.
In addition, this 4 gate dribbling drill is great for ALL players – no matter age or level.
Fantastic for 1:1, small and large groups.
After the 4 gate drill slow with no pressure, have them race… When the player in front of the other gets to the first gate, the player behind them goes and tries to catch them.
Santiago 2 year progression from ages 5-7
For a 5 year old and any age, this drill below is great to teach the feet to control the ball with the inside and outside of the feet.
2 videos: One when he is 5 years old and the second when he is 7.
Age 5 – Santiago
“Teach players to love the ball at a young age.”
Below is the same player. It’s easy and fun to see the development:)
Remember, don’t compare your kid with others. They all progress at different stages.
Age 7 – Santiago [2 years later]
Parts of the foot to pass short
Ages 5-7 need to be taught and reminded to use the inside of the foot to pass and shoot – most of the time.
The part of the foot is in the middle of the foot on the bone area, between the toes and the heel.
Toes should point up – most of the time, unless they have to reach for a ball that’s wide.
Set up a passing drill like this and have them compete to see which team gets 10 or 20 passes first.
Using a wall or rebounder like this OR if money isn’t a problem get this larger rebounder – my favorite. You’ll use it for years to come!
How to get kicking power for ages 5-7
3 things need to happen for more power:
Some things no matter the age need to be taught… Whether ages 5-7 or high school – kids need to learn this.
- Contract [flex] stomach muscles. The reason is because out of all the muscles, the quads and stomach is what helps with kicking power.
- Get both feet off the ground and land on your shooting foot
- Lock your ankle, and if using the laces keep the toes pointed down
Watching older players
One of the best ways to learn is by watching.
Kids who have the opportunity to watch older players have a better chance to understand game situations.
Maybe you can go watch some games of kids older or even pro matches live or on TV.
Why patience is important
Unfortunately, soccer takes a lot of practice to become really good.
Fortunately, those who put in the work one week at a time, set themselves a part from those who don’t.
I would bet that only 20% of club soccer players practice outside of their team practice… By high school you can see who’s received good training.
Practice dribbling in the house, backyard, driveway, garage or anywhere you can.
Consistency in the long run
Pros train 6/7 days… The reason is to stay sharp and keep improving little by little.
Youth soccer players ages 5-7 don’t need to train that much of course. Although, the kids who learn the right methods at a young age have a big advantage.
Spending 10 – 30 minutes at home with the ball really helps, especially starting at ages 5-7!
Some players practice at home 1-3 minutes a few times each day, while others spend a full 20 minutes on a specific day.
Do what’s best for you!
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