Parents · The Method

5 Essential Soccer Drills for Kids to Practice at Home

You don't need a full pitch to keep improving. These five soccer drills for kids use a small space, a ball, and a wall — and every rep is built around the same AM Method principles we coach on the ground in Nicosia: clean technique, clear standards, and skills that transfer into matches.

Session length: 20–30 minutes. Pick 2–3 drills and rotate. Finish with a fun 1v1 or target challenge.

Drill 01

Soft-Ball Juggling

Set-up: A pair of rolled-up socks or a soft ball. Start with one bounce, then kick it back up. Use thighs and feet only.
Focus: First touch, balance, timing.
Coaching points: Keep your ankle locked and contact the ball flat. Eyes on the ball, not your feet.
Progression: Try two touches in a row without a bounce. Add one header if space allows.

Drill 02

Hallway Dribble Gates

Set-up: Set 6–8 small objects (socks, water bottles) as gates in a hallway or garden path. Dribble through them in a zig-zag.
Focus: Close control, change of direction, head up.
Coaching points: Little touches on the way in, bigger touch to accelerate out. Look up between gates.
Progression: Use only your weaker foot. Time the run and beat your previous record.

Drill 03

Wall Passes

Set-up: Find a flat wall. Stand 2–3 metres away and pass against it. Receive the rebound with one touch, then pass again.
Focus: Passing weight, receiving shape, two-touch rhythm.
Coaching points: Open your hips before the ball returns. Pass with the inside of the foot, not the toe.
Progression: Move further back. Try one-touch passes. Alternate left and right foot.

Drill 04

Target Shooting

Set-up: Place two small targets 1.5 metres apart against a wall or fence. Dribble from 5 metres and shoot between them.
Focus: Finishing accuracy, approach angle, calm technique.
Coaching points: Approach the ball at a slight angle. Strike through the middle with your laces.
Progression: Add a one-second time limit after the last touch. Use your weaker foot only.

Drill 05

1v1 Mirror

Set-up: A 3×3 metre space. One player leads with the ball, the other mirrors their movements as a defender without tackling.
Focus: Body shape, feints, protecting the ball.
Coaching points: Use your body to shield the ball. Drop your shoulder, then change direction sharply.
Progression: Make it a real 1v1 to a small target goal. Switch attacker and defender every 30 seconds.

Ready for the next level?

See how the same principles grow on our pitch with the U8 drills library.

U8 drills →