How to Know What Skills Are Important for a Novice Youth Soccer Player

A novice soccer player has one to two years of experience. The novice stage is when the majority of basic soccer skills are introduced. In order to establish a good foundation, it's important to make sure these soccer skills are practiced.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soccer Apparel
• Soccer Cleats
• Soccer Shin Guards
• Soccer Uniforms
• Soccer Videos
• soccer balls

1. Notice the basics. A lot of time should be spent on skills such as dribbling, passing and shooting, with less time spent on skills such as heading.

2. Watch that pass. Novices should focus heavily on the inside-of-the-foot pass, an essential skill used at all levels of the game.

3. Dribble the ball. At this level, dribbling - maintaining control of the ball while running - is connected to passing.

4. Shield the ball. Shielding (guarding) the ball with the body means keeping the body between the ball and the opponent.

5. Watch for ball control. Have children try to control the ball on a flat body surface (foot or thigh). Eyes should be kept on the ball with arms positioned at the sides to maintain balance.

6. Practice juggling. Juggling is tapping the ball to keep it in the air by using any body part except the hands and arms.

7. Be ready for shooting and heading. These skills are also introduced at this level.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for mastery of beginning skills. Having achieved balance and coordination at the previous level is necessary to move on to the next level.
• Be aware of novice concepts and rules. At this stage, players should be introduced to the positions and their roles.
• Play with your child. You don't have to have played soccer to be able to toss or pass a ball.
• Recognize the priorities. The primary goal of a novice youth soccer program is to provide a fun experience for children.
• Check for understanding. Ask children to explain what they have learned after practice or games.
• Ask children to demonstrate. Children love to be experts, especially with their parents. Also, this reinforces their understanding of the soccer skills.
• Check for challenge. A good coach can accommodate children of all skill levels, including one who is ready to move on to more advanced skills.

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