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

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(3 Ratings)

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. Step 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. Step 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. Step 3

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

  4. Step 4

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

  5. Step 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. Step 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. Step 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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