How to Develop Scoring Skills in Youth Soccer Players

Scoring goals is what soccer is all about. You can help your child develop the many skills that contribute to the satisfaction of scoring a goal.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soccer Balls
• Soccer balls

1. Set up a goal in the backyard or the basement.

2. Act as a goalkeeper. The child will enjoy shooting on you.

3. Let the child score. Although children don't want an inert goalkeeper, allowing some successful shots is a good idea.

4. Focus on the proper level. Each skill level has its specific needs and challenges.

5. Get specific. For example, have beginners, who tend to shoot right at the goalkeeper, practice shooting low and to the corners.

6. Stress both feet. Right from the start, players should be encouraged to shoot with the nondominant foot as well as the dominant foot.

7. Try different methods. As the child becomes more experienced, try different shots with different parts of the feet.

8. Remember heading. Although it is a more advanced skill, players can always practice goal scoring with headers.

9. Keep score. Children like games with points.

Tips & Warnings

• The proper way to kick a soccer ball is to strike it with the instep, toes pointed and ankle locked.
• Be willing to help. You do not need a soccer background to play with a child.
• Be enthusiastic. If you show an interest, a child will want to work with you.
• Suggest, don't insist. Parents should practice only if children are interested and enthusiastic.
• Use positive encouragement. Tell children what they do right, and how they may do even better. Avoid negative criticism.
• Learn some games and exercises. You can do this by reading books or by watching your child in practice.
• Integrate skills into daily life. Use opportunities such as waiting at the school bus stop or playing in the backyard to practice skills.
• Watch experienced players or professional games together. Discuss the scoring attempts and successes with the child.
• Find a mentor. An older player (or sibling) makes for a good threesome, or even twosome. You can also learn by watching.

Who Can Help:

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on 11/22/2005 Place cone on edge of the penalty area and 3 balls 5yds apart level with the penalty spot. Player runs round the cone and shoots the ball into an empty net on the first 2 attempts. On 3rd attempt there is a goalkeeper in goal. Develops speed and vision.