How to Develop Dribbling Skills in Youth Soccer Players

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Dribbling - maintaining control of the ball while running - is one of the first soccer skills taught at the beginning level. You can help your player develop dribbling skills.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Soccer Balls
Soccer balls

Step 1

Be patient. Although dribbling is a skill initially taught to beginners, they will not have mastered it.
Step 2

Use small touches. That helps keep the ball close to the player.
Step 3

Use different surfaces of the foot. Once a beginning player is comfortable with the inside of the foot, try other areas - the laces, the outside of the foot, the sole.
Step 4

Keep the head up. Try to enforce not looking down at the ball.
Step 5

Use proper posture. Keep low, with knees slightly bent.
Step 6

Use progressive defending (guarding). Start with no pressure, then graduate to light pressure. Use full pressure with advanced players, and seek to take the ball.
Step 7

Practice using drills and games. To help players keep their heads up and looking where they're going, hold up different numbers of fingers while the kids are dribbling around the field. The first one to spot the new number wins a point.

Tips & Warnings

Be willing to help. You do not need a soccer background to play with a child.
Be enthusiastic. If you show an interest, the child will want to work with you.
Suggest, don't insist. You should practice only if a child is 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 dribbling skills 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.