How to Coach Kids Soccer: Positions, Tips & Getting Started

Image by Vision Football

Stepping up to coach kids' soccer can feel a bit daunting. But don't sweat it! The most important thing is making sure every child has a blast and builds some confidence along the way. This guide explains how to coach kids' soccer, covering everything from positions to skills and drills, so you can feel totally ready for that first practice. 

Key Takeaways 

• When to Start: The best age for kids to start soccer is 3-5, focusing on fun and basic movement rather than competition. 
• What to Teach: Keep it simple! Focus on just one or two key points per session, like how to spread out and not bunch up on the ball. Use fun games to teach core skills like dribbling, passing, and shooting. 
• Everything You Need: For players just starting out, you'll need a size 3 soccer ball and cones. Teardrop-shaped goals are great for young kids. More advanced training aids include hurdles, ladders, agility poles and a pump for your balls. 

What Age Can Kids Start Soccer? 

We recommend starting around 3 to 5 years old. A lot of traditional clubs won't offer teams at this age, but there are dedicated training groups that are a fantastic option. Otherwise, joining a school team is a great way to get started.  

At this stage, the game is all about fun and getting comfortable with a ball, not just winning. And the right gear is everything! Think small, lightweight equipment perfect for tiny hands and feet. That's why Summit Sport's got a fantastic range of age appropriate soccer gear to make those first games an absolute blast. 

How to Play Soccer for Kids: The Basics 

So, what do you actually teach them? Keep it simple and fun. It's not about winning at all costs. The most important thing is that every child has a great experience. The best way to achieve that is by focusing on one or two key points at a time, since kids can only absorb so much before it falls apart. 

Start with these basic kids’ soccer skills: 

• Spreading Out: Kids tend to bunch up on the ball, so a key component is teaching them to make space. Use fun games like Piggy in the Middle to get them used to spreading out and finding open space on the field. 
• Passing: Teach them to share the ball with a teammate through simple drills. It's a team sport, so encourage them to look up and find a friend to pass to. 
• Ball Skills: Encourage them to get comfortable with the ball using both feet. Use a simple drill like "dribble to the cone" or a game like Red Light, Green Light. Make shooting fun, not powerful, by focusing on accuracy over speed. Remember, all kids need time on the field. 

How to Explain Soccer Positions to Kids 

When it comes to youth soccer coaching, explaining soccer positions can seem tricky. But it's all about making it simple and relatable. Think of the team as a group of friends, and each person has a special job to help everyone out. 

Here’s how to break down soccer positions for kids: 

• Goalkeeper: This player is the team’s ultimate protector! Their job is to stand in front of the goal and stop the other team from scoring. It's a big responsibility that requires quick hands and a good eye. 
• Defenders: These players are your team's bodyguards. They hang back near your goal and work together to stop the other team's attackers from taking a shot. 
• Midfielders: Midfielders are the hardest workers on the field. They're everywhere! Their job is to help the defenders protect the goal and also help the forwards by moving the ball up the field. 
• Forwards/Strikers: These are your team's goal scorers. Their main job is to get the ball into the opponent's net. They spend most of their time in the other team's half, ready to find an opening and take a shot. 

A striker advancing towards the goals. Image by Vision Football.

3 Fun Drills for Teaching Kids Soccer 

Ready to make soccer practice the highlight of their week? The key to a fun and effective session is a set of simple, engaging drills that keep every player moving and smiling. 

1. "Red Light, Green Light" 

A classic for a reason! Have kids dribble the ball to a certain point when you shout "green light," and stop the ball with their foot when you shout "red light." It's a fun way to teach basic ball control and listening skills. 

2. Pass and Move 

Set up a few cones in a small area. Have kids practice passing the ball to a teammate and then immediately moving to a new spot. This simple drill teaches them to share the ball and stay active. 

3. Shooting Gallery 

Set up one or more small goals and let kids take turns taking shots. Emphasise that it's all about accuracy, not power, and that it's a fun chance to try to score. 

4. Piggy in the Middle  

This classic game is perfect for teaching passing, teamwork, and how to get open. Have kids stand in a circle and pass the ball to each other. You can play two ways: 

• No "Piggy": Call out the name of a player for the ball to be passed to. This helps kids practice looking up and passing to a specific person. 
  
  
• With a "Piggy": Place one player in the middle of the circle. The players in the circle must work together to keep the ball away from the "piggy." This teaches them quick reactions and teamwork under pressure. 

To develop your coaching skills across a whole range of sports, activities, and drills, check out the helpful information and tips in our Guide to Coaching Sports. 

Building Teamwork and Good Sportsmanship 

Coaching isn't just about soccer. It's also a chance to teach life lessons. You've got the perfect opportunity to show kids how to be great teammates and good sports. Encourage them to cheer each other on, celebrate effort, and support one another no matter what. You should also teach them to congratulate the other team after the game and always show respect for the referee. The best way to teach this is to model it yourself. When they see you staying positive, they learn the real victory is in playing hard and having a great time, not just winning. 

Summit Sport’s Soccer Gear for Kids 

Having the right gear is a game-changer for a young player's confidence. Summit Sport's kid-friendly equipment helps them feel prepared and ready to have a blast on the field. 

• Soccer Balls: Lightweight and perfect for smaller feet, size 3 soccer balls make learning to kick and control the ball easier and less intimidating. 
• Agility Cones & Markers: Essential for running those fun drills and games, these help kids learn movement, coordination, and ball control. 
• Kids' Kits & Footwear: Comfortable, durable kits and boots designed for young athletes, ensuring they feel like a part of the team. 
• Shin Guards: A must-have for any game they play, shin pads are essential for protecting kids from impact and ensuring their safety on the field. 
• Portable Goals: Easy to set up in the backyard or at the park and the perfect way for kids to practice their shooting at home. To learn more about selecting the right size, check out our guides on official goal sizes, goals for home, and goals for clubs. 

A coach setting up their Bownet portable goals, ready for training.

Your Coaching Journey Starts Here! 

Ultimately, coaching kids' soccer is all about creating a fun, positive environment where they can build a love for the game. Remember to keep it simple, focus on the fundamentals, and celebrate every small victory.  

Explore Summit Sport's range of soccer equipment for kids and help your young players get started with the right gear and knowledge!