Running straight is easy. Weaving teaches them to use both feet and steer the ball. Five cones in a line with space between them makes it simple and repeatable.
What you need: 5 cones or water bottles. 1 soccer ball per child. Flat area.
Setup: Line up 5 cones in a straight line, 4 feet apart. Starting line 5 feet before the first cone.
How to run it:
- Child dribbles from the start toward the first cone, tapping the ball.
- They weave left of the first cone, right of the second, left of the third, and so on.
- After the last cone, they turn and dribble back.
- One lap per turn. 4 turns total.
- Rest between laps.
What to watch: Are they keeping the ball close to their feet? Or is it rolling away from them? Close means control.
If they’re struggling: Space the cones 5 feet apart instead. Move slower through the course.
If they’ve got it: Reduce spacing to 3 feet. Time them. Faster runs build confidence.