Kids need to learn they can stop the ball whenever they want. This drill teaches them that the sole of the foot is the brake. Tap, roll, stop. That’s control.
What you need: 1 soccer ball per child. Open grass area.
Setup: Each child stands with a ball 20 feet in front of them toward a line or tree.
How to run it:
- Child taps the ball forward using the inside of the foot. Rolling toward the target.
- After 3 taps, they press the sole of their foot down on top of the ball and stop it.
- Ball stops. They pause for 1 second.
- Tap it forward again. 3 taps, then stop.
- Repeat until they reach the target line, about 20 feet away.
What to watch: Can they stop the ball cleanly with the sole of their foot? Or does it squirt out to the side? Sole contact takes practice.
If they’re struggling: Reduce the taps to 2 before each stop. Let them move slower.
If they’ve got it: Increase to 5 taps before each stop. Add a voice call. You say “Go” or “Stop” and they respond.