As a soccer dad who’s been through countless practices, games, and training sessions with my kids, I can tell you—there are some skills that truly set players up for success, especially in the early years.
When kids are still U13 and younger, focusing on the basics can make a world of difference. So here are five soccer skills I always encourage my kids (and their teammates) to work on. With a little dedication and some great training resources, they’ll be on their way!
1. Ball Mastery
This is a big one, and it’s all about control and comfort with the ball. Imagine how valuable it is for a player to be able to move the ball with every part of their foot.
Related: Ball Mastery
I’m talking about the sole, inside, outside, instep, heel, and even the toe. If they can learn to control the ball from every angle, they’re building a skill that can carry them far.
With Anytime Soccer Training’s 1,000 Touch Ball Mastery Series, my kids have access to over 500 sessions, each designed to build confidence with the ball.
Best part? They can practice in our own backyard or even in the living room (as long as nothing breakable is around!). Small touches, consistent practice—it all adds up.
2. Tight Space Dribbling
Tight space dribbling might seem simple, but it’s a game-changer. It’s all about controlling the ball in crowded areas, weaving around opponents with quick, sharp touches.
My kids love practicing this because it’s challenging and fun, almost like a mini obstacle course.
With Anytime Soccer Training, they can do these drills right at home, even in a small space. The focus is on keeping control, using quick touches, and staying light on their feet—all skills that pay off in real-game situations.
3. Passing and First Touch
In my opinion, passing is one of the best ways for young players to learn teamwork and timing. The focus here is on making quick, controlled passes and receiving the ball with a good first touch.
Anytime my kids practice, I tell them to think ahead—where is the ball going next? How are they going to control it as it arrives?
This one is easy to practice with a friend, a sibling, or even a wall if no one else is around. The more touches they get, the more instinctive it becomes.
4. Aerial Control
Aerial control (dealing with high balls) is challenging but so valuable. It’s all about softening your touch when the ball is coming down from the air.
It took my kids a little time to get used to this, but once they got the hang of it, I noticed they weren’t afraid to trap those tricky high balls during games.
Practicing this skill with Anytime Soccer Training gives them a step-by-step approach that builds their confidence. With repetition, controlling the ball mid-air becomes a natural part of their game.
5. 1v1 Moves and Dribbling
1v1 moves and dribbling are some of the most exciting skills for young players to develop. Facing off against a defender, they get the chance to try different moves, change directions, and use bursts of speed to get past their opponent. My kids love practicing these—it feels like a real game challenge, and it’s a great confidence builder.
Anytime Soccer Training offers drills that focus on 1v1 moves and dribbling, helping players sharpen their skills and creativity. It keeps training fun and engaging while building the techniques they’ll use again and again in games.
Putting It All Together
As a soccer dad, I know how easy it is to get caught up searching for the perfect training resources. But by focusing on these five essential skills—ball mastery, dribbling, passing, aerial control, and 1v1 moves—I’ve seen my kids build confidence and perform better on the field. The best part is, with Anytime Soccer Training, these skills can be developed right at home.
So, stop searching the internet for soccer training videos! Instead, take the free 7-day Ball Mastery Challenge with Anytime Soccer Training and see the difference a focused plan can make. One step at a time, you’ll watch your player grow!
