You watch your child at practice. You see them struggling with the ball while other kids seem to glide past defenders effortlessly.
You want to help. But there’s one problem:
You never played soccer.
Maybe you played basketball. Maybe you didn’t play sports at all. Either way, you feel unqualified to help your child improve at a game you don’t fully understand.
Here’s the truth: You don’t need soccer experience to help your child get better.
I’m living proof.
Can You Really Train Better Than World-Class Genetics?
Before we dive into the methods, I want you to hear something that might sound crazy: Your effort, commitment, and love can outwork natural talent.
In this recent podcast episode, I answer a controversial listener question about training kids versus Kevin De Bruyne’s genetics. The answer might surprise you:
Now let’s talk about how you can actually do this…
I Never Played Soccer Either
When my sons started competitive soccer, their skills were lacking and their passion was fading. I wanted to help—but I had zero soccer background.
So I did what any determined parent would do: I figured it out.
Years later, one of my sons plays at Charlotte FC Academy and the other at NCFC South Academy. And I still can’t do a proper step-over.
The secret? You don’t need to demonstrate skills perfectly. You just need to create opportunities for your child to practice.
Here are the four simple methods that worked for us—and will work for you.
Method 1: The Sandwich Approach
This is the simplest way to structure any backyard session:
Play → Practice → Play
| Layer | What to Do | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 🍞 Top Bun | Start with fun games (5 min) | Tag, racing, 1v1 |
| 🥩 The Meat | Structured practice (10 min) | Ball mastery, dribbling drills |
| 🍞 Bottom Bun | End with more play (5 min) | Shooting, 1v1, free play |
Why it works: Kids stay engaged because they’re bookending “work” with fun. They don’t even realize they’re training.
⚡ Action Step: Try one 20-minute sandwich session this week. Start with tag, do 10 minutes of toe taps or dribbling, and end with shooting on a goal.
Method 2: Use Your Hands (Yes, Really)
Here’s a game-changer most parents don’t realize:
You can use your hands to train your child’s feet.
You don’t need fancy footwork to:
- Toss balls for them to control with their chest or thigh
- Roll balls for them to pass back
- Throw balls for them to volley into a goal
- Serve balls for heading practice
I still use my hands to serve volleys to my sons. It’s simple, effective, and requires zero soccer skill from you.
⚡ Action Step: Stand 10 feet away from your child. Toss a ball underhand. Have them control it with one touch and pass it back. Do 20 reps each foot.
Method 3: Play 1v1 and Be the Goalie
You don’t need skills to play against your kid. In fact, your lack of skill might be perfect.
Here’s what to do:
- Set up two small goals (or cones) about 15 feet apart
- Play 1v1 with your child
- Let them win sometimes—challenge them other times
- Switch to being goalie so they can practice finishing
Kids love beating their parents at anything. Use that to your advantage.
⚡ Action Step: Play a 5-minute 1v1 game today. First to 3 goals wins. Loser does 10 jumping jacks.
Method 4: Chase, Race, and Tag Games
Every kid loves being chased. Add a soccer ball and suddenly you have a training session.
Three games that work:
| Game | How to Play | Skills Developed |
|---|---|---|
| Dribble Tag | Both players dribble. Try to tag each other while keeping control. | Ball control, awareness |
| Cone Race | Race to a cone 20 yards away while dribbling. First one there wins. | Speed dribbling |
| Shark Attack | You’re the shark (no ball). They dribble and try to avoid you in a small square. | Close control, change of direction |
⚡ Action Step: Pick one game from the list above and play it for 5 minutes before dinner tonight.
The Only Rule: Keep It Simple
Don’t overthink this. You’re not coaching a professional team. You’re helping your child fall in love with the ball.
Remember:
- Introduce only 1-2 new moves per week
- Keep sessions under 20 minutes
- End on a high note (let them score the winning goal)
- Your enthusiasm matters more than your technique
Want a Done-For-You Plan?
If you want to skip the guesswork, I created a free training plan specifically for parents like us—parents who want to help but don’t know where to start.
Your child follows along with video instruction. You just press play and encourage.
✅ What’s Included:
- Daily 15-minute video drills (coach demonstrates everything)
- Mix of dribbling, ball control, passing, and agility
- Built-in progress tracker
- Zero soccer knowledge required from you
📥 Join the Free Training Plan Here
Your Action Plan
| When | Action Item | Done? |
|---|---|---|
| Today | Play a 5-minute game (tag, 1v1, or racing) | ☐ |
| Toss 20 balls for your child to control and pass back | ☐ | |
| Join the Free Training Plan | ☐ | |
| This Week | Do one full “sandwich” session (Play-Practice-Play) | ☐ |
| Play 1v1 or be the goalie for shooting practice | ☐ | |
| This Month | Establish a consistent 3x/week routine | ☐ |
| Celebrate your child’s progress together | ☐ |
Essential Equipment
Here’s the basic gear we use for backyard training. These are affiliate links—they don’t cost you extra but help support this site.
- Soccer Ball – Size 4 (ages 8-12) or Size 5 (13+)
- Flat Cones – For dribbling courses
- Pop-up Goals – For 1v1 and shooting
- Rebounder – For first touch and passing
- Bluetooth Speaker – For follow-along training videos
Final Thought
Your child doesn’t need a parent who played soccer. They need a parent who shows up.
Chase them around the yard. Toss them a ball. Set up some cones. Be their biggest fan.
That’s how champions are made—one backyard session at a time.
Ready to start? 📥 Join the Free Training Plan and help your child improve—no soccer experience required.
Neil Crawford is a soccer dad and founder of Anytime Soccer Training. He never played soccer, but his sons now play at Charlotte FC Academy and NCFC South Academy. He’s proof that any parent can make a difference.
