Soccer for kids is one of the fastest-growing youth sports in the world. As a dad of two boys who started playing at six, I’ve seen firsthand how much this game can shape a child’s confidence, focus, and love of sports.
Related: Definitive Guide to In-Home Training
At first, I thought soccer was simple—run fast, kick hard, score goals. But I quickly learned the truth: success in soccer has less to do with speed and size, and everything to do with how comfortable a child feels with the ball at their feet.
That’s where ball mastery comes in.
What Exactly Is Ball Mastery?
The Antigonish Celtics Soccer Club has a great definition:
Ball mastery is the ability to control and manipulate the ball comfortably using every surface of both feet.
That means being able to use:
- The sole of the foot
- The inside
- The outside
- The laces (instep)
- The heel
- Even the toe
It may sound simple, but think about it—walking, running, and jumping are natural human movements. Using your feet to control a ball with precision? Not natural at all.
That’s why kids need lots of practice until it becomes second nature.
Why Ball Mastery Matters in Soccer for Kids
Here’s what I noticed with my sons, and the research confirms it too: kids who master the ball love the game more because they can actually play it.
- Confidence grows when they know they can keep the ball under pressure.
- Creativity shows when they try new moves and see different options.
- The game slows down because they’re in control, not just chasing the ball.
Soccer is a skill-based sport, and confidence comes from repetition.
Kids who feel comfortable with the ball touch it more in games—and the kids who touch the ball more are the ones who improve the fastest.
What You Need to Practice at Home
This is where most parents overthink things. I did too. The truth is, you don’t need much.
- Soccer Ball (the right size for their age)
- A small space (garage, basement, driveway—even a living room works)
- A few cones (or water bottles, shoes, anything that marks space)
That’s it. No fancy gear. No excuses.
A Free 5-Minute Follow-Along Ball Mastery Session
Most parents ask me the same question: What can my child actually do at home?
When I started with my sons, I had no idea what drills to run. That’s why I created a free 5-minute Ball Mastery Session.
It’s 100% follow-along. Your child presses play, copies the moves, and in just five minutes, they’ll get more touches on the ball than many kids do in an entire practice.
No guesswork, no nagging. Just consistent touches.
This is just one sample from Anytime Soccer Training’s 1,000 Touch Ball Mastery Series—a library of over 500 guided sessions designed to take kids from beginner to advanced. But honestly, even starting with five minutes a day makes a huge difference.
Why Ball Mastery Should Be Combined with Other Drills
Ball mastery builds comfort and control, but it’s only one part of the puzzle. Kids also need to see how their touches connect to the bigger game. That’s why I always recommend mixing in:
- Wall Passing – A wall never gets tired, and it teaches kids timing, accuracy, and first touch.
- Dribbling Drills – Weaving through cones (or water bottles) adds decision-making, movement, and control in tight spaces.
When you combine these three—ball mastery, wall passing, and dribbling—you give your child the complete toolkit: control of the ball, movement with the ball, and connection with teammates.
Final Thoughts
If your child is starting soccer, ball mastery is the foundation. Think of it like learning the alphabet before writing sentences—you can’t skip it. Once they’re comfortable using every surface of their feet, everything else—passing, shooting, dribbling, and enjoying the game—becomes easier.
And here’s the good news: it doesn’t take hours. Just a few minutes a day in the driveway or basement builds habits and confidence that will last for years.
If you want to give your child a simple way to begin, grab the free 7-Day Soccer Skills Challenge. You’ll get seven short training sessions—covering ball mastery, wall passing, and dribbling—that are fun, practical, and yours to keep forever.
