How to Train Your Kid in Soccer: A Guide for Parents with Little Soccer Background

Soccer is one of the most popular sports for kids, and if you're a parent with little soccer experience yourself, you might feel uncertain about how to help your child improve their skills. Don’t worry, there are simple ways to get started that will foster your child's love for the game and help them develop their abilities, even if you're new to the sport. In this post, we'll share some tips on how to train your child in soccer, and why bringing in a professional like those at CANXL can take their skills to the next level.

1. Focus on the Basics

If you have no soccer experience, it's crucial to start with the fundamentals. Soccer is a simple game at its core, and by focusing on key skills, your child can build a strong foundation for more advanced techniques later on. Here’s what to focus on:
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• Dribbling: This is one of the most important skills for young players. Set up a small obstacle course in your yard or local park with cones or markers to help your child practice dribbling around them.
• Passing: Passing the ball accurately is essential. Start by practicing with short passes, then gradually increase the distance as their skill improves. You can also work on passing against a wall or to you.
• Shooting: Use a soft ball to help your child practice aiming at a target (like a net or even a makeshift goal). Start with small goals and work your way up.
• Ball Control: Teaching your child how to control the ball with their feet, knees, and chest is essential. Have them practice controlling the ball with gentle touches and gradually increase the difficulty by introducing different surfaces of the body for receiving the ball.
  
  

2. Keep it Fun and Engaging

​Kids learn best when they’re enjoying the activity. Create a positive and playful environment where your child feels encouraged to explore and develop their skills. You don’t need formal drills all the time—incorporate fun activities like:

• Mini-Games: Play simple games like "Sharks and Minnows" or "Red Light, Green Light" where your child practices dribbling and quick decision-making while keeping the fun factor high.
• Challenges: Set small challenges (e.g., how many times they can pass the ball back and forth between cones in a minute). Celebrate their successes, no matter how small, to keep them motivated.
• Friendly Competition: Play together! Whether it’s a mini-game of 1v1 or even just kicking the ball around, the more you play, the more your child will improve.

​3. Develop Good Habits and Fundamentals of Movement

Physical fitness and coordination are critical to soccer. As a parent, you can help your child improve their agility, balance, and endurance with simple exercises like:

• Balance Drills: Have your child balance on one foot for as long as possible, and then switch to the other foot. You can make it a fun game to see how long they can balance.
• Skipping and Hopping: These exercises help with footwork and coordination. You can set up challenges to hop over small objects or race to certain points.
• Stamina Building: Go on regular runs or short sprints together. Start slowly, but gradually work up to longer sessions to help them build stamina, which is crucial for soccer players.
  
  

4. Watch Soccer Together

If you’re unfamiliar with soccer tactics or gameplay, watching games together can be a great way to learn. You can watch professional games with your child, pointing out different skills and moves players make on the field. This not only helps your child see how the game is played but also helps you learn what to focus on during practice.

5. Know When to Seek Help

While you can absolutely teach your child the basics, sometimes they need a little extra help. If you're looking to truly take your child’s game to the next level, consider hiring a professional coach. That's where CANXL comes in.
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Why Hire a Professional?

At CANXL, we offer private soccer training that’s tailored to each player’s needs. Our coaches are experienced in working with kids of all skill levels and will help your child progress faster than they would on their own. We understand the importance of creating a positive learning environment that fosters not just skill development but also a love for the game.

Whether you're looking for one-on-one sessions or a group training plan, our certified coaches provide personalized instruction that’s designed to fit your child's pace and goals. Plus, our team can help guide your child through important aspects like teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship, all of which are key to becoming a well-rounded player.

Can You Do It Too?If you’ve enjoyed working with your child and want to go a step further, CANXL also offers a trainer certification course. Our course equips you with the skills and knowledge to train soccer players effectively, whether you're a parent wanting to enhance your own coaching abilities or someone looking to enter the world of soccer coaching professionally.

By joining our program, you’ll learn advanced techniques and gain insights into running a successful soccer training business, making it a perfect opportunity for anyone passionate about soccer and coaching.
Get Started Today!Training your child in soccer doesn’t have to be intimidating. Start small, have fun, and focus on the basics, and you’ll be amazed at how much your child can improve. But remember, if you’re looking for a way to accelerate their progress, a professional coach from CANXL can help.

And if you’re interested in taking it to the next level, check out our trainer certification course—whether for personal growth or professional coaching, it’s a great way to invest in your child’s soccer journey and your own coaching future.

Get in touch with CANXL today, and let’s help your child develop their soccer skills with the guidance of expert trainers!