I’m sure that every soccer coach uses the toe tapping drill for their kids. It’s a good drill for getting a lot of touches on the ball, as well as building endurance.

Soccer Dribbling

But any drill needs to be adjustable for difficulty. Maybe it’s too hard for some (especially U5 soccer ) and too easy for more advanced players. Here are some variations you can do to make it easier…and more challenging.

Here’s the basic drill:  Give every player a ball, and at your signal, have them tap the ball with the sole of each foot, switching feet, as fast as possible. Continue this for 10 to 30 seconds or so, then take a break.

While older kids should pick this up right away, younger players will need more time to get the coordination of this drill down. Typical variations are to move the ball forward, back or to the side. But even that limits the players ability to challenge themselves and have fun.

Try these variations and be sure to experiment. Have fun with it and ask your kids to come up with new ways as well.

To make it easier:

• Hold on to a wall or fence.
• Hold on to another player.
• Use balls with less air.
• Use a Koosh ball that doesn’t roll.

To make it more difficult:

• Face a partner. Hold each others shoulders and go at the same time. Great for getting kids use to physical soccer play.
• Add a hop before touching the soccer ball.
• Jump up and touch the ball with both feet at the same time.
• 10 touches, run around ball, 10 touches, run other way.
• One toe touch, circle foot around the ball. Repeat other foot.
• To make it more physical and conditioning add an exercise or a run after a set number. Push-ups, jumps, burpees, etc.

I hope this is enough to get you thinking out of the box on ways to have fun and teach at the same time. It’s really what great coaching is all about. If you want more ideas on progressions and modalities which is what this is, be sure to get my Athletic Skills for Soccer.

As always, leave your comments for others. Got other ideas? Let’s share!