10 Simple Soccer Drills You Can Do With Your Child at Home

Fun, low-pressure ways to build skills and memories together

If you're a soccer parent, you've probably wondered, “What can we do at home to help our child get better at soccer — without it feeling like work?” Good news: you don’t need a full-size field or coaching experience to make a big difference.

These 10 easy at-home soccer drills are perfect for kids ages 6–12. They build real skills — like control, passing, and agility — while keeping the focus on fun and connection. Most of them take just 10–15 minutes and require minimal equipment.

1. Cone Dribble Maze

Skills: Ball control, footwork
What You Need: 5-6 cones, water bottles, or shoes

Set up a zigzag pattern using whatever you have on hand. Have your child dribble the ball through the maze using only small touches. You can time them, race each other, or add challenges like only using their weaker foot.

✅ Pro Tip: Let your child create the maze layout — it gives them ownership and creativity.

2. Wall Pass Practice

Skills: Passing, first touch
What You Need: A ball and a wall or sturdy fence

Stand a few feet away from the wall and pass the ball against it, trapping it when it comes back. You and your child can take turns or pass back and forth together.

📘 Reading connection: Pair this with a story about teamwork or soccer strategy, like "Soccer Sisters" — then try acting out some teamwork scenarios from the book!

3. Toe Taps Challenge

Skills: Coordination, quick feet
What You Need: Just a ball!

Stand in place and lightly tap the top of the ball with alternating feet. Count how many your child can do in 30 seconds. Try to beat personal bests or do it together as a warm-up before homework.

4. Around the Cone (1v1 Moves)

Skills: Dribbling under pressure
What You Need: 1 cone or object

Place a cone about 5 feet away. Have your child dribble up to it and try a move like a step-over or scissors to “get around” the defender. Pretend the cone is a rival player — or take turns being the “defender” yourself!

5. Mini Soccer Tennis

Skills: Ball control, volleying
What You Need: A ball and a rope, towel, or chalk line

Set up a “net” across your yard or driveway. Take turns kicking or heading the ball over the line. No hands allowed! Keep score or just play for fun.

6. Passing Gates

Skills: Accuracy, focus
What You Need: 2 cones or household objects

Create a small “gate” with two cones. Stand a few feet apart and try to pass the ball through the gate to each other. Move farther back as it gets easier. This one’s great for teamwork and laughter.

7. Ball Juggling (Start Small!)

Skills: Touch, balance
What You Need: Just a soccer ball

Start by bouncing the ball once on your knee, then try to keep it going. Younger kids might just do one or two juggles — that’s okay! Celebrate progress and keep it light.

💡 Encouragement matters more than perfection.

8. Obstacle Course Sprint

Skills: Agility, speed
What You Need: Anything you can weave through

Create a mini obstacle course using toys, cones, or even stuffed animals. Dribble through, hop over, or sprint around. Time each other for added fun.

9. Target Practice

Skills: Shooting accuracy
What You Need: A goal or target (cardboard box, laundry basket, etc.)

Challenge your child to hit a target with their shot. You can assign different points for different targets, or set up a mini “penalty shootout.”

10. Shadow Dribbling

Skills: Control, awareness
What You Need: Two players

One person is the leader and dribbles in different directions. The other follows like a shadow, copying their moves as closely as possible. Switch roles and see who’s the sneakier dribbler!

Keep It Light, Keep It Loving ❤️

These at-home soccer drills aren’t just about improving skills — they’re about building confidence, memories, and connection. Even just 10 minutes together in the driveway can mean the world to your child.

And if you're looking for ways to bring the fun inside on rainy days, grab a soccer-themed kids’ book and read it together. Stories like “Kick It, Mo!” or “The Wild Soccer Bunch” combine humor, heart, and a love for the game — and they might just spark a lifelong love of reading.

Final Thought

Helping your child grow in soccer doesn’t require fancy gear or long practices. Just your presence, your encouragement, and a little creativity. So grab a ball, head outside, and enjoy the magic of play — one kick at a time.

💚 You’ve got this, soccer parent.