Inside-Outside Drill: Mastering Ball Control and Agility

Age Group: Suitable for Young Children
Practice Area: 3-4 meters
Ball Size: 3 or 4

Objective

The Inside-Outside drill focuses on enhancing close ball control, agility, and quick direction changes. It helps young players develop the ability to maneuver the ball effectively using both the inside and outside of their foot.

Instructions

Setup

• Mark a 3-4 meter area for the drill.

Starting Position

• Begin with the ball at your feet in the defined practice area.

Execution

1. Start with one foot, tapping the ball sideways with the inside of that foot.
2. Use the outside of the same foot to move the ball back across to the opposite side.
3. Continue alternating between inside and outside touches, maintaining a steady left-to-right movement.
4. After completing the designated repetitions with one foot, switch to the other foot to ensure balanced training.

Footwork Tips

• Outside Touch: Keep your plant foot wide for stability.
• Inside Touch: Position your plant foot closer to the ball for precision.

Rhythm and Control

• Focus on smooth, controlled transitions between touches.
• Keep the ball close to your feet and maintain a consistent, rhythmic motion.

Repetitions and Sets

• Perform 30 repetitions (one left-to-right movement counts as one repetition).
• Complete 5 sets, with short breaks in between.

Equipment Needed

• A soccer ball (size 3 or 4).
• A flat, obstacle-free surface indoors or outdoors.

Safety Tips

• Ensure the practice area is clear of hazards.
• Encourage wearing sports shoes for better grip and safety.

Progress Tracking

• Observe the smoothness of the transitions and the child’s control over the ball.
• With practice, agility and directional changes should become quicker and more precise.

Challenge

• Encourage the child to increase the speed of their touches as they become more comfortable.
• Introduce a timer to see how many inside-outside touches they can complete in a set timeframe while maintaining control.

Fun Tip

Make it a game! Time the child and set a target number of touches within a specific duration. Gradually reduce the time allowed to complete the same number of touches, turning practice into a fun, competitive challenge.

This drill not only builds essential soccer skills but also keeps young players engaged and excited about their development!