Youth Soccer

How Youth Players Can Get Better By Watching Local High School and College Games

watching college soccer For youth soccer players, the journey to becoming a better player is a continuous learning process. While regular practices and games play a crucial role, there are other ways to gain a deeper understanding of the sport.

One easy opportunity lies right there in your own community: watching local high school and college soccer games.

By going to these games and paying attention to the action on the field, youth players can gain a wealth of knowledge of techniques, strategies and other soccer concepts which can make a big difference in their own development as a player (especially when a parent or coach talks with them about the action on the field).

These benefits are actually backed up by research, as a phenomenon called “nonconscious behavioral mimicry” means that individuals unwittingly imitate the behaviors of another.

This article will outline a few specific things to look for when watching games.

Watch for Technical and Individual Skills

One of the most noticeable differences when watching older and more experienced players are their technical skills, sharpened by years of practice.

Encourage younger players to pay attention to the players’ first touch, passing accuracy, control when dribbling and shooting techniques. They might see a player try a feint or cut or other move and become inspired to try to learn it themselves. And on the other side of the ball, they may be impressed by a defender playing lock-down 1v1 defense to stop an attack in its tracks.

Watching for these skills and related skills can inspire youth players to keep practicing and honing their own fundamental skills.

Essentially, it helps them learn the how and why of their own team practices by seeing it applied at a higher level.

Tactical Awareness and Positioning

High school and college soccer games also allow youth players to sharpen their sense of tactical awareness and how players position themselves on the field.

Watching how players move during different phases of the game can provide valuable lessons, including how they create space, move into threatening positions, and coordinate their positioning with teammates. How long does each team try to pass the ball around before they try to move forward into the attacking third?

On the defensive side of the ball, see what positions each player takes in relation to their teammates. Take note of their decision-making processes, their ability to read the game, and how they adapt to changing situations.

Studying different defensive formations, pressing strategies, and counter-attacking styles can provide youth players with a deeper understanding of the game’s intricacies.

Game Intelligence and Decision-Making

The pace and intensity of high school and college soccer games provide a great opportunity to view soccer IQ in action and learn about the importance of quick decision-making.

Watch how players assess their options quickly, anticipate movements, and make split-second decisions. Take note of their ability to recognize space, exploit mismatches, and execute passes or shots at the right moment.

Youth players can learn to think ahead, develop better field vision, and improve their decision-making skills by analyzing the choices made by more experienced players.

Focus On a Player Who Plays Their Position

For all of these concepts it’s a great idea to identify and focus on a player who plays the same position (and if the youngster(s) play multiple positions, they can choose one at a time). See what they do when their team is on offense, on defense and in transition moments (when the ball has just been won or lost).

For example, midfielders play a pivotal role in controlling the game’s tempo, distributing the ball, and transitioning between defense and attack. Youth players observe how midfielders distribute passes, maintain possession under pressure, look over their shoulder before receiving the ball, and more between different areas of the field.

Taking Your Eye Off the Ball

A big part of the value of watching soccer comes from taking your eye off the ball; seeing how players make runs, drop back or push up, track their mark on defense, and more helps players of any age gain a fuller understanding of how to play at a higher level.

As you watch, try to identify ways in which players can impact the game even when they don’t have the ball.

This is a major benefit of watching soccer on TV to get better and games in person are even better for this because you can see the whole field instead of just what the TV camera decides to show (which is the ball and the area immediately around it).

Sportsmanship, Leadership and Learning from Mistakes

In addition to technical and tactical principles, youth players can also draw broader lessons from their watching experience. Observing how players conduct themselves on the field and interact with teammates, referees, and opponents, can serve as valuable lessons. Point out times when players help each other up, speak to the ref politely, and other small moments of mutual respect. Encourage young players to learn from positive role models who exhibit sportsmanship, respect, and teamwork.

Similarly, some young players might be afraid of making mistakes, which can sometimes discourage them from trying new things or being confident in a big game. Show how even high school and college players make mistakes, but don’t let it get to them and instead keep

Age Appropriate Lessons

The details of how to point out and discuss these concepts with your youth player(s) will of course depend on the level of game you’re watching and their age. A U-12 player aged player watching a high school game will be much closer to the level of play than a U-10 player watching a D1 college game. The lessons learned can be more specific and technical for older youth players and more general for younger ones. Similarly, older youth players watching high school games should be able to much more closely identify with the game being played compared to their team, which can help them gain confidence that they can one day soon play at the same level.

Finally, this same strategy can certainly be used for watching professional games as well. We focused on high school and college soccer because these are likely already close by in your community and are free (in the case of many college programs) or low cost. Families likely already have an older sibling or friends playing at the high school as well.

If you are lucky enough to live close to a pro team, you can certainly try these same things out with youth players too! And if you have a semipro team like USL League Two, it’s likely to feel somewhat similar to a college environment although of course the level of play will be higher.

If you watch high school or college games with youth players, how has it gone?

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Best Practice Drills for Kids Ages 5 and Under

By Parker & Walsh Leave a Comment

The key to developing kids’ skills at a young age is to make sure they are having fun and enjoying themselves, so they actually want to come back to soccer practice.

The most important skill to develop at this age is their dribbling skills. Passing is not a concept that players understand quite yet, so they are mostly limited to stealing the ball from their opponent and dribbling.

In general, you want kids to learn how to dribble in a zig-zag pattern, so they can dribble around defenders.

The following drills will help players improve their fundamental skill of dribbling and become more confident while having fun and enjoying the game of soccer.

These drills can also be used as a practice plan as well. For the first practice, do just two to three drills. Then add a new drill each practice, so the kids will get into a routine and know what to expect.

Coaching points to develop kids dribbling skills:

-Keep the ball close, so don’t kick it super far ahead.
-Change of pace and direction
-Go slow and then fast while dribbling in a zig-zag pattern

Warm-Up Drills/Activities

Free Play

One of the best drills is to just let the kids have free play by scoring in one goal and then getting the ball out of the net and going to score in the other goal. Kids will naturally be creative and try new moves. As a coach, there are a couple things you can do to encourage creativity as well as develop their dribbling skills. You can be chasing kids encouraging them to go score a goal. You can be in the middle of the field to act like you are playing defense so kids have to dribble around you. As you do both these, say your coaching points (see above).

Simon Says/Soccer Gymnastics

Another good warm-up drill is Simon Says, but don’t say “Simon Says” and try to get kids out. You want everyone dribbling and working on their soccer skills. Have the players dribble around while you call out skills to do. Call out “dribble slow.” “dribble fast,” “change direction.” Then “FREEZE.” Have them stop the ball with the sole of their foot. Then continuing having them dribbling and stopping. Every time you have them stop, have them perform a skill. Here’s a list of skills to do when you stop the players: Perform a stretch, toe taps, pendulum taps (kicking the ball between your two feet), touch the ball with a body part, jumping jacks, squats, balance on one foot, hop on one foot, etc. This is also a good time to take suggestions from your players.

Games/Activities

Red Light Green Light Game

For this activity, have the players start on the endline with a soccer ball. When you say, “Green Light” the players need to dribble as fast as they can to the other endline. When you say, “Red Light” the players need to stop the ball by using the sole of their foot. Keep saying “Green Light” and “Red Light” until each player makes it to the other endline. To spice up the game, throw in a “Yellow Light” which means they must go slow. This will help the players with their change of pace.

Coach, what time is it?

This game is great because the coach gets to chase the players like they were during free play. The players start at half field or on the endline and then the coach starts towards the opposite endline with their back to the players. The players shout, “Coach, what time is it?” The coach says a number like “3 o’clock.” The players must take the number of dribbles the coach said towards the coach then stop the ball with the sole of their foot. The players shout, “Coach, what time is it?” and the coach responds with a number. This cycle continues until the coach turns around to chase the players back towards their goal.

The Crab Game

In this game you will NOT be moving like a crab, but instead the coaches and guardians will be the crabs with pincers spread out vertically up the field sliding laterally across the field trying to “pinch” the players trying to dribble in a zig-zag pattern from one goal to the other. Remind the players to keep the ball close and not just kick it and run after it. As the players feel more comfortable, then they should try to dribble faster but not kick the ball too far ahead.

Lightning McQueen/Racing Car Game

This game is great because the kids will naturally practice cutting the ball with the inside of their foot. Additionally, they will need to keep the ball close to them to make it around the circle faster. Have the players start inside the pits (the goal). The players need to start their engine by doing a specified number of toe taps. Say, “Start your engines.” Tell them the direction and how many lap(s) they are doing. (Start with one lap.) Then say, “On your mark get set GO!” As the players make their way around the circle track in the middle of the small sided soccer field, make sure the players don’t dribble through the middle. As they close in on the finish, have the players come back to the pits. If you are going around the circle counterclockwise like NASCAR, then encourage the players to use their right foot to keep the ball close to the inside lane. *Make sure you change direction so they work on cutting the ball with their left foot.

Sharks and Minnows

This classic game keeps all players involved and as there are more sharks, the players need to keep the ball close so the sharks don’t get it. Start with one or two sharks depending on the number of total players. Bring the sharks to the middle of the field. Here you can ask the players what kind of sharks and have them show their shark teeth to the minnows. Have the sharks yell, “Minnows, are you ready?!?!” The minnows should be spread out on the endline and respond by yelling, “YESSSSS!!” If the minnows don’t yell loud enough, then have the sharks say, “I can’t hear you. Minnow, are you ready?!?!” The minnows will yell a really loud “YESSSSS!!” Then the coach should yell, “GO!” The minnows are trying to dribble to the other endline without getting their ball kicked out of play by a shark. If the minnows ball gets kicked out of play by a shark, then the minnow gets added to the sharks. As more minnows become sharks, the remaining minnows must dribble quicking in a zig-zag pattern around the sharks keeping the ball close. Once your team has mastered this fun game, then your team is ready for Dino Egg Snatch.

Dino Egg Snatch

The game really teaches your players to try and win the ball back once it’s lost. The game is very similar to Sharks and Minnows. However, instead of the shark just trying to kick the ball out of play, the dinosaur is trying to get its stolen egg back and return it to its nest, which is their attacking goal or the goal that they are facing. The players with the eggs are trying to keep the egg and dribble it to their attacking goal or the goal that they are facing. If one of the players gets their egg taken by the dinosaur, then they need to try and get it back before they get “scored” on. If the player’s egg gets stolen and put in their defending goal, then the player becomes a dinosaur.

Other Games

Volcano Game
1st – Dribble around the volcanoes
2nd – Plug the volcanoes
3rd – Ice Cream Cone
Pick the cones and put them on your ice cream cone.

There are endless ways you can make dribbling skills fun for your young soccer players. We hope this article has given you some good ideas, and let us know any questions or comments you have below!

Youth Soccer Positions Explained

By Joseph Leave a Comment

Youth soccer is exciting to watch, especially when one or more of the youngsters on the field are your family or friends. Not only is youth soccer a great source of exercise for children, it encourages them to work as a team; this is one of the most important skills a child can learn from youth soccer and one that can be used throughout their life.

But at the younger levels it can be difficult to see much structure out there aside from a mass of kids chasing the ball. If you’re a youth coach, or just a parent who wants to know what’s happening on the field, understanding the different youth soccer positions is crucial.

This article will cover each youth soccer position and why it’s important. Ready to find out more? Let’s get to it.

Are There Actually Positions In Youth Soccer?

When talking about positions in youth soccer, the first question to ask is what age group you are taking about. Because the youngest ages play smaller-sided games with fewer players on each team.

When players are just starting out, it’s important for everyone to begin to learn how to control the ball with their feet, run around in different spaces on the field, and begin to see the basics of both defending and attacking.

Putting them into fixed roles would be confusing and counterproductive to their development. So you will either see players playing without fixed positions (in U-6 or U-8) and at slightly older ages positions with much wider latitude. Then s players get older, then the specialization of positions begins in earnest.

The rest of the article will break down the basics of the role of each position for these age groups.

Key Youth Soccer Positions

Goalkeeper (GK)

This is the most obvious position to spot, and it also won’t be seen at the younger levels. In general, the goalkeeper’s job is to prevent the opposing team from scoring. The goalkeeper guards the net, and their duty is to prevent the ball from entering it.

Goalkeepers (also called goalies) have a critical job to do in a youth soccer game and sometimes feel additional pressure due to their role.

At the younger youth levels, teams are small and so are the goals, so there is no goalie. Normally age 9 or 10 is when the goalkeeper position is introduced.

Defenders (RB, LB, CB)

The job of a defender is to prevent the opposing team from attacking. To do this, defenders will often form a defensive line to stop or slow down the opposition’s attack and work to pass or clear the ball to midfielders when they have the ball.

Defenders are split into categories; right-back (RB), left-back (LB), and center-back (CB).

Right-back defenders work to prevent attacks on the right side of the pitch. Similarly, left-back defenders work to prevent attacks on the left side.

Center backs are an extra layer of security and work to prevent the opposition from moving the ball further up the pitch. They are positioned in front of the right and left defenders.

Midfielders

This is an important position in a soccer team. The duty of a midfielder is to stop the opposing team from attacking the defenders. The key to being a great midfielder is to have excellent passing skills. Midfield positions include:

Midfielders
Defensive midfielders
Attacking midfielders

Midfielders cover a large area of the pitch except for penalty boxes. Defensive midfielders are positioned at the back, and attacking midfielders are positioned at the front.

Attackers

Attackers are also known as the strikers and are responsible for scoring goals. The duty of an attacker is to score a goal by either running with the ball passed to them by a member of the team or with help from midfielders to get the final pass and aim their shot in the net. They also do have some defensive responsibilities given that they are the first line of pressure. In today’s game, even with fixed positions, no player has only one role at all times.

Team Formation

It is common for youth soccer teams to have less than 11 players on each team. As previously stated, having fewer players allows the youngsters to develop and improve their skills since they will all get more touches on the ball.

Youth soccer teams can have as few as three players on either side. Eventually, teams can play with a 11v11 formation which is the most a team can have. However, both teams must have the same amount of players.

6v6 Formation

For players about 9 and 10 years of age (U-10), you will usually six players on either team. The players still need to take up the same space, so in this case, managers usually choose a 2-2-1 format consisting of the following:

Goalkeeper
Right Defender
Left Defender
Right Midfielder
Left Midfielder
Attacker/Striker

For a 7v7, managers will choose a 2-3-1 format. The extra player will add a central midfielder to the game. This formation is ideal for players aged between 7 and 9.

An 8v8 adds an additional player to each side and is known as a 3-3-1 format; this includes a central defender for each team.

A 9v9 has a 3-3-2 format. With this many players on each side, the attack for each begins to strengthen considerably.

A 10v10 format is rare, and because the team has almost reached total capacity, many managers will opt to use a 11v11 form instead of a 10v10. This consists of an entire team of youth soccer positions which looks like this:

Goalkeeper
Defenders (right, left, center)
Right side center back
Left side center back
Defensive Midfielders
Midfielders (right, left, central)
Striker

Youth Soccer VS. Professional Soccer

There are many differences between these different games, which we will explain.

Jersey Shirt Numbers

Firstly, youth soccer players wear jersey shirts with a number on the back that ranges from 1 to 11; this identifies the position of a particular player. A good example is one discussed above in that goalkeepers usually wear a jersey shirt with a number 1 printed on the back.

This is unnecessary for professional soccer, and players’ numbers do not correlate to a particular position. Instead, professional soccer players often choose a unique number that does not hold any significance to the game itself. Whether it be 17, 35, or 21, this number is how the referee can identify a player.

Funding

Another difference is the money behind the game. There is no way near as much funding for youth soccer as professional soccer. While many youth soccer players are often scouted to play professionally, they only begin to earn money when they make it onto a professional team.

Duration And Pitch Size

It goes without saying that younger players cannot run around for as long as older players. Therefore, the duration of youth soccer games is typically shorter than that of professional soccer. The size of the pitch is also significantly smaller for youth soccer players.

Conclusion

Overall, the popularity of youth soccer is seen in the variety of teams available to play on, as well as the array of soccer gear made especially for children like youth cleats and balls. If you enjoy watching youth soccer or would like to join a team, it is crucial to know how youth soccer positions work.

Each player has a vital role in a youth soccer team, and each position requires a certain skill to prevent the opposition from scoring a goal. Whether you are a goalkeeper, a defender or a striker, knowing your position in a team is vital for a successful win.

Finding the Best Toddler Soccer Balls

By Joseph Leave a Comment

Even if you’re not the most devoted soccer fan in the world, most of us will have fond memories of learning to kick a ball from a young age, playing with your parents or siblings, aunts, and uncles, cousins, or basically anyone who would kick it back.

Sometimes, you didn’t even need that, and in place of a return shot, simply kicking your ball up against a wall was enough to keep you entertained for hours. And if there’s one thing toddlers need, it’s entertaining.

From here on out, it won’t be long before your toddler will be rising through the ranks of their local soccer club, making the team captain, and getting selected for the Major League Soccer All Star team...

Okay, maybe we’re getting carried away. But even without any grand aims of parenting the next David Beckham, soccer is a great game to introduce your children to and can actually benefit them in many ways.

Before you can begin making memories with your own toddler, you’ll need to know what type of soccer ball is suitable. Luckily for you, we’ve scoured the web to find 5 of the best soccer balls for toddlers and reviewed them so you can make the right choice.

Our buyer’s guide will cover some of the important bits you’ll want to think about and we’ve even answered some frequently asked questions.

In a hurry? Our top pick is the real MVP, so keep reading to find out more!

OUR TOP PICK

YANYODO Durable 6' Mini Size Training Soccer Ball Soft Sports Toy Ball for Toddlers, Kids Gift (Black&White)

Yanyodo Toddler’s Soccer Ball

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EDITORS CHOICE

Picador Cute Soft Cartoon Soccer Ball Size 3 Toy Gift for Kids, Girls, Boys, Childrens Day, Kindergarten, Shipped Deflated

Picador Soccer Ball

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BEST
VALUE

Wisdom Leaves Mini Soccer Ball for Kids/Toddlers,Small Soccer Balls Size 1.5,Baby Toy Balls for Indoor and Outdoor Play Games,Soft and Lightweight（160g）

Wisdom Mini Soccer Ball

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OUR TOP PICK

Yanyodo Toddler’s Soccer Ball

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When it comes to soccer balls for toddlers, this Yanyodo soccer ball is the real MVP.

It’s available in size 1.5, which is recommended for ages 1 to 5, or in a size 3, which is recommended for children between the ages of 3 and 8.

This mini soccer ball features sturdy construction with a durable TPU design which is much safer for toddlers, and it contains nothing that could be harmful to your children.

Unless they get hit in the face with it, of course. Maybe watch where you’re aiming...

High-quality machine stitching ensures that this ball won’t fall apart from the seams after a good kicking.

The scratch-resistant exterior keeps the classic soccer ball design in good condition and it’s also BPA-free.

An inner rubber bladder ensures that the soccer ball doesn’t release air and is able to maintain the shape, but don’t over-inflate it, as this could burst your toddler’s bubble and their ball.

Remember to purchase a pump separately to avoid disappointment, as the ball is shipped deflated and doesn’t include its own pump.

Pros

Great size for toddlers for safe play
Durable TPU design
Scratch-resistant exterior

Cons

Pump not included

EDITORS CHOICE

Picador Soccer Ball

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One of the things we love about this size 3 Picador soccer ball is its fun, cute design which is sure to capture even the most distracted toddler’s attention.

However, it is on the smaller side of a size 3 which is something you might want to consider.

The attractive, bright colors and the friendly face can help to encourage your toddler’s involvement in playing with the ball, and if they’re an only child, it can act as a second friend so they won’t feel lonely without a playmate.

Made from durable TPU which is scratch-resistant to reduce abrasions, this soccer ball features 100% eco-friendly rubber and is completely toxic-free, so only the safest materials will be coming into contact with your toddler’s sensitive skin.

Machine stitching fortifies the construction of this soccer ball and an internal nylon-wound carcass further enhances its durability.

Play for longer without needing to pause and re-inflate your soccer ball, as an inner rubber bladder prevents air leaking to retain its shape.

Pros

Fun, gender-neutral design
Durable TPU
Eco-friendly rubber
Helpful customer service response within 24 hours

Cons

Pump not included
Size runs slightly small

BEST VALUE

Wisdom Mini Soccer Ball

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Next, we looked at the Wisdom mini soccer ball, a great choice for toddlers because of its small size and appropriate weight of just 160 grams.

The 6-inch diameter means that handballs will be happening left, right, and center, as your toddler can comfortably learn to carry, throw, and kick the ball.

This waterproof soccer ball features a premium PVC surface which keeps this ball in good condition for longer, so even if your toddler’s aim leaves something to be desired, repeated shots towards the pond won’t cause excessive wear and tear.

A high-strength Butyl liner also helps to maintain the condition of the soccer ball by preventing air from leaking out and keeping it well inflated.

The machine stitching is durable and will hold together better than hand-stitched soccer balls.

Pros

Color stays vibrant
Butyl Liner for air tightness
Waterproof PVC exterior

Cons

Pump not included

RUNNER UP

EVERICH TOY Soccer Ball

EVERICH TOY Toddlers Soccer Ball with Pump, Small Soccer Ball Size 2 for Toddlers, Indoor Outdoor Backyard Lawn Game, Ideal Gift for Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box

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Another great soccer ball in terms of exciting design is the EVERICH TOY soccer ball.

It comes with its own pump supplied, unlike most of the soccer balls we've reviewed in this article, which is handy if you don’t already own one and don’t want to have to buy one separately.

A perfect balance of learning and entertaining is achieved with this size 2 soccer ball, as it’s small enough for them to begin learning some basic motor skills such as hand-eye coordination and interesting enough that they’ll want to keep playing with it.

The high-quality materials used in the construction of the EVERICH TOY soccer ball are free from lead, phthalates, and BPA to comply with CPSIA and ASTM F963-11 Toy Safety, to meet safety standards for your peace of mind.

You’ll receive all you need to get pumped up and start playing, and the box it all comes in makes this a great gift choice for any toddler in your life.

If there are any problems with your purchase, you can contact the seller who guarantees customer satisfaction will be met.

Pros

Pump included
Safe materials used in construction
Fun, friendly design
Helpful customer service

Cons

Some reports of parts missing

RUNNER UP

Hedstrom Paw Patrol Jr. Soccer Ball

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If your toddler loves Paw Patrol, then this themed soccer ball is an excellent choice, as it features some of your kid’s favorite characters in its design.

Even if they’re too young to be that interested in the television show, the bright colors and fun characters are sure to excite them.

The soft, lightweight ball is great for both indoor and outdoor use as it’s soft yet it can handle being kicked about in your backyard.

The stitching is less durable than other balls we’ve looked at, however, and some customers do report issues with this.

You’ll also have to be cautious with how much you inflate your soccer ball, as it inflates so easily it could end up overinflating which could pull at the stitching.

Please note that a pump will need to be purchased separately as it doesn’t come with one included.

Pros

Fun, interactive design featuring favorite Paw Patrol characters
Soft and lightweight
Inflates easily

Cons

Stitching could be stronger
Pump not included

Best Toddler Soccer Balls Buying Guide

When it comes to your children, you can never be too safe.

That’s why even with something as simple as a soccer ball, it’s worth doing your homework (one day, you’ll be helping your child with theirs) to make sure you choose one that’s suitable.

Size

Soccer balls come in different sizes ranging from 1-5, and this refers to their circumference. Each size is suited to different age groups. The smaller the number, the smaller the size of the ball, so the size most appropriate for toddlers is 1 and 2.

Size 1 soccer balls are also referred to as mini or skills balls, as they can be used to practice the basic moves that you’ll be using on the pitch, such as dribbling, juggling, and kicking the ball, although don’t expect your toddler to be mastering these skills until they’re a bit older.

More often than not, size 1 soccer balls are used as souvenirs. Size 2 is slightly bigger and is also used for toddlers, but it’s one of the least popular sizes.

You could also get away with a size 3 soccer ball for your toddler, as these are designed to be used by kids who are 8 years old or younger, therefore toddlers are included in this age bracket.

However, anything bigger than this is not recommended.

Softness

The main thing that sets soccer balls apart from regular soccer balls, apart from their size, is how soft they are in comparison.

If it's going to be coming into contact with your young toddler, you’re not going to want a ball that’s going to hurt them.

They use softer materials than regular soccer balls for this reason, but another good tip to ensure your soccer ball is soft enough for your toddler to play with is by underinflating it slightly so that the exterior skin isn’t stretched too tight, which would make it firmer.

It’s also worth checking if your soccer ball is going to be soft on their sensitive skin. By this we mean, is it free from any harmful chemicals or substances that could potentially irritate your toddler?

Most soccer balls will advertise as being free from BPA, phthalates, lead, and other toxins so you can easily determine if it’s going to be a suitable choice for your child.

Design

These days, you can find all sorts of cool and engaging designs on soccer balls to interest and excite your kids so you can drag them away from their iPad and out onto the fields.

These can include bold, bright colors or even popular characters from films or television.

Recent strides towards gender neutrality and equal opportunities for children means that, although there are still some gender stereotypes at play, there are even more balls available that are specifically designed to interest young girls as well as boys.

Durability

At the end of the day, as your toddler grows up they’re going to outgrow their soccer ball.

To avoid having to replace it before your need to replace it, choosing a durable ball will ensure it lasts longer to see your child through their formative years.

Firstly, you’ll want to look out for what material the soccer ball is made from, as this will be a big indication of how long it will be able to withstand constant kicking.

Stitching is also something to consider, as this can strengthen the overall construction of the soccer ball which will keep it together even with repeated use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the right air pressure for a youth soccer ball?

Youth soccer balls should have a PSI of 8.7, to be exact. This is the perfect level of air pressure according to the official soccer ball specification rules.

However, you can adjust this to suit your needs.

Higher air pressure tightens the ball’s skin which means it’ll have more bounce making it harder to control.

It therefore might be a good idea to inflate your toddler’s soccer ball to a slightly lower air pressure level so that it’s less likely to bounce back into their face.

Why do toddlers benefit from playing with soccer balls?

Not only is it likely that your toddler will enjoy playing with a soccer ball, but it’s also beneficial for them in terms of developing their motor skills.

Hand-eye coordination and timing are learned through rolling, catching, kicking, and throwing a ball, which are vital aspects of your toddler’s developmental progression.

Why can’t toddlers play with a regular soccer ball?

Regular soccer balls are bigger, heavier, and often harder than soccer balls designed for toddlers, so they’re more likely to get hurt.

They won’t reap the same benefits as they would with a toddler ball either, as they would struggle to move or manipulate the ball as well due to its size.

What's next? If you haven't already, take a look at our picks for the best toddler soccer shoes.

What Are the Best Toddler Soccer Cleats?

By Joseph Leave a Comment

The little person in your life has taken a shine to soccer, awesome!

Soccer is a great way for a child to keep fit, make friends, have loads of fun, develop discipline, and learn about healthy competition.

Even if their preschool or early elementary doesn’t have a team, there’s probably a few local teams that start training players from the age of 4 or 5.

So, this toddler has the passion, a team to join...now they just need some amazing cleats to bring out their inner Pele.

It can be confusing choosing soccer cleats for a toddler as they come with such a variety of price tags.

The really great ones, despite being ever so small, are equally expensive as cleats for adults, and the entry-level ones don’t seem all that different to the untrained eye.

Not to worry. We’re going to be checking out five of the very best soccer cleats for toddlers to give you an idea of the kinds of products you should be looking at.

Then we’ll storm through an in-depth buyer’s guide and brief FAQ section so you can continue your search beyond this article and find the best soccer cleats for your little ones.

Game Day Approaching?

No worries, sports fan. Here’s our top pick right here.

OUR TOP PICK

adidas Kids Boys Nemeziz 17+ 360 Agility Firm Ground Soccer Cleats - Blue - Size 5.5 M

Adidas Nemeziz 17+ 360 Agility Kid’s Firm Ground Soccer Cleats

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EDITORS CHOICE

Nike JR Hypervenom Phantom Vision Academy MG Soccer Cleat (Pure Platinum) (3Y)

Nike Jr Phantom Vision Academy Dynamic Fit MG/FG Soccer Cleats

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BEST
VALUE

Nike Jr. Mercurial Superfly 7 Academy MG Kids' Multi-Ground Soccer Cleat (4, Black/Cool Grey/Metallic Cool Grey)

Nike Kids Mercurial Superfly 7 Academy FG Soccer Cleats

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OUR TOP PICK

Adidas Nemeziz 17+ 360 Agility Kid’s Firm Ground Soccer Cleats

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Putting fire in their little feet at our number one spot is an uber-modern cleat sure to give your toddler the edge they need to stand out on the field.

It’s a completely laceless shoe which helps to make solid, unobstructed connections when striking the ball.

It also means your little Ronaldo won’t have to worry about tying laces if they’re not too confident with it yet.

What actually keeps the cleat secure on the foot is an agility bandage system inspired by and reminiscent of medical taping and support bandaging.

This 360 Torsion tape design gives their adorable little feet lateral and medial support as they make their first explosive moves in the world of soccer.

They’re made from a synthetic fabric known as Agility Knit that offers unparalleled touch control.

Being that they’re laceless, but designed to be a tight fit, they can be difficult to get on. Toddlers will definitely need some help, but once they’re secure, they’ll feel like a second skin.

Pros

No laces mean nothing to come undone and facilitates pure connection with the ball
AgilityKnit synthetic fabric makes for a more natural and comfortable feel on the field
Striking design will give your tiny tot huge amounts of style
Effective cleat pattern for maximum traction on firm or soft surface fields
Medical tape and bandage design offers support for challenging movements
Second-skin feel

Cons

They’re expensive, especially considering they’ll be outgrown before long
Quite hard to put on and take off

EDITORS CHOICE

Nike Jr Phantom Vision Academy Dynamic Fit MG/FG Soccer Cleats

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Adding some twinkle to those tiny toes at our number two spot is another sleek design that will help your little Alex Morgan develop their skill and appreciation of the game.

The Phantom isn’t quite a laceless design, yet they aren’t on show which is perfect for making good contact with the ball. Their internal ‘Ghost Lace’ system gives them a lovely snug fit.

Hexagonal cells run across the outside of the synthetic upper for optimal traction on the ball at the moment of impact, allowing for greater accuracy and control. The inside upper features a pronounced dot and star texture to enhance block passing.

Another cool thing about these cleats is the raised sock-fit cuff that offers some extra ankle protection and makes them feel even more secure on the foot.

You also get a really interesting hybrid cleat design on the outsole. There are both rounded and elongated cleats strategically placed to provide maximum grip on both synthetic and natural grass.

Pros

Ghost Lace system keeps them tight to the foot
No need to worry about laces coming undone
Smallest sizes are relatively affordable
Hexagonal cell pattern offers more grip on the ball
Sock-fit ankle cuff protects and adds comfortability
Hybrid cleat design for grip on multiple surfaces
Come with a fingerloop to help put them on

Cons

Even harder to put on than our top pick
Nike cleats tend to run narrow

BEST VALUE

Nike Kids Mercurial Superfly 7 Academy FG Soccer Cleats

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Bringing tears to the eyes of opposing teams and their parents at our number three spot is another great Nike design that will give your toddler an extra bit of zip on the field.

Contrary to our first two picks, these cleats are laced, but it’s nothing to worry about.

Firstly, they’re a tonal lace-up design which means they don’t need a knot. They simply thread in and out of the shoe and are secured internally.

Secondly, they’re incredibly thin yet durable laces meaning they’re not going to snap or get in the way when striking the ball.

Again, you get the modern sock-fit ankle cuff that provides a little extra protection and helps to keep them feeling snug as your toddler makes lightning-fast movements on the pitch.

The entire soft-touch synthetic upper is tooled with hundreds of tiny diamond cells to enhance fluency with the ball by providing extra grip.

The cleats are V-shaped allowing for much quicker acceleration from a stationary position on natural short grass surfaces. Wearing these cleats, it’ll seem like they’re everywhere at once.

Pros

Covert lace tie
Thin laces won’t alter the trajectory of the ball
Diamond cell grip for better traction on the ball
V-shaped cleats for maximum acceleration on softer surfaces
Sock-fit ankle cuff protects ankles and makes them feel more secure
Come with a finger loop to help get them on

Cons

They’ll be equally as difficult to put on as our other top picks
External laces seem unnecessary

RUNNER UP

Adidas Kid’s Predator 20.3 Firm Ground Soccer Cleat

adidas Firm Ground Predator 20.3 Soccer Shoe (unisex-child) Core Black/White/Core Black 2.5 Little Kid

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Bringing the game to our number four spot is a super comfortable design that might be the perfect cleat to ease a toddler into the dynamics of the game.

The laces are a little more prominent on this cleat than our other options, but they’re really flat so they shouldn’t interfere with connection too much.

Once again, they’re self laced, so don’t worry about stopping the game to tie the little one’s laces every two minutes.

The sock-fit ankle cuff comes up higher than our second and third pick, providing a small amount of ankle and tendon protection.

This will help to make the cleat feel more secure by reinforcing the connection to the shin and calf.

The 3D printed ‘Demon Scale’ cell design reaches across the strike zone to maximize connection to the ball even in the rain.

The strategically placed quintessential Adidas stripes have been relocated to serve as a visual aid for perfect foot placement as you strike the ball.

Cleat-wise, you get a pretty standard setup. They’re elongated which gives them great traction on both firm and softer ground.

Pros

They’re self laced
Extra high sock-fit ankle cuff make them extra comfortable and supports the ankle
Demon scale grip cells offer lots of grip on the ball for dribbling at speed or striking
Traditional Adidas lines relocated to aid connection to the ball
Slightly more affordable than our top picks
Quality cleat design
Comes with small fingerloop to help with donning the cleat

Cons

Prominent laces
The hardest cleats to put on and take off on the list

RUNNER UP

Puma Kid’s One 18.4 Firm Ground Soccer Cleats

PUMA Unisex-Kids One 18.4 FG Jr Soccer-Shoes, Puma Black-Puma Black-Asphalt, 12 M US Little Kid

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Our final pick is a more traditional design with some modern appointments to help them compete with more expensive cleats.

A classic lace-up function secures these soccer cleats, with a little help from a subtle, soft under ankle ridge.

The ridge won’t provide the support and protection of a larger cuff, but it will stop chafing and bruising as the ankle bends against the cleat.

The entire synthetic upper is augmented with overlapping fingerprint style grip patterns.

They’re not as specialized as our other picks but they should still help facilitate a good amount of ball control.

These are a much more affordable option, but there’s no massive dip in quality. The cleat layout is identical to some of the more expensive options in this list, but they’re all a classic round shape.

Circular shaped cleats tend to suit artificial grass, but will perform fairly well on organic surfaces as well.

Pros

Little soft-texture ankle ridge prevents chafing and bruising
Overlapping fingerprint grip gives more control over the ball
Affordable
Advanced cleat layout
Good for artificial pitches

Cons

Laces may alter the direction of the ball
Not as advanced upper grip
Cleats aren’t as impressive as other picks

Best Toddler Soccer Cleats Buying Guide

Let’s take a quick look at some of the things to consider when searching for the best soccer cleats for toddlers.

Cost

As we’ve mentioned, some of these high-performance cleats can cost an arm and a leg, and toddlers grow at an alarming rate. Typically, their shoe size will change three to four times a year.

With regular shoes you can buy large so they grow into them, but with soccer cleats, that extra room is going to give them sore feet and limit their play.

You have to decide if the price is worth the use a toddler will get out of them.

It’s worthwhile spending more money if they have younger siblings or friends that can use them, once they’ve outgrown them.

It’s also important to note that while high-performance specs will make a great deal of difference to an older, more nuanced player, they’ll make very little difference to a toddler’s game.

Application

To find the perfect cleats for a soccer mad toddler, you’ll need to know what kind of surfaces they’ll mostly be playing on. Different cleat shapes and layouts suit different surfaces.

Sand-Based Synthetics

If they’re playing on a sand-based synthetic surface, they won’t need cleats at all. They’ll need a shoe with the same style soccer primed upper, but with an advanced rubber outsole.

Astroturf

Rounded cleats work well on synthetic grass, but elongated and V shapes should be more than capable of providing plenty of grip too.

Field

Elongated, V-shape, or hybrid cleat designs offer the best performance on firm and soft natural ground.

Upper Grip

Grip cells are a relatively new addition to soccer cleat design. They provide slightly more grip on the ball that will improve overall control.

It’s good to look closely at the primary striking surfaces of the cleat.

These are the inside center used for block passing and receiving the ball, and the front center used for clearing the ball, long passes, and shooting.

If a cleat has specialized grips in these zones, it’ll likely offer the best performance.

Cuff

Another modern addition to soccer cleats is the ankle cuff. This serves two purposes.

Firstly, it offers support similar to a bandage, as soccer puts a lot of strain on the ankles.

Secondly, It adds a thin layer of protection against knocks and provides a soft surface for the ankle to flex against.

Cuffs aren’t essential. You’ll mostly find them on more expensive cleats, but they do provide the most comfortable fit. That said, they’re famously hard to put on and take off.

Fit

We always recommend trying soccer cleats on before purchasing them. A good fit is essential.

They need to feel comfortable, yet secure, breathable, yet durable. If they’re too small, your poor toddler will be in agony, too large they’ll develop blisters and their performance will suffer.

Brands tend to have their own style of shaping. This could make them an ill fit for you toddler.

For example, Nike are known for their incredibly narrow fit soccer cleats. If a toddler has wider feet, they may not feel supported enough.

Material

Almost all soccer cleats are made with soft synthetic materials these days. It’s cheaper, lighter, and easier to manipulate than leather.

Laces

If you’re constantly tying your toddler’s shoes for them, it might be beneficial to choose a laceless design.

They’re harder to put on and take off but fit well. Laceless designs provide optimal contact with the ball.

Another option is laces that are secured internally. They’re present on the outside of the cleat but you don’t have to tie them.

The next option would be a traditionally laced cleat with a fold-down cover.

This won’t stop the knots affecting the direction of the ball, but it will stop them from coming undone so often.

Beyond that, there’s normal laces. There’s nothing wrong with standard lacing.

It’s a very small chance they’ll interfere with a strike, and as long as they’re secured properly, they should stay tied the whole game.

Weight

Soccer cleats need to be as lightweight as humanly possible, especially for toddlers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do 5 year olds need cleats for soccer?

If they’re playing on a field, yes.

They need as much grip as they can get.

Are soccer cleats too dangerous for toddlers?

It’s actually more dangerous if they don’t wear cleats on a slippery surface.

Constantly falling over in a match increases the chance of injury and opens up risks of being trampled by other players.

Make sure you get them an appropriate toddler soccer ball as well.

Final Whistle

There you have it, folks. Any one of these pairs of these soccer cleats could be the very thing a toddler needs to set them off on a fulfilling and fun sporting adventure.

And you never know, maybe they’ll go pro. They’ll be able to reimburse you with interest.

Soccer Training, Practice and Games During COVID-19: What’s Safe?

By Parker & Walsh Leave a Comment

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly disrupted just about all aspects of our lives. And while the highest concern is of course reserved for ensuring that our families, friends and wider communities stay safe, it’s undeniable that we still want to be able to enjoy some of our favorite activities. And this brings us to soccer. The current status for the coming year is in flux for all levels of sports, and soccer hasn’t looked the same and likely still won’t for the upcoming year.

Looking ahead, numerous youth and adult leagues, as well as school districts, have cancelled their fall seasons, while others are intending to move forward with adjustments and safety protocols.

Is Soccer Safe to Play During the Coronavirus Outbreak?

With soccer as with other areas of society, you’ll hear people advocating for a return to normal as quickly as possible while others urge for restrictions in the name of caution. So what’s actually safe? This is a complex question as the guidelines and recommendations have changed over the past several months, but we can take some main conclusions from what has been said. First, there are distinctions to be made between low-risk sports where social distancing is easily implemented like golf and tennis, and higher-risk sports, like soccer, where contact between players is a part of the game.

The CDC breaks down activities for these sports on a continuum from least to most risky, which starts with training at home alone or with family and ends with competition against other teams requiring travel. There are other general recommendations too, such as frequently disinfecting shared surfaces, limiting shared equipment, and refraining from “unnecessary” contact between such as high fives and celebratory hugs.

US Soccer also has launched an initiative known as “Play On” that recommends a safe approach to continuing to play soccer with increased safety measures. (They also urge that all players, coaches and parents only implement them when their local authorities have authorized returning to play and practice. In many areas, this has not yet happened) Their plan also comes in phases with the first being “Individual and Small Group Training” followed by full team training, full team competitions (emphasizing single-day, local competitions with safety protocols), and finally a return to normal activity without restrictions. But all of these phased approaches are contingent on continuous monitoring of cases, spread, and other key virus indicators. Many local authorities are keeping relatively strict restrictions on such activities, or mandating quarantine periods for those who are traveling, which make things like interstate competitions impossible.

Despite all of these considerations, however, there’s one clear takeaway. At a time when competitions and even full team practices are iffy or altogether impossible, there’s nothing stopping players from continuing to play on their own (or in family or small groups with safety precautions).

All of the phased guidelines start with individual soccer training, and we’ve repeatedly shown why individual training is crucial to reach the next level even when you are regularly playing and practicing with a team. (We look at this question in more detail in our article Why Your Soccer Practices Aren’t Making You a Better Player)

Players, especially those who are still developing, can’t afford to fall behind during this period of uncertainty. So we strongly advocate getting out there a few times a week, be it at a local field or just in your backyard, and working on your game. What specifically should you work on? Take a look at a few of our popular individual training articles for some ideas:

5 Ways to Improve Your Soccer Skills in Your Backyard

How to Practice Shooting by Yourself at Home

5 Soccer Challenges That Will Help Hone Your Skills

Finally, you can also check out our Individual Soccer Training System for more detailed activities and training plans.

Best Player Coach Ratios for Youth Soccer Players

By Parker & Walsh Leave a Comment

The difficulty of developing world-class players in the United States is a longstanding and much-debated problem. Various explanations have been given: we don’t have enough of a soccer culture; we utilize a “pay to play” model; our best athletes are playing other sports; we aren’t identifying talent in underserved areas.

These are all big parts of the puzzle, but it’s also true that a big part of the issue is that fact that youth soccer needs to follow certain best practices, and we lack a sufficient number of coaches who understand that. This isn’t a knock on our coaches who volunteer their time and hard work, but rather a recognition of the difficulty involved in getting enough of them to commit to the technical development that is necessary at young ages.

With this in mind, we’re going to look at one piece of this issue: the ratios of coaches to kids at various age groups.

There isn’t one single scientifically-proven “best” ratio for working with youth soccer players, but there are recommended guidelines. The general rule of thumb is that the younger the player, the more coaches that are required.

Player/Coach Ratios for Under 6 and Under 8

It’s common to hear a recommendation that for 4-6 years olds, there should be a coach for every 6-7 kids. At U-8 level, play should be a maximum of 4v4 so that each player can have a chance to develop age-appropriate technical skills. So that works out to a ratio of one coach for every 8 players. On a practical level, at this age group this will usually mean having additional parents helping out the coach.

Player/Coach Ratios for Under 10, 12, and Older

As players get older and develop more maturity and independence, the number of players for each coach can start to increase. At the U-10 and U-12 levels, some teams may be able to get away with one coach for every 15 or 16 players.

And when you get to still older age groups, such as high school, the guidelines change somewhat as play continues to diverge into a variety of levels of competitiveness. A high school accommodating a wide range of skill levels would typically require a lower ratio (a smaller number of players per coach) than a select club team, for example. A ratio of 20:1 can be common on many teams, but in order to ensure that all of the players are getting enough individual attention, that number would ideally be a bit lower.

Unfortunately, the reality is that the funding situation of soccer clubs or school districts often dictates how many coaches are available, and the recommended player-coach ratios are not always possible to achieve.

Overall, making sure all youth coaches are aware of the importance of small-sided games in which every player gets many touches on the ball every practice session is the best way to ensure we are helping our children reach their full potential on the soccer field.

Sources
National Soccer Coaches Association of America. (2004). The soccer coaching bible. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Image credit: Joel Martinez