Kids soccer?

My 9 year old son is into soccer. He has only been playing a little while and would like to improve his skills. I never played the game so I have no clue how to help him. Can anyone suggest a good lesson video or drills book? Or even a camp in Colorado? I kinda enjoy playing with him, so I would like to learn as well. I'm an old man but I sill have some kick left in me. His teams coaches know about as much as I do. They are parents who only coach to get the registration fee paid for their own kids. Coaches kids play for free.

Public Comments

1. id say you should just go on the internet and look up how to play. Find a soccer lesson for him. practice with him.
2. Ive been playing soccer since I was about 5, and im still playing it (im a sophomore in h.s. now). I was in an AYSO league, where it was the same way as your son. My brother is 9 also, and when I word with him... its all about accuracy. Kids like to just kick it! So, what I like to do it put everything in slow-motion and let them take their time. Passing is very important. When you pass, you use the inner part of your foot. IT shouldnt be the curve in your show, but just a tad bit towards your laces. You want to hit the ball, and little lower in the middle of the ball. Make sure he knows what part of the foot to use. Same thing with kicking, your should never use your toe unless u need a quick tap in the goal, or to push a play out-of-bounce. Throw-ins. These are basic. I would suggest the "put your legs together" throw-in for now. Make sure he throws to a player's feet, and not towards their body. A lead off to the players direction is the main purpose for a throw-in. Remember: hands all the way behind the head. Few more things... dribbling is important, but is a little crazy for the kid's age. My brother isnt too bad at it, but its a little more experience. Make sure your son isnt afraid of the ball, if he is, you need to convince him, that it doesnt hurt and its not even half the size of you, etc. I just tell my brother to stop being a girl, and that always works :D Most important.. HAVE FUN! I know its important to know your stuff, but having fun at this age is awesome... or I should say, was awesome. I dont teach my brother to the point where were both fustrated. Sometimes I tackle him here or there to put in a few laughs. If I were to suggest videos or books. Their isnt many book and videos that really give you a proper start. Their very common sense videos, that you learn in gym class. I would watch a travel team, or even watch a pro soccer game. Stick with MLS or more basic. They will show you basics. The World Cup is great, but its a bit more complicated. And the plays are alot more a organized than I have ever seen. Brazil, France, Italy, Argentina, England, and Portugal have great set-ups. But thats mainly for you to watch :) Goodluck! Hope I've helped a bit or so :) Btw: Love Colorado, I was just there a week ago in Salida, Denver, and Boulder. Absolutely gorgeous!
3. the best way to learn it is training i been playins since i was 4 now im 22 aand every day i learn something new a new trick , when i was yunger i use to what soccer games and i i like any pla that a player had made i will go ut and try to do it , and i will bee trying till i could do it im still do this but now i watch videos on internet and try to do it but u now is great that u spend time with ur kid doing something taht he likes my old man use to do the same with me he , he never play the game he was really bad at ir but he use to get out there with me and just kick the ball around he use t o take me to the park and thoese stuff what position do u son plays ?? also u can star talking with peolple that know how to play and they will help u out , just go to the park find people playing and play with them after the metchs they u can ask them question and they will show u how to do some tricks
4. Rob, there are hundreds of web sites and training manuals available. Here in Australia we are just introducing a system called SSG (small sided games) for younger kids and have a special coaching certificate just for interested parents etc called Grassroots certificate. The easiest trainging honestly you and he and a ball, forget drills and goals and scores. Just an area say 10x10 foot min and encourage both of you to move around within the space. Practice kicks to each other at different angles and distances. If you or anyone would like information on training young players where the emphasis is on fun rather than competition please email me and I will be more than happy to sedn you some simple pfds on basic training drills and game setups for young kids. Small Sided Soccer is a fantastic training tool for younger players too.