The sport of soccer is considered the most popular game in the world. To be successful in this sport, athletes need to develop certain important skills at an early age. Young footballers in the U9 to U11 age group must learn these three essential skills to become an impact player of the future.

1. Dribbling

In soccer, if a player doesn’t know how to dribble a ball, then they can’t play the game. Dribbling is the most basic and important of all soccer skills. It is defined as the ability to carry the ball past the opponent while taking full control of the soccer ball. Dribbling serves three purposes: beat the defender, accelerate into space, and avoid pressure. To develop good dribbling technique, you must:

• Make light contact (called “tap”) with the soccer ball.

• Always keep the ball close to your feet.

• Use the edge of the foot to dribble at a gallop

• Practice changes in your dribbling pace.

• Use your body to protect the ball when the defender approaches.

• Practice an inside-out dribble drill through cones with both feet.

2. PASSES

Passing the ball to teammates plays an important role in a soccer match. The ability to correctly pass the ball to your teammates is a fundamental skill that all soccer players must learn from an early age. The best soccer players are usually the best passers of the ball. There are three soccer passes: standard pass, chipped pass, and fly pass. Follow these soccer passing tips to master this skill:

• Develop a vision so you can see the potential time passing

• Master the three soccer passes

• Try to pass more to be more effective on the field.

• The faster you pass the ball, the less time your opponent will have to interrupt you

• Put the correct rhythm on the ball as you pass it to your teammate.

3. RECEIVE

The ability to receive a soccer ball determines the effectiveness of a player. If a player has a great first touch, he will have more time to dribble and shoot. The technique for receiving a ball on the ground is quite different from receiving it in the air.

Follow these tips when receiving a ball on the ground:

• Keep an eye on the ball and choose which foot to receive it with

• Receive the ball with one foot with the ankle locked.

• Don’t stop after receiving the ball. Instead, be ready for the next action: dribble, shoot, or pass

Follow these tips when receiving a ball in the air:

• Keep your eyes on the ball and read the speed and direction of the ball.

• Decide which part of your body (thigh, head, foot or chest) you will use to control the ball

• Receive the ball and cushion it with the part of the body to stop it. Get ready for the next move.