Start Here: 14-Day Soccer Dad Jumpstart

If your kid is starting soccer, the goal isn’t perfection — it’s comfort with the ball at their feet.

What matters most (in order)

First touch — controlling the ball when it comes to you
Dribbling — moving with the ball under control
Passing — accurate short passes with the inside of the foot
Shooting — placing the ball on target from close range
Positioning — knowing where to be on the field

What you need (minimal)

A soccer ball (size 3 for ages 8 and under, size 4 for 8-12, size 5 for 12+)
Cones or shoes as markers
A wall or rebounder (optional but very useful)

The 14-day plan (10–20 minutes)

Days 1–2: Ball control

5 min: warmup (toe taps on ball, side-to-side rolls)
10 min: dribbling through cones — inside foot, outside foot, sole of foot

Days 3–4: Passing

5 min: warmup
10 min: pass against a wall (inside of foot, 10 ft → 20 ft)
2 min: one-touch passing (no stop, just redirect)

Days 5–6: Shooting

5 min: warmup
10 min: shoot at a target (trash can, cone, corner of goal)
Focus: plant foot next to ball, lock ankle, follow through

Day 7: Light day + confidence

10 min: repeat what felt best. End with a “win”

Week 2: add juggling and movement

Repeat with: juggling practice (even 2-3 juggles is progress), dribbling at speed, receiving passes on the move.

Positions 101

Goalkeeper (GK): guards the goal — the only player who can use hands. Defenders (CB, LB, RB): protect the goal area, win the ball back, start attacks. Midfielders (CM, CAM, CDM): link defense to attack, control the tempo. Forwards / Strikers (ST, LW, RW): score goals and create chances.