3 Simple Drills Your Child Can Do in the Garden Today

Some of the best improvements happen between sessions. Here are three drills that any child can do at home with minimal space and just a football.

Drill 1: Wall Passes (10 minutes)

Stand 2-3 metres from a wall. Pass the ball against the wall with the inside of your foot and control the return. Alternate feet with every pass. Start slow and build speed as you get comfortable. This improves both passing accuracy and first touch in one simple exercise.

Drill 2: Cone Dribble (5 minutes)

Set out 5-6 cones (or water bottles) in a line about a metre apart. Dribble through them using the inside and outside of your foot. Once confident, try using only your weaker foot. Time yourself and try to beat your best.

Drill 3: Keepy-Uppies with a Twist (5 minutes)

Classic keepy-uppies are great for touch and coordination. Add a twist by alternating feet with every touch, or trying to keep the ball at knee height only. Don't worry about the number — just focus on the quality of each touch.

Just 15 minutes a day of deliberate practice like this will make a noticeable difference within a few weeks. Share your progress with us at the next session!