It is not enough for the players to be fast and strong, in order to have a winning edge over the opponent team. The players must possess impressive soccer skills, good instincts and the perfect field vision.

An expert coach can use a variety of techniques and methods to teach his team the necessary skills and field vision. Some of the tried and tested techniques can be listed below.

• Shoot Between Cones

In this method, the coach should set up a line of cones row 3 to 5 yards apart. Put players into pairs. Now, have one player on each side of the line facing the cones each other. Now, tell the players to strike the ball between the cones by starting close to the row of cones at first.

During the practice, each pair of players needs to receive ball and pass it back through the cones. Keep your watchful eyes open. Observe the improvements of the players. If you find that the technique and accuracy of the players is improving, you can move players further apart accordingly.

• Dribble Cones and Shoot

In this method, the coach needs to s et up twocone lines for a dribble weave. The size must be about 30 yards with a 2-yard goal at the end. This time, you do not need to divide your players in pairs. Instead, divide them into twolines or teams. Now, have the players dribble through the cones. Before the next player in line starts, the players should try to score at the goal at the end.

• Pass and Shoot

This is also a very effective technique to teach the soccer players impressive game skills. As per this method, the coach should set up twocones as a goal at one end of the grid. This time, again, the team should be divided in half. Have one player to begin as goalie.

Give one ball to each player and line the players in a group up behind the goal. Make another group and have them take position at fifteen feet in front of the goal. The soccer skills learned this way is capable to make a winning team.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andre Botelho is a recognized authority on the subject of youth soccer coaching. His web site, Youth Soccer Drills and Tips, provides a wealth of informative articles, resources and drills for soccer coaches, parents and players.