Ultimate Guide to Football Drills for 6-Year-Olds

Looking for age-appropriate football drills for 6 year olds that are fun, safe, and effective? This guide will walk you through beginner-friendly soccer exercises that develop your child’s skills in dribbling, passing, shooting, and teamwork — whether you’re coaching a youth team or just playing at home in the Philippines.

Introduction

Starting football early is not only fun for kids but also vital for their physical and social development. The right football drills for 6 year olds help build foundational skills in ball control, passing, and coordination while keeping the game exciting and engaging. Whether you’re a parent or a youth coach, this guide will walk you through structured and age-appropriate training exercises.

Essential Equipment Checklist

Before jumping into the drills, make sure you’re well-prepared with the right gear. High-quality equipment not only ensures safety but also enriches the learning experience.

Soccer Balls

Use size 3 soccer balls designed for younger players. They are lightweight and easier for small feet to control.

Cones and Markers

Essential for outlining boundaries, creating obstacle courses, and visual aids in movement drills.

Youth Soccer Goal

Portable and appropriately sized goals enhance realism and help kids understand targeting during shooting drills.

Protective Gear

Shin guards, goalie gloves, and cleats are critical for protection and performance.

Safety and Preparation Tips

Even at a young age, safety and preparation should be a top priority. Follow these guidelines to ensure productive and injury-free sessions.

Warm-Up Routines

Start with 5-10 minutes of dynamic stretches like arm circles, high knees, and light jogging. This primes their muscles and joints for movement.

Hydration

Kids should take water breaks every 15–20 minutes to stay hydrated, especially during outdoor sessions.

Rest and Recovery

Schedule drills with breaks in between. Overtraining can lead to fatigue and reduce interest in the sport.

Dribbling & Ball Handling Drills

6-year-old boy practicing dribbling around cones using both feet during a football drill

1: Basic Open Field Dribble

Let children practice dribbling in a defined open space using the inside and outside of both feet. Encourage short taps to maintain control.

2: Volcano Cone Challenge

Set cones randomly like ‘volcanoes’ and instruct players to dribble without touching them. If they do, fun penalties like jumping jacks add excitement.

3: Tunnel Kick Drill

Use your legs to form a tunnel. Kids must aim and kick the ball through. Expand this to a group tunnel for increased challenge and fun.

4: Obstacle Course Dribble

Create a course with cones, hula hoops, and ladders. Kids dribble through the course, improving agility, coordination, and ball handling.

5: Freeze and Dribble Game

Kids dribble freely until you shout “Freeze!”. They must stop the ball using the sole or inside of their foot. It teaches control and response.

Passing and Trapping Drills

Passing and trapping are fundamental football skills that teach teamwork, timing, and control. For 6-year-olds, the focus should be on coordination and understanding how to work with others rather than precision. These simple, interactive drills are perfect for building confidence and fun.

1: Partner Passing Basics

Set up two cones about 8 feet apart. Pair your child with a partner or join them yourself. Practice passing the ball back and forth using the inside of the foot. Focus on getting the non-kicking foot next to the ball and following through. Increase the distance as they improve.

2: Pressure Passing Circle

Create a circle using cones. One player stands in the center, while others are positioned outside the circle with a ball. The outside players take turns passing the ball into the middle, where the center player traps it and passes it to a different person. Add multiple balls to increase difficulty and teach fast decision-making.

3: Pickle in the Middle

This classic game teaches both passing and interception skills. Place three players in a triangle. Two players pass the ball while the third player in the middle tries to intercept. If the ball is intercepted, switch roles. This builds focus and timing.

4: Looped Passing Formations

Set up two cones a few feet apart. Players pass to the right side of the cone, trap with the right foot, pass to the left foot, and then kick again. Do this in a clockwise loop, then switch directions. It enhances footwork and spatial awareness.

5: Team Attack Simulation

Two players pass the ball to each other while approaching the goal, with a third player acting as a defender. After 2–3 passes, shout “Attack!” and allow them to attempt a goal. This simulates real-game scenarios and encourages strategic passing.

Shooting Drills

Every young footballer dreams of scoring goals! Shooting drills are essential to develop proper technique, balance, and confidence in front of the goal. These fun and energetic drills will help 6-year-olds understand how to aim, strike, and follow through effectively.

1: Ghostbuster Shooting Game

Place plastic pins or small cones randomly on the field. Players with balls try to knock over the “ghosts” (pins) by shooting the ball at them. Meanwhile, other players act as ghost defenders, trying to protect the pins. Rotate roles after a few minutes. Great for accuracy and power.

2: Pin Knock Over

Divide the players into two teams. Each team sets up pins on their side of the field. The goal is to shoot the ball to knock over the other team’s pins without crossing the center line. This drill sharpens aiming and defensive awareness.

3: Poly Spot Shot Practice

Place poly spots or cones at various distances around the goal. Players shoot from each spot one by one. If they miss, they go back and try again. This teaches kids how to adjust power and direction based on distance from the goal.

4: Receive and Shoot

Stand a few feet away from the player and gently roll the ball toward them. They receive the ball while moving and immediately shoot at the goal. This simulates real match situations where the ball isn’t stationary.

5: Dribble and Shoot Combo

Set up cones in a zigzag formation. Have players dribble through the cones, then shoot at the goal. This drill improves ball control, foot coordination, and shot accuracy — all in one continuous motion.

6: Target Shot with Tarp

If available, place a target tarp over the goal with designated holes or zones. Kids aim for specific targets to earn points. This fun and competitive activity encourages precision and improves shooting technique.

Defensive Drills

Defense is just as important as offense, especially when teaching young players to understand the full dynamics of football. These drills will help 6-year-olds develop agility, awareness, and defensive positioning — all while having fun.

1: Pirates vs Sailors

Assign players as either “Pirates” or “Sailors.” Sailors dribble the ball around the field while pirates attempt to steal the ball using proper defensive techniques. Once a pirate steals a ball, they switch roles. This game encourages agility and defensive timing.

2: Sharks and Minnows

Set up a rectangular playing field with cones. Choose 1–2 “sharks” (defenders) to stand in the center. The rest (the “minnows”) dribble their ball from one end to the other. Sharks try to kick the balls away. If a minnow loses their ball, they become a shark. Last minnow standing wins!

3: King of the Ring

Create a circular play area using cones. Each player has a ball. The objective is to maintain possession while kicking other players’ balls out of the circle. If a ball is kicked out, that player performs a short exercise (e.g., 10 jumping jacks) before rejoining. Encourages shielding, ball control, and awareness.

Goalie Drills

Young goalkeeper wearing gloves catching a ball during training in a small goal

Many young players are curious about the goalie position because it’s the only one where they can use their hands! These beginner goalie drills are designed to develop reflexes, coordination, and confidence in goalkeeping — all in a safe and structured way.

1: Basic Ball Handling Techniques

Start with simple movements like rolling the ball in figure-8 patterns around the legs or waist. Let kids practice throwing the ball up and catching it with both hands. These drills improve hand-eye coordination and comfort with the ball.

2: Goalie Shot Stopper Practice

Have the child stand slightly in front of the goal. Begin by gently rolling or kicking balls toward the goal for them to stop using their hands and body. Gradually increase speed or change direction. Use soft balls if safety is a concern.

3: High Ball Catch Drill

Stand a few feet away and toss the ball in the air. Ask the player to catch it at the highest point and bring it safely back to their body. Reinforce proper hand positioning and body alignment when catching aerial balls.

4: Goalie Movement and Footwork

Set two cones a few feet apart in front of the goal. Have the child shuffle side-to-side between cones while watching the coach. Occasionally roll a ball toward them from different angles. This improves lateral movement and reaction time.

5: 4-Goal Soccer Game

Create four mini teams and set up four small goals (cones can be used). Assign one goalie to each team. Throw out multiple balls, and let teams attack each other’s goals while defending their own. It’s chaotic and fun — a great way to apply goalie skills in a game-like environment.

Top 7 Tools to Elevate Training

Using the right training equipment can significantly improve the learning experience for young players. Here are seven essential tools that every parent or coach should consider when working with 6-year-old footballers:

1. Soft Soccer Balls

Perfect for beginners, soft soccer balls are lightweight and safer for kids just starting to learn proper technique. They reduce the fear of impact and are ideal for indoor or backyard practice.

2. Real Match Balls (Size 3)

To prepare kids for real games, introduce size 3 match-quality balls as they improve. These help them adjust to the weight and feel used in official youth games.

3. Cones for Agility

Cones are essential for marking drills, creating obstacle courses, and enhancing footwork. Use brightly colored, flexible cones for maximum visibility and safety.

4. Portable Youth Soccer Goal

A foldable, lightweight soccer goal makes training sessions more exciting. It also helps kids visualize their targets during shooting drills, making practices more game-like.

5. Soccer Cleats

Proper footwear provides better grip, balance, and comfort. Choose cleats specifically designed for kids with supportive soles and appropriate sizing for outdoor fields.

6. Goalie Gloves

If your child shows interest in goalkeeping, goalie gloves are a must. They provide grip and hand protection, building confidence when catching or blocking shots.

7. Shin Guards

Shin guards are non-negotiable for both practice and matches. They protect against accidental kicks and help build the habit of wearing proper safety gear from an early age.

Conclusion

Introducing football drills to 6-year-olds is more than just teaching a sport — it’s nurturing coordination, confidence, and teamwork in a fun and safe environment. With the right equipment, structured exercises, and a playful approach, kids can build foundational skills that last a lifetime.

Father playing football in the backyard with his young child as part of home training

From dribbling and passing to shooting and goalkeeping, each drill offers a chance for growth and joy. Consistency, encouragement, and variety are key to keeping young players motivated and engaged.

Whether you’re a parent practicing in the backyard or a coach leading a youth team in the Philippines, remember: the goal is to inspire a lifelong love for the game — one kick at a time.