You don't need a pitch, cones, or a coaching badge. You need 10 minutes, a ball, and a kid who likes football. Here are five drills we give to the families we coach for at-home practice — all designed for around age 7.
1. Toe taps (60 seconds)
Alternate touching the top of the ball with each foot as fast as possible. Builds quick feet and balance. Aim for 30 → 50 → 80 touches over a few weeks.
2. Sole rolls left-to-right (60 seconds)
Roll the ball side-to-side using the sole of the foot, alternating feet. Builds the feel for the ball that every modern player needs.
3. Wall passes — weak foot only (3 minutes)
Find a flat wall. Pass with the weaker foot, control with the same foot. Most kids never train their weak foot — this single drill changes that.
4. Cone turns: inside, outside, drag-back (3 minutes)
Use one cone (or a shoe). Dribble at it, perform the turn, dribble back. Cycle through inside-foot turn, outside-foot turn, and drag-back. Builds the close control they'll lean on every match.
5. 1-touch finishing (3 minutes)
Pass the ball to your child from 5 yards out and have them finish first-time into a small goal or between two markers. Switch feet halfway through. Confidence in front of goal is built rep by rep.
Make it a habit, not a chore
10 minutes, 4–5 times a week, beats one long Sunday session. Stick a timer on, keep it light, and finish before they want to stop — they'll come back.
Want coaching like this for your child?
Book a 1-2-1 or register interest in midweek sessions.