Young soccer players either have fun or they won't be back next year, or maybe next week. And why not? Surely being part of a team has rewards, but why keep playing if it's no fun? Soccer players of every age want to have fun and keep the ball moving. Coaches like to have fun too. Watching players improve and keep coming back is part of the fun. Fun soccer drills make practice something to look forward to and not something to dread.

Practice is the time for learning soccer skills, improving fitness and learning to work as a team. Standing in lines is a quick way to lose your players. Boredom is no fun. Make sure everyone has something to do. Every person should have a ball and some directions about what to do. Have many short sessions, not long scrimmages.

The best way to keep everyone involved is to play games that develop skills. Especially younger children want to move around a lot. They want to compete with other kids. Show the players what to do and then give them a chance to do it. Younger children need time to develop strength and coordination. Well selected little games can help them improve and have fun at the same time.

Most younger children are looking to adults for guidance. Different age players will need different instructions. Praise the desired behavior at every age. Let the players know what you want by praising good performance.

Fun soccer drills make for happy players. Soccer players want to keep playing if practice and games are a good time. Minimize standing around with lots of games designed to build skills, fitness and teamwork. Praise the kind of play you want and you'll get more of it.