Gear Guide: What You Need for Soccer Training for Your Kid
As a parent, it's really exciting to find out your child is passionate about soccer. So whether they are starting with their soccer games or already showing much zeal on the field, the right soccer training gear can make all the difference in their soccer training for kids.
Essentials for Soccer Training Your Kid
Read on to learn all the soccer training equipment and other essentials you need to support your little kid to shine on the field!
The Soccer Training Ball
The most important thing in a soccer training kit is a soccer training ball. You have to choose a ball that is lightweight and age appropriate so it's easier for them to control and dribble. Moreover, choosing a high-quality ball is more durable and less likely to burst or lose its original form. All in all, choosing a good ball is likely one of the essential soccer training tools.
We suggest kids ages 8 and below use size 3 soccer balls and kids between the ages of 9 to 12 years of age use size 4 soccer balls. There are also size 1 soccer balls which we suggest kids also have laying around in the house. This will motivate them to get more touches on the soccer ball while they walk within the house from room to room.
Shin Guards and Appropriate Footwear
Another important soccer training equipment is the shin guards and footwear. They are a must-have for any young soccer player. That's because shin guards protect your child's legs from injury. Moreover, footwear provides support and stability on the field.
Now when you choose shin guards for your kid, make sure they are comfy and provide enough protection. Getting young players used to wearing shinguards at an early age will prepare them to continue to habitually wear shin guards in their later years. Finding the right size for shin guards is very important.
Shin guards come in all sizes and variations. There are some shin guards that come with ankle protectors, some that come with straps, and some that might simply come alone. Whichever you choose is based on preference. However, one thing that is certain is that the shin guard should fit right over the shin of the player. It should not interfere with the mobility of the ankle nor should it be touching the knee, that might interfere with the knee movement. Wearing long soccer socks will help hold the shin guard up even if the shinguard is strapless. You can find the long soccer soccer socks at our shop.
Now the absolute essentials of soccer training for kids is the footwear that they wear. We do always tell new players trying out our indoor soccer academy in Kendall that if it is the first time the player is being introduced to soccer that they come in athletic sneakers that are low to the ground and are not skater or basketball shoes. You can hold off on buying the specific shoes until the child shows an interest in the sport and is ready to commit to it. As all of these soccer specific shoes can be expensive.
However, once you are ready to purchase the footwear there are a couple of options you can choose from.
Indoor Soccer Shoes: these shoes are completely flat with a flat sole. These are best for when kids are playing futsal or street soccer on a wood floor surface or flat like surface. We personally also love these shoes for indoor soccer on turf surfaces that have no infill. A lot of indoor soccer facilities have hard turf that feels more like a carpet and has no filling like rubber or sand. Therefore, playing on these surfaces with turf shoes can make the player feel like the shoe is above the ground with no grip. We prefer to feel our feet when playing on these surfaces as we believe the player learns to feel their feet and the ability to be more on the “balls” of their feet learning how to accelerate and decelerate.
Turf Soccer Shoes: these shoes have a sole that have small little rubber studs. These are best for when players are playing on turf like fields that have turf that is filled in with sand or rubber. These shoes in that type of surface allow the player to have more grip to not slip and ability to pivot better than with cleats. We personally do not like these shoes for indoor soccer turf like fields with no infill.
Cleats: these shoes have studs with a firm sole. These are best for when players are playing on grass. Of course there are all types of studs and the shape of the stud is dependent on the type of grass you may play on, be it soft or firm. But we are not going to go into those technicalities. We will keep it simple and say if your player is playing on grass cleats will allow the player to get the proper grip to play and allow them to pivot and play under rain or sunshine!
Soccer Training Gear Essentials
In addition to a ball, shin guards, and footwear, other parts of soccer training gear can be helpful for soccer training for kids. For example, a water bottle can help keep your player hydrate during practice.
Moreover, a soccer training goal can provide them with a fun and challenging way to practice their shots. Furthermore, investing in a soccer training kit that includes everything your child needs to get started is a fool-proof way to support your little one!
Drills and Training
If you want to improve their skills, think about investing in some soccer training drills or working with a coach who can offer personal soccer training. Another good idea to provide extra support to your kid is to set up an indoor soccer training area in your backyard or garage for extra soccer training! Or if you have some backyard space you can create a space that has a rebound like surface where players can get some touches passing the ball into the wall, fence, or rebound board.
Additional Gear
Other useful gear includes breathable soccer training shirts that can help your child stay cool and comfortable during outdoor practice. Moreover, soccer training tools like cones or agility ladders can help improve their speed and agility. An extra tip for the parents is to set up a soccer training net that can provide a fun and challenging way to practice their shots.
Conclusion
In short, soccer training for kids requires some specific gear and equipment to help the kids develop their skills and stay safe. So by providing them with the right soccer training gear and an appropriate soccer training program or personal soccer training lessons led by experienced coaches and programs, you can set them up for success in soccer. Make sure to prioritize your child's safety while playing soccer. Also, don't forget to encourage them with positive reinforcement as they develop this newfound love for soccer!
