Training

Find detailed soccer training guides to help soccer players get to the next level! The guides provide tips and tricks on how to really excel.

What you will find in this category

Use this training hub to find age-appropriate drills, ball-mastery routines, warmups, recovery sessions, and full development plans that help youth players improve outside team practice.

  • Step-by-step drills families and coaches can use at home or before team sessions.
  • Position-specific guidance for finishing, defending, goalkeeping, speed, agility, and confidence.
  • Training plans that connect individual practice with match-day performance.
How Much Does Youth Soccer Cost? Complete Parent Cost Breakdown
Training

How Much Does Youth Soccer Cost? Complete Parent Cost Breakdown

Full youth soccer cost breakdown — from $50 recreational leagues to $8,000/year travel programs. Real registration, gear, and travel cost numbers.

·1 min read
Youth Soccer by Age: Rules, Equipment & What to Expect at Every Level
Training

Youth Soccer by Age: Rules, Equipment & What to Expect at Every Level

Complete hub guide: what youth soccer looks like at every age from U6 to U14 — field sizes, rules, positions, and the right gear at each stage.

·1 min read
Travel Soccer: Schedule, Costs & What Parents Should Expect
Training

Travel Soccer: Schedule, Costs & What Parents Should Expect

An honest guide to the travel soccer lifestyle — what the weekly schedule looks like, how much it really costs, and how families make it work. Includes what to ask a club before signing.

·1 min read
What to Bring to Soccer Tryouts: The Complete Checklist
Training

What to Bring to Soccer Tryouts: The Complete Checklist

Never forget anything at tryouts again — the complete gear checklist for youth soccer tryouts, plus what parents need to bring and common mistakes to avoid.

·1 min read
How to Prepare for Youth Soccer Tryouts: Tips for Players and Parents
Training

How to Prepare for Youth Soccer Tryouts: Tips for Players and Parents

Practical tips to help your child prepare for soccer tryouts — from training drills to mindset advice. Covers what club coaches actually look for in young players.

·1 min read
Youth Soccer Rules by Age Group: U6, U8, U10, U12 Explained
Training

Youth Soccer Rules by Age Group: U6, U8, U10, U12 Explained

A plain-English breakdown of US youth soccer rules by age group — field size, team size, heading restrictions, offside, and how the game changes as kids grow.

·1 min read
Youth Soccer Positions Explained for Parents
Training

Youth Soccer Positions Explained for Parents

A parent-friendly breakdown of every youth soccer position — goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders, and forwards — and what each role does on the field.

·1 min read
How Soccer Cleats Should Fit Kids: Complete Sizing Guide for Parents
Training

How Soccer Cleats Should Fit Kids: Complete Sizing Guide for Parents

Learn how soccer cleats should fit children — proper toe room, width tips, when to size up, and what to look for in youth cleats to prevent blisters and injuries.

·1 min read
What Size Soccer Ball Does My Child Need? Age-by-Age Guide
Training

What Size Soccer Ball Does My Child Need? Age-by-Age Guide

Quick reference chart: size 3, 4, or 5 soccer ball by age and league. Includes tips on choosing the right weight, pressure, and materials for youth players.

·1 min read
Club vs Academy vs Select Soccer: What's the Difference?
Training

Club vs Academy vs Select Soccer: What's the Difference?

Confused by youth soccer terms? This guide explains the difference between club, academy, select, and recreational soccer — and which level fits your child.

·1 min read
What Age Should Kids Start Soccer? A Parent's Complete Guide
Training

What Age Should Kids Start Soccer? A Parent's Complete Guide

Find the ideal age for your child to start soccer — from toddler kick-arounds to competitive U8 programs. Includes what to expect at each developmental stage.

·1 min read
Is My Child Ready for Club Soccer? Signs and Right Timing
Training

Is My Child Ready for Club Soccer? Signs and Right Timing

Learn the key signs your child is ready to move from recreational to club soccer — and when to wait. Includes age guidance and what evaluators look for at tryouts.

·1 min read
Rec Soccer vs Travel Soccer: Which Is Right for Your Child?
Training

Rec Soccer vs Travel Soccer: Which Is Right for Your Child?

Comparing recreational and travel soccer for youth players — costs, time commitment, competition level, and how to decide what fits your family.

·1 min read
Youth Soccer Tryout Guide: Everything Parents Need to Know
Training

Youth Soccer Tryout Guide: Everything Parents Need to Know

The complete parent guide to youth soccer tryouts — when they happen, how to prepare, what to bring, and what to expect from the evaluation process.

·1 min read
Youth Soccer Parent Guide: Choosing the Right Path for Your Child
Training

Youth Soccer Parent Guide: Choosing the Right Path for Your Child

Everything parents need to know about youth soccer — rec vs travel, costs, age to start, and how to find the right club for your child.

·1 min read
How to Get Better at Soccer: 10 Proven Tips for Youth Players
Training

How to Get Better at Soccer: 10 Proven Tips for Youth Players

Want to get better at soccer? These 10 proven tips cover ball control, fitness, mental toughness, tactical thinking, and consistent training habits.

·1 min read
Soccer Tactics Training: Formations, Drills & Strategy Guide
Training

Soccer Tactics Training: Formations, Drills & Strategy Guide

Master soccer tactics with our complete guide covering formations, in-game strategy, tactical boards, and drills for 3v3 through 11v11. For players and coaches.

·1 min read
3-4-3 Soccer Formation: Tactics, Roles & Drills Explained
Training

3-4-3 Soccer Formation: Tactics, Roles & Drills Explained

Learn how the 3-4-3 soccer formation works — positional roles, tactical strengths, defensive risks, and 6 drills to master it. A complete guide for youth coaches and players.

·1 min read

Frequently asked questions

What should youth soccer players practice on their own?

Most players benefit from regular touches on the ball, first-touch work, passing against a wall, dribbling under control, finishing reps, and short speed or agility sessions. The right mix depends on age, position, and how often the player already trains with a team.

How many days per week should a youth soccer player train?

That depends on age, schedule, and match load, but most players do best with a balanced routine that mixes team sessions, 2 to 4 focused individual sessions, and at least one lighter recovery day. More work is not automatically better if quality and recovery drop.

Are these soccer training articles for parents or coaches?

Both. Parents can use them to structure productive home practice, and coaches can use them to reinforce technical themes, choose drills, and guide player development between team sessions.