How to Teach Your Kid Proper Soccer Ball Kicking Techniques in 5 Steps

Watching the recent PBA anniversary game where Meralco revived their classic Reddy Kilowatts uniforms took me back to my own childhood soccer days. Those retro jerseys reminded me how much sports fundamentals remain timeless, even as equipment and styles evolve. I've coached youth soccer for over fifteen years now, and I can confidently say that proper kicking technique is one of those foundational skills that separates frustrated players from confident ones. The truth is, most kids naturally want to just boot the ball as hard as possible—I see it every season—but teaching controlled, purposeful kicking makes all the difference in their development and enjoyment of the game.

Let me walk you through the five-step approach I've refined through coaching hundreds of young players. We'll start with the absolute basics because even professional players regularly return to these fundamentals. First comes proper stance and approach. I always have kids stand about three steps behind the ball at a slight angle rather than directly behind it. This angled approach, typically around 30-45 degrees, creates natural hip rotation that generates power while maintaining balance. I demonstrate how to take small, measured steps rather than charging at the ball—the last step before kicking should be slightly longer to create momentum. What I've found interesting is that about 70% of young players naturally want to approach straight on, so this adjustment requires consistent reinforcement through demonstrations and gentle corrections.

The second step focuses entirely on the plant foot—the non-kicking foot that provides stability and direction. This might be the most overlooked element among young players. I emphasize placing the plant foot beside the ball, approximately six to eight inches away, with toes pointing toward the target. The knee should be slightly bent, creating a stable base. When kids get this right, everything else tends to fall into place more easily. I often use the analogy of a golf swing—without a solid stance, even the best swing won't produce good results. From my experience, spending extra time on this element pays enormous dividends later because a poorly positioned plant foot affects accuracy more than any other factor.

Now we get to the actual kicking mechanics, which I break down into two distinct phases. The third step involves locking the ankle and striking with the proper surface of the foot. For the basic instep drive—the most versatile kick—I teach players to point their toes down and lock their ankle firmly, striking the center of the ball with the laces area of their cleats. I literally have them practice the ankle motion without the ball first, making that "locked" position feel natural. What surprises many parents is how much difference this simple technical detail makes—a floppy ankle can reduce power transfer by up to 40% based on my observations across different age groups. We practice this through stationary ball taps, focusing purely on foot position rather than power.

The fourth step integrates the follow-through, which directly influences both power and accuracy. I tell young players to imagine their kicking foot continuing toward their target rather than stopping at the ball. The body should lean slightly forward, and the kicking leg should naturally rise after contact. For ground passes, the follow-through stays low; for shots, it rises higher. This is where I see the most dramatic improvements once players grasp the concept—their shots suddenly have more purpose and control. I often share stories from my own playing days about how focusing on my follow-through transformed my shooting accuracy almost overnight during my sophomore year of high school.

Finally, the fifth step revolves around repetition and gradual complexity. Perfect technique means nothing if it can't be executed during game situations. I start players with stationary balls, then progress to gently rolling balls, then to receiving and kicking in motion. We dedicate at least 15 minutes of each 90-minute practice specifically to kicking technique, using various drills that maintain engagement while building muscle memory. What I've discovered is that most children need approximately 200-300 repetitions of a technique before it begins to feel natural, though this varies significantly by age and individual coordination.

Seeing those retro PBA jerseys during the anniversary celebration reminded me that while sports evolve, core techniques remain constant. The fundamentals I teach today aren't radically different from what I learned thirty years ago—they're just presented with better understanding of child development and motor learning. Teaching proper soccer kicking isn't about creating star players overnight; it's about giving children tools for lifelong enjoyment of the sport. When I see a young player finally connect with that perfect instep drive after weeks of practice, the look of accomplishment on their face confirms that these technical details matter far beyond the field. They build confidence that transfers to other aspects of their lives, and honestly, that's why I keep coaching year after year despite the early mornings and muddy cleats. The right technique becomes second nature, allowing the pure joy of the game to shine through—whether they're playing in modern gear or someday looking back fondly at their own "retro" uniforms.