7 Best Soccer Skill Training Dvds For Home Study

Watching a child struggle to keep pace during a team practice can be heart-wrenching, prompting many parents to seek supplemental training tools. These home-study resources offer a bridge between basic team instruction and the technical confidence a player needs to truly enjoy the game. The following guide highlights the most effective training programs to help foster that development at home.

Coerver Coaching: Session Planner for Ball Mastery

Young players often struggle with the “clunky” transition from simply running with the ball to actually controlling it under pressure. Coerver Coaching focuses on the fundamentals of individual ball mastery, which is the cornerstone for all age groups between 7 and 14.

By breaking down complex movements into repeatable, small-space drills, this program helps children develop a “second nature” relationship with the ball. It is an excellent investment for families looking for a structured, step-by-step progression that mimics professional academy training.

Tony Meola’s Goalkeeping Academy: Best for Keepers

Goalkeeping is a distinct discipline that often receives the least amount of attention during standard team practices. If a child shows a specific interest in the position, specialized resources like this academy provide the technical foundation for footwork, diving, and handling.

This resource is most effective for players aged 10 and older who have already developed basic coordination. It prevents the formation of bad habits early on, which is far easier than trying to correct them after a few seasons of improper technique.

Beast Mode Soccer: The Ultimate Individual Workout

The transition from recreational soccer to competitive club play requires a level of fitness and technical repetition that team practice alone rarely satisfies. Beast Mode Soccer excels at providing high-intensity drills designed to maximize touches in a very short window of time.

This content is best suited for the self-motivated athlete aged 12 to 14 who is preparing for tryouts or seeking to elevate their performance. It emphasizes the “grind” of individual training, making it a perfect fit for children who have clearly demonstrated a long-term commitment to the sport.

Brazilian Soccer Skills: Master Creative Ball Flair

Creative play is often stifled in rigid, formation-heavy team environments. Brazilian-style training encourages individual expression, using feints, flicks, and agile footwork to beat defenders in tight spaces.

This program serves as a wonderful corrective for players who feel overly restricted or bored by repetitive passing drills. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12, as these years are the “golden age of motor learning” where children can easily incorporate complex movements into their athletic repertoire.

Soccer Awareness: Develop Smarter One-Touch Play

Technical skill is only half the battle; the ability to read the game is what separates a good player from a great one. This resource focuses on spatial awareness—teaching a player to look around before receiving the ball and making a split-second decision.

It is an ideal choice for the “thinking” player who may not be the fastest on the field but wants to be the most influential. Consider this for children aged 11 and up who have reached a plateau in their physical development and need to shift focus toward tactical intelligence.

1 on 1 Soccer: Pro Drills for Better Field Vision

Field vision is the ability to anticipate the movement of teammates and opponents long before the ball reaches a player’s feet. This curriculum uses specific drills to train the eyes and the mind, ensuring the body follows with the correct action.

This is highly effective for intermediate players who have mastered the basics of dribbling and passing. It provides a clear roadmap for moving from reactive play to proactive decision-making, which is critical for success in middle school and competitive club settings.

Wiel Coerver: The Original Guide to Ball Control

The legacy of Wiel Coerver remains the gold standard for many coaches across the globe. Returning to these foundational lessons offers a stripped-down, effective approach to ball control that never goes out of style.

Because these principles are timeless, these resources hold their value through multiple children and even across generations. It is the most reliable option for parents who want a comprehensive, no-nonsense curriculum that focuses on the core mechanics of the sport.

How to Create an Effective Backyard Practice Space

Setting up a training space does not require a significant financial layout or a professional-grade pitch. Focus on a flat, consistent surface—a small patch of grass, a smooth patio, or even a local park works perfectly.

Prioritize “rebounders” or a simple solid wall, which acts as the most honest coach a player will ever have. Consistency in the environment matters more than the quality of the gear; keeping the ball in a designated “training bag” ensures that practice is easy to start and quick to tidy up.

Matching Training Content to Your Child’s Age Group

Developmental appropriateness is the most critical filter for any purchase. For children aged 5 to 7, focus entirely on ball familiarity and “touches”—the goal is simple enjoyment and comfort with the ball at their feet.

As children move into the 8 to 11 age range, introduce structured technical drills that emphasize agility and coordination. By age 12 to 14, introduce tactical awareness and high-intensity fitness, but only if the child expresses a genuine interest in competitive play to avoid early burnout.

Keeping Kids Motivated During Independent Practice

The most common mistake is assuming that a child will always have the internal drive to practice alone. Frame these sessions as a privilege or a special “pro training” time rather than a chore or homework.

Keep sessions short, usually between 15 to 20 minutes, to maintain high intensity and engagement levels. Always allow for “freestyle” time at the end of a session, letting the child experiment with their own moves, which fosters a sense of ownership over their progress.

Selecting the right training resource is less about finding the “perfect” drill and more about finding a tool that sparks the child’s own desire to improve. When these materials are used as a support system rather than a source of pressure, they provide a lasting foundation for both athletic ability and personal discipline.