Rookie Grownups — They’re learning the game. We’re learning to coach.
Join the team

Ages 3–5

Soccer practice at home for 3- to 5-year-olds

At 3–5, “practice” means play. Use a soft ball, a small space and five minutes: a copy-me warm-up, one pretend dribbling game, and a last minute your child chooses. Stop while it’s still fun.

A 5-minute plan

  1. Copy me · 1:00 Tap the ball with your toes, then theirs. Big steps, tiny steps, freeze.
  2. Red light, green light · 2:00 Green: little touches forward. Red: foot on the ball. Let them call the colors too.
  3. Knock down the cones · 1:00 Stand a few plastic cups or bottles up and let them push the ball into them from close range.
  4. Their choice + celebrate · 1:00 They pick a favorite to replay. End with a high five and one thing you noticed.

Your one grown-up habit

Show once, then wait. Young children learn by copying and trying, not by listening to instructions. Resist correcting form — name the effort instead: “You kept the ball close!”

Keep it safe and simple

  • Soft or size-3 ball, flat ground, away from roads and furniture edges.
  • No heading. Short bursts and water breaks.
  • Every child develops differently; these are ideas, not milestones.

Sources and further reading

Written by the Rookie Grownups team. General guidance, not professional coaching or medical advice. Adapt to your child, stop for pain or distress, and follow qualified coaches for technical and safety guidance. Linked organizations do not endorse us.

Plan your first practice All guides