Football drills for children
Do you want to give your kids a fast-paced, safe and fun start with football? Then football drills for kids are the perfect choice! This guide will provide you with fun exercises and top tips to get children, parents and coaches up and running quickly. Right from the start, you'll find a concrete game you can try right away, and you'll know where to easily find inspiring and playful exercise drawings - perfect to show off to the kids. Join in - in just a few minutes, the whole team will be having fun!
References can be found at the bottom of the page.
Disclaimer
Start with a fun exercise: "The king's followers"
"The King's Followers" is a super simple and popular football game, loved by children and adults alike.
This is how you do it:
Each child gets their own ball. The coach (or a child) is the 'king' and shows different dribbles or says 'right', 'left', 'turn', and so on.
The other children follow suit and try to mimic the king's movements.
Change the king at regular intervals, so everyone gets a chance to lead.
The idea: The exercise trains ball control, coordination and is guaranteed to create many laughs!
Get inspiration for drawing football exercises
Do you want more exercises or clear exercise drawings?
For example, visit the SvFF coaches page,
use apps and websites that offer free football drills and illustrations,
or search for 'football drills kids' and 'draw football drills' on YouTube - there are lots of simple videos and pictures to copy, draw or display on the board.
Ready-made drawings make it much easier for children to understand and the exercises are more fun when you see what is actually going to happen!
Who are football exercises for children suitable for?
We highly recommend football drills for children aged 5-12 years. In those years, children get the most out of the exercises, with play, movement and new football friends. But of course - everyone can join in regardless of previous experience. If you just have a little desire and are encouraged at home, you are at home!
Training should follow simple safety and fair play rules so that everyone has a positive experience - whatever their level. According to both UEFA and FIFA, training should be adapted to the age of the child and should only be about enjoyment and development - not performance or results.
Fact check: According to UEFA and FIFA, it is crucial to provide equal opportunities, customised exercises and safe environment for all.
What are football drills for children?
The definition is simple: football drills for kids are fun, simple exercises with a ball - not just to learn football, but to have fun!
Example:
- Small dribbling tracks
- Passing games
- Small team games (3-on-3 or 4-on-4)
- Shots on target
- Here, children are always allowed to be active and use a lot of ball - no one should have to wait for long.
Where can you play?
Most football training is done outside on grass or artificial turf, but it can also be done inside a hall or in the schoolyard. The important thing is:
- Plenty of space
- Safe and level ground
- Access to water and toilet facilities
- With a digital whiteboard or app, you can also draw football drills and show them to your children or fellow coaches. This makes the drills even easier to memorise.
Why do we need rules in children's football?
The rules are about creating safety and enjoyment. They are needed to ensure that everyone is included and no one is left out.
Frameworks and simple guidelines build community and give children the courage to try, fail, and still have fun.
Main rules for football drills for children
- 5-7 years: 3v3 or 4v4
- 8-10 years: 5v5
- 11-12 years: 7v7
- Smaller plans (20-40 metres)
- Light balls, no hard melees
- Shin pads and trainers are recommended
- Everyone plays equally and can make mistakes without pressure
Top tips - how to succeed
Change the exercise often and let the children decide sometimes
Add fun games (like "King's followers")
Draw your exercises and display on whiteboard or paper
Give praise and dare to let children try for themselves
Parents: Support, encourage and let the coach lead - it's more fun that way!
Extra tip: Build your own collection of 'draw football drills' on your mobile phone or computer so you can always show the kids the next drill quickly and educationally!
Frequently asked questions
Does the child need to know football beforehand?
No, everyone is welcome regardless of experience.
Is it mostly boys who participate?
No, more and more girls are playing - and all exercises work equally well for everyone.
What equipment is needed?
A ball, training clothes and some space - the rest is up to your imagination!
Can parents be involved?
Feel free to provide encouragement and support - but let the coach instruct the children for best results!
Spelregel.se gives its rating on "football drills for kids"
| Category | Rating (0-5) | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | 5 | Fun, speed and community at a high level |
| Laughter | 5 | Many fun moments, especially with games |
| Difficulty level | 2 | Very simple, the kids get on board straight away |
| Easy to get started | 5 | Just needs a ball and space |
| Easy to learn | 5 | Simple language, educational images |
| Overall rating: | 5 | Classic hit for children and young people |
Source references
UEFA Grassroots Football
FIFA Youth Programmes
Wikipedia - Children's football (SE)
SvFF Child and youth training
Ready to start? Try "The King's Followers" right away - and find inspiration for more educational, fun exercise drawings at SvFF, in apps, or by searching for "football exercises kids" and "draw football exercises" online. Then you will lift your training right away!
Let's test your maths knowledge
| Exercise | Purpose of the programme | Short explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The King's followers | Coordination & ball control | One child decides, the others imitate with their own ball |
| Dribble loop | Dribbling & technique | Children dribble through cones on time |
| The fitting game | Fit & Co-operation | Pairs or small groups pass the ball between them |
| Slalom course | Movement & agility | Run and change direction through cones without a ball |
| Goal game 3 on 3 | Closing & small-sided games | 3v3 on small targets, focus on shooting and defence |
| crossing pass | Adaptation & communication | Pass the ball crosswise, practise precision |
| Tunnel lick | Play & ball control | Practising tunnelling on each other |
| Three in a row | Co-operation & fast games | 3-man game, try to get three in a row on the pitch |
| Stop ball | Response & attention | Everyone dribbles, the coach shouts "stop", everyone freezes |
| Shots on target | Closure & technology | Shot training with goalkeeper, practise different kicking techniques |
| Goalkeeping | Goalkeeper & reaction | Shot or throw at goalkeeper, all rotate |
| Fartball | Fitness & ball control | Children chasing each other, all with a ball |
| Confrontation | Precision & play | Try to shoot down cones with the ball |
| Football roundball | Ball skills & team play | Variant of roundball where you kick instead of hit |
| Points hunt | Motivation & closure | Do different drills for points - e.g. dribbling, shooting, passing |
Fun facts and history behind football drills for kids
Football has a natural place in Swedish schoolyards, parks and small stadiums from Ystad to Kiruna. Training for children is not just about trying to win or score goals - it's about community, the joy of movement and laughing together in both rain and shine. Here are the best fun facts and a historical introduction to how football training has become a natural part of childhood in Sweden.
Short summary - Why children love football training
Swedish children have been kicking a ball around for generations - both at recess and with friends on the neighbourhood pitch. Today, football is so much more than just games: it's a springboard for movement, co-operation and joy. And the best part? Everyone can join in, no matter where you live, what level you're at or how old you are.
Fun fun facts about Swedish children's football
- Football is Sweden's largest children's sport, with more than 500 000 children and young people active in clubs every year (source: [SvFF]).
- During the 1960s and 70s, many Swedish children played with homemade balls, sometimes rolled socks or plastic bags, until clubs started handing out real footballs.
- The 'King's follower' exercise, where children imitate a leader with a ball, has been popular on Swedish football pitches since the 1970s - and works just as well today.
- According to UEFA, children who start playing football before the age of 8 often develop stronger social skills and self-esteem.
- Swedish football stars such as Zlatan Ibrahimović, Kosovare Asllani and Caroline Seger began their careers in small clubs around Sweden, where play and community were at the centre.
Fact check: SvFF and UEFA research shows that variety and play in training sessions is the most important factor for children to enjoy and continue playing for a long time.
A brief history - from neighbourhood pitches to organised club football
In Sweden, children's football has always started in the small spaces: between the farms, outside the high-rise buildings, on the countryside's gravel roads and small meadows. Rules changed from day to day, and referees were often redundant. As football clubs emerged, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, training became more organised. The first 'boys' school' sessions appeared and small pitches spread from Malmö to Luleå.
In the 2000s, SvFF has invested heavily in training for coaches and leaders, and digital tools such as "drawing football drills" on the tablet have become commonplace. This makes it easier for both children and adults to visualise and understand the exercises in a fun way.
Fact check: Studies from both SvFF and the Swedish Sports Confederation show that children who are allowed to play and vary during training without early pressure to perform have the greatest chance of staying in football.
More fun facts to take to the gym
The world's fastest goal in a Swedish children's match was scored after 3 seconds - straight from the kick-off!
"Football schools" are organised throughout Sweden in the summer, where games, techniques, ice cream breaks and friendship take centre stage.
Many clubs end the season with the 'Mini World Cup', where all children get a taste of scoring, celebrating and feeling like national team stars.
Best practices and tips
Vary the training and let the children themselves come up with ideas for games or exercises.
Use simple drawings to show the exercises - on paper, whiteboard or tablet. Search "draw football drills" on YouTube or at SvFF for lots of simple instructions!
Switch roles often, so that everyone gets to be goalkeeper, forward and 'king'.
Let play and joy come before performance - it doesn't matter if it rains, as long as everyone has fun.
Fact check: SvFF's Children's Rules of the Game state that the most important thing at training is that every child feels involved and has fun - no child should have to feel pressure over results.
Source references
SvFF - Children and youth football
UEFA Grassroots
Wikipedia - Children's football
The Swedish Sports Confederation
Are you ready for your next training session? Try "The King's Followers", and find more ideas for your own "draw football exercises" at SvFF, in apps or directly on YouTube. This will make the kids have even more fun on the pitch!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about football drills for kids
Why is variety important in training?
Children quickly tire of repetitive activities. Variety keeps energy and interest up, and also provides the opportunity to practice different aspects of the game - technique, movement, game understanding and co-operation. By changing the exercises during the session, you ensure that all children have the chance to develop in multiple ways and that no one feels left out. The joy rises - and so do the skills.
What is the purpose of football drills for children?
The aim of football drills for children is first and foremost to create joy, movement and community on the pitch. The drills are not only about learning technique, but also about introducing children to the basics of the game through play and laughter. Along the way, children build important skills such as dribbling, balance, teamwork and game awareness, while growing their self-esteem through small and big steps.
How to choose the right exercises for different ages?
How to ensure that all children feel included?
An inclusive exercise means that all children are active and involved. Avoid exercises where children stand still in a queue for too long. Instead, use small groups, multiple stations and lots of balls so that each child gets plenty of movement. It is also important to adapt the level of difficulty of the exercises - and as a coach, to actively encourage, listen and give small but clear progress targets to each child.
What role do play and humour play in football training?
Play is the key to children's learning. When children play, they learn motor skills, strategy and communication without realising that it is 'training'. Laughter, competitions and silliness make children want to come back week after week. Research shows that children who laugh and have fun during training are twice as likely to stay in sport compared to those who experience stress or too much structure.
How to help children who are completely new to football?
Everyone starts somewhere. As a coach, it is important to create a safe atmosphere where it is okay to make mistakes. Choose simple exercises without too many rules or technical requirements. Focus on the joy of movement, hitting the ball and building relationships in the group. Give lots of praise and show the exercises clearly, preferably with funny names and playful moments. With patience and encouragement, the beginner will quickly get up to speed - and in time become a natural part of the team.
How can you challenge children who have been playing for years?
More experienced children need exercises with higher tempo, technique and game elements. Think small team games (2v2, 3v3) with a focus on problem solving, communication and match-like situations. Let them lead a warm-up, give feedback on drills or explain something to younger teammates. It not only increases focus, but builds a sense of responsibility and community in the group.
What equipment is needed to run football sessions for children?
It doesn't take much. One ball per child is ideal. A few cones, vests and preferably small goals are usually enough to conduct an effective training session. Younger children benefit from lighter balls, especially between the ages of 5-8. Most importantly, the equipment should be used to make the exercise mobile and no one should stand still for too long.
How to motivate children who have lost interest?
The key is to put the joy back in focus. Use small competitions, exercises with music or free play moments where children can set the framework themselves. Praise not only goals - but also good ideas, effort and responsiveness. Talk to the child - sometimes it's more about the group or the social aspect than the game itself. By actively including the child and showing that it's okay to have 'bad days', you create a performance-free confidence that gets the motivation back.
Where can you find inspiration and ready-made exercises?
You can find lots of inspiration for football drills for children on SvFF's website, in coaching apps, on YouTube and in books from sports federations. Apps that allow you to draw and display drills directly on your tablet are super popular and allow both coaches and children to understand the set-up quickly. For example, search for "draw football drills" or follow other coaches on social media for real-life tips.
How to adapt football drills for children with different disabilities?
All children deserve the opportunity to participate in football, regardless of their ability. Adaptations can be made by simplifying rules, using bigger or softer balls, reducing the size of the pitch and having more adults or assistants present. Pay attention to the needs of each child - this can range from clearer instructions, visual aids and extra breaks to allowing children to choose their own role in the exercise. The most important thing is to create an inclusive and safe environment where all children can experience the joy of movement, participation and community. Collaboration with parents and any special education staff can provide valuable tips for customising the exercise in the best possible way.
