Soccer Tips

As youth soccer gets more competitive, parental support matters more than ever. Here’s how to stay steady without adding pressure.

The car ride home after games can feel heavy. Here’s what kids actually need to hear — and what can wait — to protect confidence and trust.

Soccer tournament weekends aren’t just about schedules and snacks. Here’s what kids actually need from parents during long, emotional weekends

Youth soccer can feel overwhelming — tryouts, strong opinions, sideline pressure, and the fear of saying the wrong thing. This guide offers youth soccer advice for parents who want to support their kids with confidence, reduce pressure, and keep the game enjoyable — without turning every game into a lesson. Written from the perspective of a former pro coach and a real soccer family, this is where to start if you want youth soccer to feel calmer for everyone. Teamwork Starts o

Off-season training doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. In fact, the most effective off season soccer drills are simple, repetitive, and easy to do at home — no field or fancy equipment needed. Here are the 5 drills we use with our kids (ages 7 and 11) to stay sharp, build confidence, and keep touches consistent all winter long. Why These Off Season Soccer Drills Actually Work These drills work because they focus on: • repetition • consistency • real-game touches

Off-season is the perfect time to focus on: Individual skills Confidence Strength and conditioning Reactions and decision-making First touch Creativity Fun and free play With no pressure, no coaches evaluating, and no game schedule, kids learn to enjoy the process again. Small improvements made now build huge confidence later. Sibling 1v1 Sessions: A Fun Off Season Soccer Training for Kids Method One of the most underrated ways to train at home? Siblings. Coach Grandpa always

Kids learn best when they’re having fun — and this simple sibling soccer footwork challenge is one of our favorites at Team Tisell. All you need is a ball, some space, and two kids ready for a playful competition. Why the Sibling Soccer Footwork Challenge Works The sibling soccer footwork challenge turns basic skills into a game. Kids naturally push each other, making them practice longer and try harder without feeling like it’s “training.” How to Do the Sibling Soccer Footwo

Bad weather? Sleeping siblings? Thin apartment walls? You can still keep soccer fun with quiet soccer drills at home that build real skills—without the bouncing, thumping, or loud ball strikes. Here’s one of our favorite quiet soccer drills at home: The Silent Wall Pass All you need is: A pillow A small space A soft ball (or any ball) Place the pillow against the wall and have your child pass the ball softly into it. The pillow absorbs the impact, making it: Quiet Safe for in

Why the Cone Shuffle Is the Best Indoor Soccer Drill for Kids The Cone Shuffle is quick to set up, safe for all ages, and fantastic for improving coordination and confidence. You don’t need fancy equipment—just some space and a ball! How to Set Up the Cone Shuffle Drill at Home You’ll need: 3–5 soft cones, socks, or plastic cups A soccer ball or soft ball Instructions: Arrange the cones or markers in a straight or zigzag line. Have your child dribble the ball, weaving in and

Soccer tournament weekends can be exciting — and exhausting. Between packing, planning, long days, and unpredictable schedules, it’s easy for stress to creep in before the first whistle even blows. As we head into our tournament this Friday, I’m reminding myself that feeling prepared isn’t about doing more — it’s about keeping things simple. These soccer tournament tips for parents focus on staying organized, keeping kids fueled, and maintaining perspective during long, unpre

If you’ve ever looked at your child’s schedule and thought, “8:30 PM? Really?” — you’re not alone. Yesterday, my 11-year-old had a late game that kicked off at 8:30 and ended close to 10. With a 20-minute drive home and school the next morning, it felt like a logistical puzzle. Late soccer games for kids are becoming more common — especially in club and select programs. But keeping their energy steady (and their morning moods manageable) takes a bit of prep and a lot of balan

If you’ve ever tried to get your kid out the door for soccer when it’s freezing, windy, or raining sideways — I get you. Growing up in Sweden, I learned one thing early: there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing. Now that I’m raising my little soccer players in Texas (where “cold” hits differently), I’ve mastered how to dress for cold soccer games using smart layering — keeping kids warm, dry, and focused on the game (not their freezing fingers). 1. Base Layer: The Foundation

occer tournament weekends ask a lot of families. These soccer tournament tips for parents focus on simple packing, steady fuel, and staying grounded through long weekends.

If you’ve ever tried to get 5-year-olds to warm up before soccer practice, you know — it’s part strategy, part stand-up comedy. 😂 That’s why Coach Grandpa swears by Red Light, Green Light , one of the best soccer warm-up games for kids. It sneaks in soccer fundamentals while keeping it fun. Why Red Light, Green Light Is One of the Best Soccer Warm-Up Games for Kids This isn’t just a silly start to practice. It’s one of those timeless soccer warm-up games for kids that helps

Teamwork in youth soccer doesn’t happen all at once. It’s built slowly — one shared play, one small decision, one moment of connection at a time. For parents, encouraging teamwork in young soccer players often starts with something simple: what we notice, what we celebrate, and what we stay calm about on the sideline. Not just goals. Not just wins. But the in‑between moments that are easy to miss. Why Encouraging Teamwork in Young Soccer Players Matters At younger ages, socce

If there’s one thing Coach Grandpa always says, it’s this: “You don’t need a fancy field to build great players. Just cones and a ball.” And after raising soccer-obsessed kids in our backyard, driveway, and living room (oops), I can confirm — cones and pop-up goals are the MVPs  of at-home training. Whether your player is 5, 7, 11 or 13 like mine, simple equipment makes soccer fun, fast, and frustration-free. So today I’m breaking down the best soccer cones for kids  — plus t

If you’ve ever watched your child’s game and thought: “Why did the referee blow the whistle? Didn’t they just score?” You’re not alone. The offside rule is one of the most confusing parts of youth soccer — especially for parents. And when everyone on the sideline is confused, things can get loud fast. Coach Grandpa has always had a simple way of explaining offside. And yes — it involves pizza. What Is the Offside Rule in Soccer? (For Parents) In simple terms: A player is offs

If you’ve ever watched a youth soccer game and noticed everyone freeze when the ball goes out of bounds — you’re not alone. Kids pause. Parents shout conflicting directions. And suddenly something simple feels overwhelming. Throw‑ins are one of those moments in youth soccer where confusion shows up fast — especially for parents who aren’t totally sure how soccer throw‑in rules work yet. So today, we’re breaking it down Coach Grandpa–style — simple, clear, and calm — so you k

When my kids first started soccer, Coach Grandpa gave me one piece of advice that stuck: “Parents should be the cheerleaders, not the coaches.” It sounds simple. But on a busy sideline — with noise, emotion, and fast play — it’s harder than it looks. What we say (and how we act) during games shapes how our kids feel about soccer. Whether your child is just starting out or playing at a more competitive level, sideline behavior sets the tone. Why Sideline Behavior Matters in Yo

Coach Grandpa always says: “Soccer starts with the pass.”  For young players, passing is the first step toward teamwork, confidence, and...