How to Keep 3 Kids Playing Soccer Engaged and Safe During Practice
I still remember the first time I coached my three kids’ soccer team—what a whirlwind. Keeping them engaged while ensuring they don’t accidentally kick each other instead of the ball is no small feat. Over time, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really help, especially when it comes to balancing fun with focus. One thing I always keep in mind is a quote from Coach Chot that my friend shared with me from his own team: “Pag ganun ang depensa namin last game, wala kaming chance manalo. Ni-remind kami ni coach Chot na kung gusto nating manalo, dumepensa tayo.” That idea—defense as the foundation—isn’t just for games; it’s the same mindset I use to keep kids safe and interested during practice.
First, I start with a quick warm-up that’s more like a game than a drill. For example, we play “Shark and Minnows,” where one kid tries to steal the ball from the others as they dribble across the field. It gets them moving and laughing, and it subtly teaches defensive positioning. I’ve found that mixing in these mini-games every 15 minutes keeps their attention from drifting. With three kids, you’ve got to rotate activities fast—I’d say we switch things up about every 10-12 minutes, depending on their energy levels. Personally, I prefer using colorful cones and small-sided games because it feels less rigid and more creative.
Safety is where I get a little strict, honestly. I always make sure each kid has shin guards and plenty of water—dehydration can sneak up on them, especially on hot days. We take water breaks every 20 minutes, and I keep an eye on the youngest, who tends to push himself too hard. Spacing is key too; I set up drills so they’re not too close together, reducing collisions. From my experience, about 70% of minor injuries happen when kids are bunched up, so I emphasize spreading out, almost like how Coach Chot emphasized defense as the non-negotiable base for winning. If you don’t set that structure, you’re asking for trouble.
Another method I rely on is giving each child a specific role during drills. Maybe one focuses on passing, another on trapping the ball, and the third on defensive positioning. This not only keeps them engaged but also builds their confidence. I’ve noticed that when kids feel like they have a job to do, they’re less likely to mess around. Plus, it mirrors that idea of teamwork and defense—it’s not just one person’s responsibility.
Toward the end of practice, I like to wrap up with a scrimmage where they can apply what they’ve learned. But here’s my personal rule: I keep it short, around 10 minutes, and I mix up the teams so it stays low-pressure. Sometimes I even join in to keep the energy up. It’s in these moments that I see how keeping three kids playing soccer engaged and safe during practice pays off—they leave tired but smiling, already asking about next time.
In the end, it all comes back to that balance of structure and fun, much like how a solid defense sets up opportunities to score. If you’re aiming to keep three kids playing soccer engaged and safe during practice, remember it’s not about rigid drills; it’s about creating an environment where they want to participate and look out for each other. That’s the real win, in my book.