Why Individual Footskills Matter in Youth Soccer - Especially for Girls

As a youth soccer coach, one of the main qualities I want to develop in players is confidence on the ball. I want players who love and demand the ball. Technical skill is what allows a player to stay calm under pressure, escape a tough situation, and create something out of nothing. Without it, all the tactics and strategy in the world won’t matter.

But in the American youth soccer scene, and especially in the girls’ game, players are often taught to pass quickly and avoid risk. They’re praised for being “unselfish,” for moving the ball on instead of trying to beat a defender. As a parent, how many times have you heard other parents on the sideline yelling “pass it!”? This style of play looks sophisticated to parents but it comes at a cost. It discourages creativity. It teaches players to fear mistakes, which means they don’t take risks to develop their individual skills. Plus, it can lead to rushed, forced passes that don’t progress the game.

Of course, soccer is a team sport, and passing and movement off the ball are important. But when no one feels confident holding the ball or taking on a defender, the entire team suffers. When the pressure turns up, players panic and give the ball away. Instead, players who are confident in a 1v1 in any position on the field can break pressure and open up the field for a creative, progressive pass.

I want girls I coach to love those 1v1 moments, to see pressure as a challenge instead of a threat. I want them to try things. If it doesn’t work the first time, try again. Confidence grows with repetition, not perfection. Players need the freedom to take risks without fear of being labeled selfish. Too often, girls are expected to play a quiet, tidy version of soccer. But I want players who take ownership of the game, who light up when the ball comes to them, who believe they can make something happen every time they touch it.

So let’s build that foundation early. Let’s teach young players, and especially girls, to be brave, to be creative, and to believe in themselves with the ball at their feet.