Teach dribbling with a ball each and lots of games: small touches with both feet, changes of direction, and head up to see space. Children who kick the ball away usually lack confidence under pressure, so build up from no pressure to tag games to 1v1s, and praise every brave attempt.
Why they kick it away
Panic, not ability. If a defender arriving means trouble, they'll get rid of it. The fix is lots of low-pressure success first, and a coach who cheers the attempt, not just the outcome.
A dribbling progression
- Ball mastery: ball mastery circuit, little touches, both feet.
- Tag games: Sharks and minnows, Robin Hood treasure.
- 1v1s: Dribble the gates 1v1.
- Into the game: small-sided games where a dribble through a gate counts as a goal.
For five and six year olds
Keep it imaginative: "keep your ball away from the dragon", "park your car" (stop the ball). Short, active games with everyone on a ball, and loads of praise.