Almost every young player has a stronger foot. That is natural. The problem comes when the weaker foot is avoided for so long that it becomes a weakness opponents can see. A player who can only pass, shoot and turn one way is easier to defend and has fewer options in every situation. Weak foot training is one of the most valuable things a player can do at home, and it fits neatly into our off-season soccer training plan.
Why the weak foot matters
- More options. A two-footed player can play the ball to either side, receive on either foot and protect the ball from defenders on both sides.
- Quicker play. Players who must shift the ball onto their strong foot lose time. That extra touch is often the moment a defender closes them down.
- Harder to read. Defenders quickly notice when a player always goes one way.
- Better balance. Using both sides evenly helps coordination and makes movement feel more natural.
It also matters for every position. Defenders who can pass with either foot are more confident playing out from the back, which is one of the things All Stars sessions develop.
The mindset: expect it to feel awkward
The biggest obstacle is not technique; it is frustration. Weak-foot touches feel clumsy, and children understandably want to do what they are good at. Set expectations early: it will feel strange for a while, and that is exactly how improvement feels. Praise attempts, not results. A weak-foot pass that goes wide is still a rep.
Keep weak-foot sessions short so frustration does not build. Ten minutes of focused practice is plenty.
Five drills you can do at home
1. Wall passes
Find a solid wall, such as a garage wall or a backstop at a local park, where bouncing a ball is allowed. Stand a few steps back and pass with the inside of the weak foot, then receive the return with the same foot. Start close and slow. As control improves, step back, pass harder, and try receiving with one foot and passing with the other.
2. Weak-foot ball mastery
Take two or three moves from our 15-minute ball mastery routine, such as sole rolls, pull-pushes and inside turns, and do them with the weak foot only. These small, repeated touches build familiarity faster than anything else.
3. Weak-foot dribbling
Set up a short line of markers (shoes or water bottles work) and dribble through using only the weak foot. Use the inside and the outside. Go slowly enough that the ball stays close.
4. Juggling with the weak foot
Alternate juggles between feet, or let the ball bounce once between touches if juggling is new. Count touches with the weak foot only and keep a record.
5. Weak-foot striking (outdoors)
When space allows, practise striking the ball with the laces of the weak foot against a wall or into an empty net. Focus on planting the standing foot beside the ball and keeping the body over it. Accuracy first, power later.
A simple weekly plan
- Two or three days a week: 10 minutes of weak-foot work, ideally on days without coached training.
- Every home session: add one weak-foot drill to the end of the regular ball mastery routine.
- Every few weeks: retest one simple measure, such as weak-foot wall passes in 30 seconds, and write it down.
Avoid long weak-foot shooting sessions. Repeating the same striking motion many times in one go can tire muscles that are not used to the work. Spread it out, keep it varied and stop if anything hurts. Our article on fitness for young soccer players explains how to balance new demands sensibly.
Bring it into games
The real test is using the weak foot when it counts. Encourage your player to try one weak-foot pass in every practice game. Coaches notice and appreciate the effort, even when it does not come off. Over time, a pass that once needed thought becomes instinctive. Ask your coach for feedback on where the weak foot is improving and what to focus on next.
A note for parents
You can help by playing passing games with your child, using your own weak foot too. Children enjoy seeing adults struggle a little, and it makes the practice feel shared rather than like homework. Keep the tone light and celebrate small wins.
Try simple games that make the weak foot the star: a passing challenge where only weak-foot passes count, or a "weak-foot Wednesday" where every touch in the driveway has to be with the weaker side. Turning the work into a game keeps younger players interested, and older players often enjoy setting their own weak-foot targets and tracking them over a season.
Training with All Stars
Two-footedness is built into every part of All Stars sessions, from ball mastery to passing and receiving to shooting. Players travel to our training base on Rouncey Rd in Kanata from Kanata neighbourhoods and from West Carleton communities including Carp, Fitzroy Harbour and Constance Bay on the Ottawa River. Explore our technical development programs or create a free All Stars player profile.
Questions parents ask
How long does it take to improve the weak foot?
It varies a lot from player to player. Short, regular practice over several weeks usually brings noticeable improvement, and it keeps improving for as long as the player keeps using it.
Should my child use only their weak foot in games?
No. In games, they should use whichever foot gives the best option, while looking for chances to try the weak foot when the risk is low, such as a simple pass to a teammate.
Is it too late for a teenager to develop their weak foot?
It is never too late. Younger players often pick it up faster, but teenagers who commit to regular practice can make real progress.
