Activities and Skills: Pullbacks

On this edition of Activities and Skills, we’re going to learn all about doing a pullback. A pullback is when a player puts a foot on top of the ball, uses that foot to roll the ball behind them, and then turns and follows the ball, changing direction in the process.

What You’ll Need

For this skill, all you need is a ball and a green space to play in. As your Tiny Trooper works on this skill, having objects to mark a boundary line can also be helpful.

Directions

First, your Tiny Trooper will need to trap the ball by placing either the right or left foot on top of it. Next, they will use that foot to roll the ball behind them. Finally, they will turn around and follow the ball, dribbling it. The direction they turn depends on the foot used. If they use their right foot, turn right. If they use the left foot, turn left. Practice by repeating.

Adaptations & Modifications

• A fun way to teach pullbacks is by using the bug method. When they trap the ball, they are “squishing the bug”. When they pull it behind them, they are “wiping it off their foot”. Following after means the bug is back, and they need to go after it.
• Once the skill is understood: Have the Tiny Trooper dribble to a set point without going beyond it and do a pullback. Add more of a challenge by chasing them to the set point.
• Younger Players: If your Tiny Trooper is still learning to balance, use a grown-up to give them support and to show them how to move the foot throughout the skill.
• Play a Game: Pirate Block. The Tiny Trooper’s ball is the treasure. Have a grown-up (the pirate) chase after the Tiny Trooper as they dribble their ball. They are trying to steal the treasure. The pirate should try to block the Tiny Trooper, forcing them to do a pullback.

If your little one had fun doing this activity, and you haven’t joined us on Soccer Island yet, find your nearest class today!