Soccer Kick Trainers
Ever wonder what soccer drills to work on when practicing by yourself? This article will help you better understand the world of soccer training equipment. From kick return belts to rebounders, we will show you how you can improve your technique without spending a fortune on a personal coach.
Benefits of Soccer Kick Trainers
Unlike many other sports, such as basketball, tennis, and swimming, practicing soccer on your own can be challenging. The size of the field and the inability to frequently play 11-on-11 make it difficult for players to work on their fundamentals. Soccer kick trainers have become the answer.
In recent years, growing numbers of professional teams and young soccer players have turned to soccer kick trainers as an easy and effective tool to aid in individual techniques. The boom in analytics and the increased number of personal skill coaches on the market have led teams to use soccer kick trainers in practice sessions. These pieces of equipment are easy to use and allow players to perfect their touch while having fun.
Soccer kick trainers are not just limited to professional use, as they are also extremely popular amongst soccer fans of any age. Whether you are a soccer star or just a beginner, soccer kick trainers allow you to practice anywhere and at any time for an affordable price.
Things To Consider
When looking for soccer kick trainers, you'll want to consider the following:
- What type of kick trainer are you looking for?
- How much space do you have?
- How much do you want to spend on a kick trainer?
- What skills are you looking to improve?
- Do you have access to a soccer goal?
What Are You Looking For In A Soccer Kick Trainer?
- Affordability
- Easy to Store
- Easy to Transport
- To Enhance Shooting Skills
- Durability
- Use Inside
- Easy Assembly
- Use Outside
Types
Soccer kick trainers are mainly directed towards practicing fundamentals, such as ball control, first touch, passing, or kicking. Among the most popular are kick return belts, rebounders, speed ball trainers, target sheets, and tripod kick trainers.
Kick Return Belt
The kick return belt is an optimal piece of equipment for mastering fundamentals such as passing, ball control, and balance. It consists of a belt that is to be attached to the player’s waist. Attached to the belt is a flexible, stretchy rope that holds the ball. The goal is to become a better low passer and receiver in a faster manner, as the rope keeps the ball close to you, so you don’t have to chase it. The lower durability of the neoprene ball glove makes this soccer kick trainer extremely affordable, as it is usually listed at around $15.
Pros:
- Great for beginners
- Affordable price
- Easy to carry around
- Can be used anywhere
Cons:
- Poor durability and resistance
- Offers limited variety of drills
- Only fits Size 5 balls
Rebounder
The main purpose of a rebounder is to act as a passer. This soccer kick trainer can be adapted to a wide variety of drills, as it can be used outdoors to practice touch passes or to set up shots if you have a soccer goal within proximity. The durability of the net and the price can be a bit of a concern, with certain models costing as much as $250. However, its multifunctionality makes it a must-have.
Pros:
- Offers a wide variety of drills
- Great to practice shooting
- Easy to carry around
Cons:
- Resistance of the net
- Typically sold at a high price point
- Can only be used for shooting drills outdoors
Speed Ball Trainer
If you want to perfect your ball control and touch, the speed ball trainer is what you are looking for. The spring that holds the ball makes this item great for intense reps using both feet. This is perfect for beginners, with an affordable price of about $40 and the possibility of utilizing it everywhere. However, this soccer kick trainer offers the smallest variety of drills.
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Solid durability and lifespan
- Great for developing better touch with both feet
Cons:
- Limited variety of drills
- Heavy to carry around
- Only improves touch
Target Sheet
The target sheet is perfect for spending an afternoon challenging your friends at hitting top-bins shots. However, picking up balls from the net could be a bit bothersome, and it can only be used outdoors. Thus, practicality is a downside. The costly price, over $300 on most websites, and the level of skill required make this item better utilized by seasoned players as opposed to beginners.
Pros:
- Perfect for group practice
- Ultimate soccer kick trainer for practicing shooting
- Great for set-piece and penalty kickers
Cons:
- Tend to be expensive
- Very focused practicality without a wide variety of potential drills
- Not ideal for beginners
Tripod Kick Trainer
A tripod kick trainer is a more advanced version of the speed ball trainer. The ball is attached to a bar that moves where the ball is kicked. This is one of the best soccer kick trainers for improving passing and ball control with both feet. However, it is hard to carry around, and its price difference with the speed ball trainer typically does not justify the quality gap.
Pros:
- Great for improving weak foot passing and control
- Perfect for fast-paced drills
- Good for non-beginners
Cons:
- Practicality.
- More expensive than the speed ball trainer
- Limited availability online
Brands
The most popular soccer kick trainer brands include PodiuMax, Primed, and SKLZ. These brands are exclusively specialized in producing training equipment for multiple sports and have seen a great rise in popularity in recent years.
PodiuMax
PodiuMax is one of the leading brands in sports training equipment. The great quality/price ratio, coupled with the resistance of their materials and countless positive reviews, make PodiuMax the optimal choice for gear such as speed ball trainers and rebounders. Thus, PodiuMax products are highly advised for beginners and more advanced players alike.
Primed
Primed is the only of the three brands not to have its own online shopping platform. However, Primed items can be found at almost any local sporting goods store, which gives customers the opportunity to check out these soccer kick trainers in person before purchasing them. Its leading product is the target sheet, which is considerably more affordable than other brands. However, this product only fits small goals making it unappealing to older soccer players.
SKLZ
SKLZ products are heavily advertised by soccer freestylers and are even used by professional teams as well. This makes SKLZ the leader in the soccer kick trainers sector, despite having the highest prices among the main brands. Their kick return belt, priced at $15, is a necessity for beginners, while the Target Sheet is perfect for shooting challenges with your friends.
FAQ
How much do soccer kick trainers cost?
Prices for soccer kick trainers vary from $15 to $300. Different prices match different skill requirements, with the kick return belt being the least expensive and the target sheet being the most expensive item. Rebounders are listed at $80, while you can usually secure a speed ball trainer for $40 and a tripod kick trainer for $120. Soccer kick trainers are definitely worth the investment, as most of them allow you to work on your craft no matter where you are.
What are the easiest soccer kick trainers for beginners to use?
The easiest soccer kick trainers to use are the ones where the ball is attached to a neoprene glove. These include kick return belts and speed ball trainers. Both are great items for beginners to develop a softer touch on the ball using both feet. Furthermore, these products can be used both indoors and outdoors, allowing players to practice even when they’re not on a soccer field. Continuously practicing the same drill with these soccer kick trainers will make beginners learn the fundamentals in no time.
What skills can soccer kick trainers help improve?
Practicing with soccer kick trainers is a great way to become a better player through mastering the fundamentals while also having fun. The ability to easily carry around the equipment allows you to constantly work on your technique, even away from a soccer field. The goal is to develop impeccable touch and ball control through high repetitions of the same drill. This should translate into better passing, vision, balance and shooting in-game. Thus, using soccer kick trainers will make you a far better player on the field.