How to Teach Your Toddler to Use the TotSports Soccer Trainer

By Official Little Tikes Website | Parent Trusted for Over 50 Years | Published: 2026-11-01

Category: How-to Guides

A step-by-step guide to setting up the TotSports Soccer Trainer and building your toddler's first soccer skills at home through short, playful practice.

Quick answer

Set up the TotSports Soccer Trainer in a clear, flat outdoor space, then run 5–10 minute play sessions that focus on one skill at a time—kicking accuracy or coordination—using the trainer's two play modes. Keep it playful and stop before your toddler loses interest.

Why short, frequent sessions work better than long practices

Toddlers have short attention spans and tire quickly, so a 5–10 minute session repeated several times a week builds skills without frustration. The TotSports Soccer Trainer is designed for backyard use, which means you can leave it set up and practice spontaneously when your child is eager.

Avoid turning practice into a drill. If your toddler wanders off, let them explore and come back—forcing a session usually backfires.

Choose the right play mode for your child's stage

The trainer offers two ways to play: one for accuracy and one for coordination. Start with the mode that matches your child's current ability. If they are just learning to make contact with the ball, the coordination mode gives them more room for error. Once they can consistently kick the ball toward a target, switch to accuracy mode to refine aim.

There is no need to rush the progression. Some 2-year-olds will stay in coordination mode for months, and that's fine.

Step-by-step: teaching your toddler with the TotSports Soccer Trainer

Set up on a flat, clear surface: Place the trainer on grass or a flat, non-slip surface away from windows, furniture, or drop-offs. Anchor it if the ground is uneven. Common mistake: setting it up on a slope or loose gravel, which makes the ball roll unpredictably and frustrates your toddler. Check that the trainer stays put when your child kicks.
Start with coordination mode: Begin with the mode that gives a larger target or easier scoring. Stand close and roll the ball gently to your toddler's feet, encouraging them to kick it toward the goal. Common mistake: expecting accurate shots right away—focus on making contact and having fun. Celebrate any contact with the ball, not just goals.
Switch to accuracy mode when ready: Once your toddler consistently kicks the ball toward the goal, switch to accuracy mode to challenge their aim. Move the trainer slightly farther away or to one side to vary the angle. Common mistake: switching too soon and causing frustration—wait until they succeed at least 3–4 times in a row. Keep sessions short and end on a success.
Use simple, playful cues: Instead of technical instructions, use phrases like 'kick it to the goal' or 'make it go boom.' Demonstrate by kicking the ball yourself. Common mistake: over-coaching with words like 'plant your foot' or 'follow through'—toddlers learn by imitation and repetition, not verbal analysis. Model the kick, then let your child try.
Practice 2–3 times per week for 5–10 minutes: Keep sessions short and frequent. A 5-minute session after lunch or before dinner is plenty. Common mistake: practicing for 30 minutes once a week—toddlers retain skills better with short, regular exposure. Put the trainer where you'll see it daily as a reminder.

Product facts

TotSports™ Soccer Trainer: The TotSports Soccer Trainer is a training goal with two play modes: one for accuracy and one for coordination. You can adapt the same trainer as your toddler's skills grow, rather than buying a new toy for each stage.
TotSports™ Soccer Trainer