Kids aren’t scared of the ball. Most of the time they just don’t know how to win it. When the ball pops into the air and two players sprint toward it, that uncertainty shows up fast. They slow down. They wait. They hope it drops nicely.
But winning a 50–50 comes down to knowing the steps. Once kids understand what to focus on, they stop hesitating and start attacking the moment with real confidence.
Owning the Space
The first battle isn’t for the ball. It’s for the spot where the ball is going to land.
When kids understand that, everything shifts. They get there earlier. They step in front. They feel in control because the opponent now has to go through them. And once a young player has that feeling once or twice, it sticks.
Keeping the Feet Moving
Lots of kids freeze right before contact. Their feet stop. Their body stiffens. Their timing disappears.
Tell them to keep taking little steps as the ball drops. Light feet. Quick adjustments. Staying balanced keeps them powerful and ready for last second changes in the ball or the opponent.
Using the Body the Right Way
Winning a 50–50 isn’t about smashing into someone. It’s about claiming space.
A slight shoulder turn helps. A lower center of gravity helps even more. Feet wide. Arms out for balance.
When they approach it this way, they’re not trying to knock someone over. They’re planting themselves in a strong position.
Attacking the Ball at the Right Time
Once the space is won and the stance feels solid, then they attack the ball. They jump upward, not forward. They keep their eyes open. They meet it at the right moment.
Kids can throw themselves into a challenge with all their heart, but if their timing is off, they’ll lose to a player with half the size and twice the technique. Teaching the timing is what unlocks their aggression in a controlled way.
Two Drills That Make It Click
These drills teach the instincts that matter.
The Landing Spot Race
Set up an 8 by 8 yard grid. Toss a ball high so it drops somewhere inside. Two players sprint to the landing spot, not the ball itself. The first one in gets low, sets their stance, and wins it as it drops. This helps them learn to read the ball early and commit with purpose.
Bounce Attack Drill
Serve a bouncing ball between two players. Their job is to attack the bounce on the rise instead of waiting for it to fall. The last two steps should be sharp and controlled. Add shoulder contact once they’re comfortable. This teaches timing and removes that last second hesitation.
Letting the Confidence Build
Once kids know exactly what they’re trying to win, they go in harder because they go in smarter. They stop guessing. They start choosing. And that’s when they begin winning those moments consistently.
If you want, I can turn this into a full training session with coaching cues you can use on the sideline.