Soccer Drills
Catch Me if You Can
Setup
Create a 10 X 10-yard grid.
Start a player on two diagonal corners of the grid.
Each of the two players has a ball.
Instructions
When the coach yells "GO", the players must dribble around the outside of the grid in an attempt to catch their partner.
When the coach yells "STOP", the players must stop the ball.
When the coach yells "TURN", the players must switch the direction around the grid.
Variations
Coaching Points
Close Control
Speed with the ball
Keep the ball close
Sharp touches
Equipment Required
1v1 Dribbling Drill
Setup
Create a 10X10 grid with a cone placed 10 yards from the grid from each side.
Split the team evenly into 2 groups with alternate jerseys (red/yellow).
Line up each team on two of the cones on opposite sides of the grid facing the middle square.
Place one defender inside the middle grid. In our soccer drill diagram, the red player starts as defender, and the yellow team is the attacking team.
Instructions
The attacking team dribbles at the defender and attempts to dribble through the other side of the grid by beating the middle defender.
If the player successfully makes it through the grid and out the other side by dribbling, he then plays to the first player in the line he is facing.
This next player again takes on the defender in the middle.
If the defender wins the ball, or the ball is knocked out the sides of the grid, the player losing the ball becomes the defender.
The player who won the ball or forces the player out of bounds passes the ball to a teammate in line who now attacks the new defender in the middle in attempt to get through to the other side and pass to the next player in line.
The pace of this drill must be very fast and encourage players to take advantage of an off balanced defender.
The defender will have to transition quickly in order to get out of the middle.
Coaching Points
When defending 1v1’s in soccer it is very important to focus on the following key elements:
Staggered stance with toes at a 45 degree angle.
Bent knees with weight on the balls of the feet.
Chest leaning over the toes.
Low center of gravity for greater explosion/quick change of direction (upright takes longer to start).
Ability to shuffle quickly.
Pay attention to the distance of pressure (depends on speed of attacker vs. the speed of the defender) usually 1-3 yards
Remember that the player closest to the attacker should be the player pressuring the ball. Players should sprint to close down space as quickly as they can, then when they get 5 yards from the attacker they should slow down and take steps backwards to match the pace of the attacker. During this time, the defender should slowly close down the space between the attacker and defender. Often proper pressure will cause the attacker to lose the ball.
The Numbers Game - 1v1 Competition
Setup
Create a small 1v1 field approximately 15X20 with two small goals on each end line.
Split the group into two even teams and assign a number to each player in each team. For instance, if you have 5 players in each team, number off 1-5 in each team.
One group wears an alternate jersey.
Instructions
The coach plays a ball into the area and calls out a number.
Those players assigned to that number sprint onto the field and play a 1v1.
The game continues until a team scores a goal or the ball goes out of bounds.
Variations
Coaching Points
Encourage players to take on their opponent.
Encourage players to shoot when they have a chance of a goal.
Instruct the players to protect the ball when necessary.
Equipment Required
Disc Cones
Scrimmage Pennies/Vests
Soccer Practice or Training Balls
Training Sticks or Agility Poles
Pugg Goal or Mini Soccer Goal
Bermuda Triangle
Setup
N/A
Instructions
3 Offensive Players arrange themselves in a triangle 5 yrds from eachother with 1 Defensive Player in the middle (The Bermuda Triangle).
The Offensive Players try to keep the ball from being caught in the Bermuda Triangle
Variations
Coaching Points
Equipment Required
World Cup
Setup
Inside the penalty box, set up 4 groups of 3 players in alternate jersys with a goalkeeper in a full size goal. The coach should have the full supply of soccer balls nearby.
Instructions
The coach should serve a ball into the grid. Each team plays at the same time against the other teams. The team to score sits out for the remainder of that round and advances to the next round. The last team to score in each round is out of the tournament.
Round 1:
3v9
3v6
3v3
last team to score is out.
Round 2:
3v6
3v3
last team to score is out.
Round 3:
3v3
team to score first 2 goals wins the world cup.
Coaching Points
good team work
quick passes
take shots/chances
have fun
Traffic Jam
Setup
Create a grid approximately 30X30 yards.
Randomly place tall cones and training sticks (flags will work as well) in the middle of the grid.
Split the group into four even teams.
Each team starts on the corners of the grid with one ball per group.
Instructions
On the coach’s command, the first player from each line will race through the “Traffic Jam” (training sticks and cones) in attempt to not hit a stick, cone, or another player.
Once the player makes it through the traffic jam, instruct them to dribble with speed to the line they are facing and pass the ball to the first player in line.
That player should immediately head towards the traffic jam with speed in an attempt to get through the traffic jam first.
At first, don’t keep score, merely let the players enjoy the close calls before playing the game.
After 8-10 minutes, combine the two teams that are facing each other into one team.
Next, have the players race through the traffic jam to the cone on the opposite side of the grid, around that cone and back through the traffic jam.
As each player finishes the race, they must sit down to signify to the group that they have completed the race.
The team that has all the players sitting down first wins the game.
Variations
Coaching Points
Since all 4 players should be entering the center area at the same time make sure players are looking ahead of them with their head up.
Remind players to keep the ball close when entering the traffic area.
Equipment Required
Scissor Move Drill
Practice the looping fake around the ball with both feet to increase your speed. Set the ball in front of you, get up on the balls of your feet, and practice alternating loops around the front of the ball. Simply keep doing the scissor part of the move without pushing the ball away. Focus on speed and precision, getting your feet quickly around the ball and landing on your toes each time.
As you get better, add the final touch as well. Scissor, then touch to the left with the outside of the foot like a normal move. Then use the inside of your left foot to gently touch the ball towards your right side. From here, perform a left-sided scissors, alternating back and forth
Get your head and shoulders involved for a more dramatic fake. A good player sells the move with their entire body, not just their feet. A good way to do this is with your upper body. If you're faking right, turn your head and your eyes to the right as well, drawing the defender more to this side of the body. As you perform the scissors to the right, dip your shoulders to follow your feet to the right, making the jump to the left even more devastating.
Your hips will dictate which way you go. Keep them facing the defender to stay light and agile.
As a defender, watch a player's hips when they perform a move. This helps avoid falling for head fakes.
Dribbling Scissor Move Drill
Setup
3 cones should be set up in a line in 5 yard intervals.
Players should be divided at the 1st and 3rd cones facing eachother.
Instructions
On the coach’s command, the player will take the ball to the first cone and perform a scissor move past the cone
Once past the cone, the player will pass the ball to the player at the next cone.
The player receiving the ball returns in the same direction completing the drill and passing to the next player.
How to complete a Scissor Move:
Understand the total move before diving into the parts. A good scissors is simple and fluid, and it is much easier to understand the smaller steps once you know the total goal. For a right-footed fake, you bring your right foot around the ball, faking a touch with the outside of your foot to the right. Instead of touching, however, you loop around the front of the ball, land on your right foot, then use the outside of your left foot to go to the left of the defender.
Start with the ball a foot or so in front of you, slightly to your right. If this is the first time performing the move, practice without the ball moving or at a very slow jog. If jogging, take a light touch so that the ball is rolling forward as you approach it. You want to keep the ball close to you throughout the move.[1]
Stay up on the balls of your feet throughout. You never want to come down completely on your feet with a heavy landing. You need to be able to spring in either direction in an instant.
Lower your butt slightly into an athletic crouch. Your knees are bent and you're leaning forward slightly at the waist. You want an even, relaxed, and quick posture
Bring your right foot around the front of the ball, clockwise. Leave your toe pointing down so there is a smaller area needed to get around the ball. This also prevents a defender from poking the ball out. If you're using your left foot, go counter-clockwise.
Spring off your left foot as you're landing, transferring weight to the right foot. As you come around the ball, shift your weight towards the right. This both fakes out the defender and allows you to land on the right foot, which you push off of to go left.
Land your right foot 1-2 feet to the right of the ball. You need room to get your left foot around the ball and touch it away from your defender. Make sure you're landing on the balls of your feet, not your heels, so you can spring up quickly.
Use the outside of your left foot to push the ball to the left, around your defender. This touch should be diagonally forward and to the left. As you perfect it, try to cut down the time needed to land and spring off your right foot -- the faster the better.
Change speed after your touch to blow by the defender. A change of speed is essential to pull off any move, and the scissors is no different. Use your left-footed touch to burst into a quick sprint, blowing by your defender before they realize the fake.
Variations
Coaching Points.
Equipment Required
3v1 Attacking the Goal, Soccer Finishing Drill
Setup
Designate 2-3 defenders in red to rotate 1 at a time every 2-3 attacks.
Players create 3 lines (left, center, right) about 20-25 yards from the goal.
Place a keeper in the goal. Or use a small popup goal
The ball should start with the center player.
Instructions
The center player starts with the ball and 1 player from each group attacks the defender (playing 3v1).
The attackers put together quick and accurate passes to off balance the defender and keeper in an attempt to score.
Rotate defenders after 2-3 attacks.
Variations
Coaching Points
Make sure passes are quick and to feet
Find back-side players to off-balance the defenders
Be patient, and if the attackers get in trouble, they should knock it back to the center player to swing the play in the other direction
Play QUICK. If the play is too slow, the ball is considered dead, and the next group begins.
Outside attackers should attempt to draw the defender and keeper into them, and slide the ball backside to the open player.
Equipment Required
Soccer Shooting Agility Drill
Setup
Use 10-12 cones to create a channel ending near the penalty area.
At the top of the channel, use 4-5 cones to create a line angled towards the corner flag.
The coach stands at the end of the channel, nearest the goal, a couple yards inside the penalty area.
The shooting players start 4-5 yards at the top of the channel with a ball.
Instructions
The first player in line (shooter) passes through the channel to the coach (or target player).
The shooter makes a check-run down the channel towards the coach.
The coach returns the pass to the advancing attacker inside the channel.
The shooter once again returns the ball to the coach quickly backpedals towards the end of the tunnel in which he began.
The coach lays a ball off to either side.
The advancing shooter must quickly react to the direction of the pass, sprint around the end of the cones and take a shot on stride.
How to Shoot a Soccer Ball with Power
Learn how to kick a soccer ball in this soccer training video.
This soccer tutorial teaches you how to shoot for power using proper shooting technique.
Basic Key Points:
1. Ankle Locked, toe down, use laces (you don't hit a baseball with a loose bat)
2. Plant foot pointed at target
3. Land on Kicking Foot (you do this to help generate power and help keep the ball low)
Equipment Needed: Ball and Fence or goal if you have one. If you have extra balls then use them.
Exercise Player Can Do:
Set ball up about 10 yards in front of the goal, then shoot for technique. Repeat until you feel comfortable. We are working on technique so don't rush this.
Advanced Key Points:
1. Generate power from thigh, not calf
2. Shoulders face target (don't rotate them)
3. Keep head down (some of the best goals you will score you barely see them go in)
Exercise Player Can Do:
Break down the technique. Stand a step behind an imaginary ball. Step towards it like you are going to shoot, pause your technique showing thigh back, chest over the ball head down, then bring leg to imaginary ball in shooting motion, pause showing ankle locked toe down, then swing through and land on kicking foot ending up a foot or so ahead of where you struck the imaginary ball. Do this a few times until you feel comfortable with your technique, then repeat the earlier shooting exercise mentioned.
If you are a coach watching this, this point is where you can jump in like a chiropractor and adjust the players body into proper shooting technique.
What Player Could Be Doing Wrong:
If you fee like you are not getting enough power it's mainly because you are not getting your thigh back and your knee down is just moving. Make sure you get your thigh back.
Also don't stutter step to the ball. Run up smooth and then that last step to the ball should be a little bit bigger allowing your legs to open up, getting your thigh back and now you have the space you need to generate leg speed.
If your shots are constantly going over the goal this could be two things. One you are leaning back when you shoot, don't lean back. The second is if the ball is going over the goal and it is has back spin that means you are flicking your foot. So you hit with your laces, then flick your ankle up which causes the ball to go up. Keep your ankle locked toe down all the way through your follow through until you land on your kicking foot. This will help keep the ball down.
Shooting with Accuracy
Visualize where you are going to shoot the ball. Before taking your shot, look at the goal and the goalkeeper’s position within the goal. Choose to aim your shot at the most exposed part of the net.
Learn to position your supporting leg. You may have a powerful soccer shot, but without the proper support and position of your standing leg, your shots will be wild and inaccurate. Where you place your foot and how much bend you keep in your supporting leg not only affects the accuracy of the shot, but also how high the ball will travel toward the goal. To keep the ball low and ensure accuracy, place your supporting foot directly in line next to the ball, with your toe pointing straight ahead. This will keep the ball’s trajectory from veering off course. If you choose to shoot right or left, position the supporting foot’s toe to point in that direction. If you want the ball to travel higher through the air, place the supporting foot a little farther back than on level with the ball.
Position your upper body correctly. Your shoulders and arms, when positioned properly, help with the accuracy of your soccer shot. When shooting the ball low, you want to lean your upper body slightly over the ball, slightly swinging your arms out for balance as you shift your kicking leg down and forward toward the ball. For higher shots, when placing your supporting leg a little behind the ball, lean your upper body back slightly, keeping the same swivel motion in your arms and hips.
Keep your eyes on the ball. Do not look up or ahead at the goal when shooting. The only time your eyes should be off the ball when taking your shot is right before, when finding your target. Keeping your eye on the ball helps place your kicking foot accurately.
Take your shot. Once you have mastered the positioning of your supporting leg and upper body, swing your shooting leg down and forward, striking through the middle or top half of the ball. Let your leg follow through completely without hesitation to avoid wild shots. You can control the type of shot you take by using different parts of the foot. To get the most powerful and accurate shot, use the inside, or instep, of your foot. If you are shooting the ball off a volley, the top of the foot is normally used.