Fun soccer drills for you to practice. A great way to start a training session as part of your warm up or if you don’t have full team games then you can do these at the end of a session.
These fun drills will also be great for summer camps when enjoyment is the main focus. Plus, sometimes there are players with mixed abilities, so that’s when fun drills are a perfect choice.
Fun Soccer Drills and Games (All Ages)
Hungry Hippos: Soccer Drill
- Age Range: 4-6
- Length of Session: 10 mins
- Number of Players: up to 20
- Skills to Learn: dribbling at speed, keeping head up
- Equipment: a lot of soccer balls, pinnies, and small goals are optional
- Description: Two teams compete to see who can bring the most balls back to their area.
Drill Set-up:
- Split the kids into two even teams.
- Give each team pinnies to distinguish.
- Create a large rectangle with a small zone on each end.
- Place all of the balls in the center of the space.
Drill Instructions:
- Place each team at either end of the rectangle.
- Each team can send one player at a time to go retrieve a ball and dribble it back.
- Optional: add a mini goal. The player must shoot the ball into the small goal to earn it for their team.
- If a player goes out of bounds, they must put the ball back in the middle and go back to their team for a new player to go.
- Perform as a race until all the balls are gone.
Musical Balls: Soccer Drill
- Age Range: 4-6
- Length of Session: 10 mins
- Number of Players: any
- Skills to Learn: awareness, speed, coordination
- Equipment: balls and cones
- Description: The number of balls decreases by one each round
Drill Set-up:
- Create a large square based on the number of players you have.
- Give each player a ball.
- Optional: set up a small side activity for kids to do once they are out of musical balls.
Drill Instructions:
- Give each player a ball at first.
- Instruct players to dribble around the area using different techniques.
- When you stop playing music or blow your whistle, each kid must leave their ball and find a new one.
- Take away one ball.
- Repeat the steps, this time one player won’t have a ball in the end.
- The player without a ball must perform a simple action, like 5 jumping jacks, or they are out.
- You can repeat the activity this way or take away one more ball each time the same way you would with musical chairs.
Knock Out: Soccer Drill
- Age Range: 7-10
- Length of Session: 10-15 mins
- Number of Players: 10-12
- Skills to Learn: dribbling, keeping head up, defending, decision making
- Equipment: cones and a ball for each player
Description: Players all dribble around the space while trying to knock out the others’ balls. See who the last one standing is.
Drill Set-up:
- Create a large circle with cones.
- Give each player a ball inside the circle.
- Make multiple games if you have a large team.
Drill Instructions:
- Each player needs a ball inside the circle.
- Players must dribble around while trying to kick other players’ balls out of the circle.
- If your ball gets kicked out, you must do some small action to get back in (2 jiggles, 10 toe taps, etc).
- When the knock-out round begins, there’s no re-entry. Players who are knocked out should work on a skill you provide while watching.
- As the number of players decreases, use the players who are out to block areas of the circle to shrink the space.
- To increase difficulty, shrink the size of the circle or add specific dribbling challenges within the game.
4 Goal, 3 V 3: Soccer Drill
Drill Outline
- Drill Name: 4 Goal, 3 V 3
- Session Length: 10 to 15 minutes
- Age Group: 12+
- Number of players: 6 to 18
- Skills learned: Range of passing, movement, first touch, and interceptions
- Equipment: 4 goals, 1 ball
Drill Setup
- Use a quarter of the training field for this drill.
- Set up 2 small goals on one end of the field and 2 small goals on the other.
- Position the goals next to the sidelines.
- The goals should be approximately 5 yards wide.
- Divide the team into groups of 3.
Drill Instructions
- This drill is essentially a 3 v 3 game but each team can score 2 different goals.
- The focus of the drill is on different ranges of passing, teamwork, movement, and positioning.
- When in possession, a player has a maximum of 3 touches (including a pass).
- The defending team may not tackle. They can intercept or block passes to gain possession.
- As the goals are small, players are encouraged to get as close to the goal as possible before shooting.
- The first team to score 3 goals wins.
- The winning team stays on to compete against the next group.
Drill Variations
- Limit the number of touches to 2 or 1. If the players struggle, increase the number of permitted touches until they start to improve.
- Increase the number of players per team.
- Allow tackling.
- Introduce a minimum number of passes before a team is allowed to score.
Pass, Layoff, and Shoot: Soccer Drill
Drill Outline
- Drill Name: Pass, layoff, and shoot
- Session Length: 5 minutes
- Age Group: All age groups
- Number of players: 2 to 18
- Skills learned: Passing, layoffs, first-time shooting
- Equipment: 2 cones, 1 ball (minimum), 1 goal
Drill Setup
- Use the penalty box for this drill.
- Set up a full-size goal. Even if there is no goalkeeper, it’s important to practice shooting in a regulation goal.
- Place 1 cone on the edge of the penalty box near the middle.
- Place 1 cone 5 yards outside of the penalty box toward center field.
- P2 stands next to the cone at the edge of the box. P2 is the passer.
- The rest of the team line up behind P1 at the cone outside the penalty box.
- P1 starts with the ball.
Drill Instructions
- P1 starts the drill by passing the ball to P2.
- P1 then sprints toward the box and calls for a return pass.
- P2 plays a first-time layoff pass in front of P1.
- P1 takes a touch to control the ball, before shooting on goal.
- This is also a useful drill for goalkeepers.
- The next player in the attacking line continues the drill after the first shot is taken.
- Rotate the passer occasionally.
Drill Variations
- Change the starting position to practice different shooting angles.
- Adjust the shooting distance.
- Focus on first-time shooting only.
- Instruct the passer to chip the ball slightly, forcing the shooter to take a half volley.
Fun Heading Warmup Drill: Soccer Drill
Drill Outline
- Drill Name: Fun Heading Warmup Drill
- Session Length: 5 minutes
- Age Group: All age groups (according to health recommendations in your area)
- Number of players: 6 to 18
- Skills learned: Standing and jumping headers, agility, blocking
- Equipment: 2 balls (minimum), 4 cones, 2 agility poles
Drill Setup
- Create a narrow gate by placing 2 cones 3 yards apart.
- Create an identical narrow gate 10 yards parallel from the first.
- Create a 5-yard gate using 2 agility poles halfway between the narrow gates.
- P1 starts between the agility poles.
- Divide the rest of the team into 2 even groups.
- 1 group lines up behind gate 1, and the other group lines up behind gate 2.
- The coach stands outside the playing grid next to the agility polls with multiple balls.
Drill Instructions
- P2 starts the drill by running toward the agility cones while calling for a pass from the coach.
- The coach throws the ball toward P2.
- P2 heads the ball, attempting to score between the agility poles.
- P1 tries to block the header without using their hands.
- P2 then takes P1’s position between the poles and the drill is repeated from the opposite side.
- This is a fun, fast-paced drill so encourage the players to enjoy themselves while working hard.
Drill Variations
- Create a last-player standing tournament. If a player doesn’t score their header, they are out of the game. The drill continues until there is only 1 player returning.
- Adjust the distance between the poles to make it easier or harder to score.
- Divide the team into pairs and repeat the drill.
Crossbar Challenge: Soccer Drill
Drill Outline
- Drill Name: Crossbar challenge
- Session Length: 10 minutes
- Age Group: all ages
- Number of players: 2 to 18
- Skills learned: Long-range passing, shooting
- Equipment: 1 goal, multiple balls
Drill Setup
- Use half the training field for this drill.
- Set up a full-size goal in the normal position on the end line.
- All players line up on the halfway line with a ball each (if possible).
- Assign all players 3 lives each.
- Each player will take their turn one at a time.
Drill Instructions
- P1 places the ball somewhere along the halfway line.
- On the coach’s signal, P1 strikes the ball, attempting to hit the crossbar.
- If they hit the crossbar, they are through to the next round. If they miss, they lose a life.
- P1 collects their ball, rejoins the line, and waits for their next turn.
- The next player takes their turn, attempting to hit the crossbar and the process is repeated.
- Players continue taking attempts at the crossbar until there is one player remaining.
- If no player hits the crossbar, shorten the distance and repeat the drill.
Drill Variations
- For younger players, scale the drill and shorten the distance between the kicker and the goal. Consider using the edge of the penalty box as the starting point.
- Allow players to volley or kick the ball out of their hands, like a goalkeeper.
Team Keepy Uppie: Soccer Drill
Drill Outline
- Drill Name: Team Keepy Uppies
- Session Length: 10 minutes
- Age Group: all ages
- Number of players: 6 to 18
- Skills learned: Heading, ball control, first touch
- Equipment: 2 balls, 1 ball net
Drill Setup
- There are 2 variations to this drill.
- Both variations require minimal space and equipment.
Drill Instructions
- Round 1: Divide players into 2 even groups. Both groups line up across from each other, with each player approximately 2 yards apart.
- All players work together for this round.
- P1 starts by heading the ball to P2. Each player heads the ball to the player opposite them, gradually moving the ball to the end of the line.
- The final player heads the ball into the ball net.
- If the ball hits the ground, the drill must be restarted.
- Round 2: Divide the team into even groups. Each group has 1 ball.
- On the coach’s signal, the groups start playing keepy-uppies, preventing the ball from hitting the ground.
- Each player is allowed 3 touches before passing to a teammate.
- The team that keeps the ball in the air the longest wins.
Drill Variations
- Limit the number of touches before players have to pass. For elite-level players, consider playing a 1-touch round.
- Play a round with headers only.
Soccer Tennis: Soccer Drill
Drill Outline
- Drill Name: Soccer Tennis
- Session Length: 15 to 20 minutes
- Age Group: all ages
- Number of players: 2 to 16
- Skills learned: Heading, ball control, first touch
- Equipment: 1 ball, 1 net, 4 cones per match
Drill Setup
- Soccer tennis can be played 1 v 1, 2 v 2, or 3 v 3.
- Each court is 15 yards long and 10 yards wide. The net is 1 to 1.5 yards high.
- Depending on the number of players, you can set up multiple courts.
- Decide on the type of match-ups to run and divide the players into teams if necessary.
Drill Instructions
- A match starts with a serve from behind the baseline, outside of the court. Players serve by kicking, heading, or striking the ball with any body part other than the arms or hands.
- For a serve to be legal, the ball must pass over the net and touch the opponent’s half of the court or an opposition player.
- Like tennis, the objective is to score points by bouncing an unreturnable shot into your opponent’s half.
- The team that scores always takes the next serve.
- The ball may skim the net on the way over.
- If a player touches the net, a point is awarded to the other team.
- Each team has a maximum of 5 touches to return the pass. Each player can take a maximum of 2 consecutive touches.
- The ball can bounce once per play.
- A set is won when a team reaches 11 points. However, a team must win by 2 clear points.
- If a team reaches 15 points, they win the set, regardless of the points difference.
Drill Variations
- Create a tournament. Consider doing 1 v 1, 2 v 2, and 3 v 3 tournaments.
- Reduce the number of touches per team.
- Limit individual touches to 1.
- Shorten the court and play head tennis only.
- Play the best of 3 sets to determine the winner.
- Create a rule where all players on a team must touch the ball before it can be returned.
Passing Rondo: Soccer Drill
Drill Outline
- Drill Name: Passing rondo
- Session Length: 5 minutes
- Age Group: all ages
- Number of players: 6 to 18
- Skills learned: Quick passing, first touch, quick feet, interceptions
- Equipment: 1 ball (per group)
Drill Setup
- This drill requires just 1 ball.
- Divide the team into groups of 6.
- Assign 1 player per group to begin as the defender.
- The other players form a circle approximately 3 to 5 yards wide around the defender.
- P1 begins the drill with the ball at their feet.
- If you have more than 6 but less than 12 players, scale the drill to accommodate the number of players you have.
Drill Instructions
- P1 starts the drill by passing the ball to a teammate.
- The attacking players then try to keep possession through quick passing.
- Instruct attacking players to hold their general positions to maintain the circle size.
- D1 attempts to intercept the passes and gain possession. D1 can also press and tackle.
- When D1 wins the ball, the attacking payer responsible for losing possession switches with D1.
- If an attacking player plays a bad pass that strays outside the circle, they must switch with D1.
- The process is repeated for several minutes.
Drill Variations
- Expand the circle size and use 2 defenders.
- Limit the number of touches attacking players can take.
- Set pass completion targets and instruct players to count consecutive passes.
1 v 1 Dual Goal Drill: Soccer Drill
Drill Outline
- Drill Name: 1 v 1 Dual Goal Drill
- Session Length: 5 to 10 minutes
- Age Group: All age groups
- Number of players: 2
- Skills learned: Dribbling, defensive positioning, tackling, finishing
- Equipment: 4 cones, 1 ball, 2 mini goals
Drill Setup
- Create a 5 to 10-yard square playing grid using cones.
- Place 2 mini goals at the corners of one side of the grid.
- P1 begins with the ball at their feet in between the goals.
- P2 begins at the opposite end of the grid.
Drill Instructions
- P1 starts the drill by passing the ball to P2.
- When they receive the ball, P2 attempts to score in either goal.
- P1 should quickly close the distance to give themselves the best chance at preventing a goal.
- P1 can tackle, block or jockey P2 to stop them from scoring.
- After every round, the players switch roles, changing who starts with the ball.
- The first player to score 10 goals wins.
Drill Variations
- Increase the winning goal tally to improve player fitness.
- Set a time limit for the attacking player to score.
- If the defensive players are struggling to stop the attackers, consider shortening the distance between the goals.
2 v 2 Mini-Games: Soccer Drill
Drill Outline
- Drill Name: 2 v 2 Mini-Games
- Session Length: 10 minutes
- Age Group: All age groups
- Number of players: 4 (minimum)
- Skills learned: Passing, dribbling, finishing, tackling, communication
- Equipment: 6 cones, 1 ball, 2 mini goals
Drill Setup
- Create a small playing field, 20 yards long and 10 yards wide, using 6 cones.
- Set up 2 mini goals and place one on either end of the field.
- Divide the team into pairs.
- 2 pairs compete at a time, with each pair beginning the drill at opposite ends of the grid.
- P1 and P2 begin with the ball.
Drill Instructions
- On the coach’s signal, the game is live.
- P1 and P2 can pass, dribble, or shoot to try and score against P3 and P4.
- P3 and P4 can tackle, block, and intercept, in an attempt to win possession.
- The first team to score 3 goals wins.
- If the ball goes over the sideline, there are no throw-ins. The player must play a ground pass instead.
- There are no offsides.
- If there are multiple pairs, rotate the teams after every round.
Drill Variations
- Set a scoring time limit for the team in possession
- Play 2-touch or 3-touch rounds to work on quick passing and movement.
- Mark a small area next to each goal. Players can only score from inside this zone.
- If you have enough teams, consider running a tournament among them.
4 v 4 Penalty box Drill: Soccer Drill
Drill Outline
- Drill Name: 4 v 4 Penalty box Drill
- Session Length: 10 to 15 minutes
- Age Group: 12+
- Number of players: 8 (minimum), 1 goalkeeper (optional)
- Skills learned: Short passing, playing in tight spaces, teamwork, finishing
- Equipment: 4 cones, multiple balls, 4 mini goals, 1 goal
Drill Setup
- The penalty box is a perfect space to run this drill.
- This is a 4 v 4 drill but works even better with an additional goalkeeper.
- This drill is played predominantly across the penalty box.
- Set up 4 mini goals, placing 2 on each side of the penalty box.
- If you have a goalkeeper, set up 1 regular goal on the end line. If not, use another mini goal for the end line.
- Divide the team into groups of 4.
- 2 groups compete against each other at a time.
- The coach begins with the ball.
Drill Instructions
- The coach starts the drill by kicking the ball onto the field. They can choose to play the ball into space, between 2 players, or in the air.
- The P team attempts to score in G1 and G2. The D team attempts to score in G3 and G4.
- Once a team scores in a particular goal, it becomes inactive and they must now try to score in the other one.
- When a team scores in both of the mini goals, they must then score in the end-line goal to win the game.
- When the ball goes out of play or the team scores, the coach restarts the game by kicking another ball onto the field.
- Mix up teams after each game.
- If you have enough players, create multiple teams and rotate them between games.
Drill Variations
- Limit individual touches to 2 per possession.
- Create a tournament if you have enough players.
- Increase the number of goals each team has to score to win.
- Create a rule where each time a team scores, the scorer must leave the game. This creates mismatches, increasing the emphasis on positioning and teamwork.
Joel is a seasoned soccer journalist and analyst with many years of experience in the field. Joel specializes in game analysis, player profiles, transfer news, and has a keen eye for the tactical nuances of the game. He played at various levels in the game and coached teams - he is happy to share his insight with you.
