High School Soccer Drills (14, 15, 16, 17, 18-Year-Olds)

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High school soccer drills for you and your team to excel. This collection of drills has a combination of skill sets for you to enjoy. Do two or three and then a final game with your team in training and everyone will be happy.

There are enough drills to mix up the sessions each week to keep it fresh and fun.

High School Soccer Drills (14, 15, 16, 17, 18-Year-Olds)

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.

Hungry Hippos Soccer Drill SoccerBlade.com

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.

1v1 Shooting: Soccer Drill

Age Range: 6-10
Length of Session:10 mins
Number of Players: 2+
Skills to Learn: dribbling, 1v1 attacking and defending, finishing
Equipment: balls, cones, a goal

Description: Both players face the goal and engage in a race to the ball and goal. Who can finish first? This fun game is a combination of 1v1 and shooting.

Drill Set-up:

Place a cone about 25 meters away from the goal.
Bring all of the balls to the cone.
If you do not have a goal available, create one with cones or use a mini goal.
Split players into two even teams.
Have each team line up on one side of the cone.

Drill Instructions:

Have the goalkeeper (s) head to the goal. They can switch off every few times.
Stand at the cone with the balls.
Pass the ball forward toward the goal.
The first player in each line should react to the pass and race to the ball.
The players should compete to see who can win the ball and finish first.
If the players are unable to finish right away and engage in a 1v1, keep the game at under 20 seconds.
Play the first team to 10 goals and then switch sides. Keep the entire activity around 10 minutes or less.
Have players start in different positions. At first, they can face forward. Then have them face sideways and backward, or start kneeling or in a push-up position. Different starting positions help them work on power and reaction time.

Defending The Goal: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Defending The Goal
Session Length: 3 to 5 minutes
Number of players: minimum 2, optimum 4 to 16
Skills learned: pressing, marking, 1 v 1 defending, tackling, and blocking
Equipment: 1 ball, 1 goal (can be a mini goal made with cones)

Drill Setup

If you have a goalkeeper, set up a full-size goal. If not, create a small goal using cones.
The penalty box is a perfect space to run this drill.
If your training ground doesn’t have goals or a lined field, place one cone 20 yards in front of the goal. Position another cone next to the goal on the end line.
Split the team into 2 groups, with one attacking and one defending
The attacking team lines up behind the cone in front of the goal. The defending team lines up behind the cone on the end line.

Drill Instructions

P1 plays a firm, accurate pass to P2.
P1 then sprints toward P2, closing them down like an in-game situation.
P2 must take at least 2 touches before shooting to give P1 enough time to defend in a controlled manner.
P1 should avoid diving into tackles, focusing on shot prevention first, followed by tackling, followed by shot-blocking.
Instruct defenders to stay on their toes at all times. They should defend with their bodies turned at an angle, guiding the attacker toward their weak side. This is called “side-on” defending.
While attackers should show intent, this drill is defense-focused.
The round finishes when P1 dispossesses P2 or when P2 shoots.
After the round, P1 joins the end of the attacking line and P2 joins the end of the defending line.
The next set of players start the second round and the drill continues.

Drill Variations

Adapt the drill to create 2 v 2 or 3 v 3 situations.
For advanced players, enforce minimum passing requirements before a shot can be taken.
Instead of the defenders and attackers rotating positions, create a competition between both sides to see which team concedes the least number of goals. Allow all players to complete 2 to 3 rounds before switching the attack and defense.

Dutch Style Passing: Soccer Drills

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Dutch Style Passing
Session Length: 5 to 10 minutes
Number of players: 8 to 16
Skills learned: Passing, receiving the ball on the move, first touch, and offensive positioning
Equipment: 4 to 8 cones, 2 balls, mini goal or full-size goal

Drill Setup

Create a 4 cone grid as shown in the graphic, with each cone positioned 10 yards apart.
Set up a small goal using cones. Alternatively, you can use a full-size goal and a goalkeeper.
Ensure the drill starts and finishes on the edge of the penalty box as the sequence is designed to simulate a midfield attacking move.
Split the team evenly into 4 groups and position each group behind the cones at the 4 corners of the grid.

Drill Instructions

P1 starts the drill by playing a low, firm pass to P2.
As soon as P1 passes the ball, they run toward P3 and call for the return pass.
P2 plays a quick, first-time (if possible) return pass to P1.
While on the move, P1 receives the return pass and plays a first-time (if possible) pass to P3.
P3 takes a touch to control the ball then plays a low, firm, pass to P4.
As soon as P3 passes the ball, they sprint toward the penalty box and call for the return pass.
P4 plays a threaded pass in front of P3.
P3 receives the pass on the move, dribbles into the box, and shoots on goal.
When the round finishes, P1 joins the P2 line, P2 joins the P3 line, and P3 joins the P4 line.

Drill Variations

Switch the drill to the opposite side of the training field.
Run the drill using one-touch passes only.

Box-to-box Midfielder Drill: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Box-to-box Midfielder Drill
Session Length: 5 to 10 minutes
Number of players: 8 to 16
Skills learned: Receiving the ball, turning with the ball, quick passing, dribbling, shooting
Equipment: 9 cones, at least 1 ball

Drill Setup

Use approximately half of the training field if possible.
Set up the drill as shown in the graphic.
Place 1 cone in the center of the field to indicate the starting point.
Use 2 cones to create a 3-yard gate, 5 yards from the center cone, toward the goal.
Place another cone 5 yards to the right at a right angle to the gate.
Using 4 cones positioned 1 yard apart, create a controlled dribbling route at the edge of the penalty box.
Place 1 more cone 5 yards to the right at a right angle to the final cone in the dribbling zone.
Set up a full-size goal if you have a goalkeeper. Or, create a mini goal using cones.

Drill Instructions

P1 starts the drill at the center of the field by playing a low, firm 5-yard pass to P2.
P2 checks their shoulder before receiving the pass.
As they receive the pass, P2 opens up their body and turns 180 degrees until they are facing the goal. The touch and turn must be controlled, taking place within the gate.
P2 plays a give-and-go pass to P3, continuing their run toward the goal.
After receiving the return pass, P3 accelerates toward the dribbling zone.
P2 dribbles through the cones, weaving from one side to the other, using multiple soft touches.
After passing through the dribble zones, P2 enters the penalty box and plays a give-and-go pass with P4.
P4 continues the run then shoots on goal.
When the round finishes, P1 joins the P2 line, P2 joins the P3 line, and P3 joins the P4 line.

Drill Variations

Switch drill to the opposite side.
Instruct the players to work on their weaker shooting feet.

Dribble, Turn, and Shoot: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Dribble, turn, and shoot
Session Length: 5 to 10 minutes
Number of players: 2 to 16
Skills learned: Dribbling, ball control, turning, skill moves, and finishing
Equipment: 5 cones (or agility poles), mannequin, 1 ball (minimum), and goal posts

Drill Setup

Set up the drill as shown in the graphic.
Place 1 cone near the center of the field.
Place 1 cone 10 yards parallel to the first, toward the sideline.
Place 2 more cones 10 yards from the first 2 just outside the penalty box.
Place a mannequin on the edge of the penalty box, in the center of the goal. If you don’t have a mannequin, a cone will suffice.
Set up full-size goalposts.

Drill Instructions

The team lines up at the center field behind the cone. 1 player (P2) stands at the cone on the right side of the penalty box.
P1 starts the drill by dribbling at, then around the parallel cone toward the sideline.
After rounding the cone, P1 passes the ball to P2 and then takes its original position.
P2 dribbles at, then around the cone near the edge of the penalty box.
After rounding the cone, P2 dribbles at the mannequin and uses a skill move (e.g. step over) to go around it.
P2 has a 1 v 1 with the goalkeeper.

Drill Variations

Switch to the opposite side of the field.
Focus on the left and right-footed shooting.
If there is no goalkeeper, use small goals to improve finishing accuracy.

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.

Split the Defense Finishing: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Split the defense finishing
Session Length: 5 to 10 minutes
Age Group: 10+
Number of players: 3 to 18
Skills learned: Movement, positioning, first touch, finishing
Equipment: 1 mannequin (alternatively 1 cone or agility pole), 3 cone, 1 goal, 1 balls (minimum)

Drill Setup

Use the penalty box for this drill.
Set up a full-size goal, even if there is no goalkeeper.
Place a mannequin, cone, or agility pole centrally on the edge of the penalty box.
Place 1 cone 5 yards outside the penalty box.
Create a 5-yard passing gate to the right of the mannequin using 2 cones.
P1 stands next to the mannequin.
P2 and the rest of the players line up behind the cone outside the box.
P2 starts with the ball.

Drill Instructions

P1 starts the drill by moving around the mannequin as if it were a defender.
P1 then sprints in front of the mannequin to receive a pass.
P2 plays a quick one-two return pass to P1.
After playing the return pass, P1 backs away toward the 2 cone grid while still facing P2.
This movement simulates splitting 2 defenders in the back line.
P2 plays a pass to P1’s feet.
P1 takes a touch into the penalty box for a 1 v 1 with the goalkeeper.
P1 joins the end of the passing line.
P2 takes P1’s position.
Repeat the drill.

Drill Variations

Switch the drill to the opposite side to practice different shooting angles.
Create a competition where each attacker has 2 lives. All players can miss 2 shots. On the third miss, they are eliminated. The last player remaining is the winner.

Standing and Jumping Headers: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Standing and Jumping Headers
Session Length: 5 minutes
Age Group: All age groups (according to health recommendations in your area)
Number of players: 3 to 18
Skills learned: Standing and jumping headers
Equipment: 1 ball (minimum), 6 cones

Drill Setup

Build 3 parallel gates, 5 yards apart using cones. This creates the heading channel.
P1 stands on one end of the channel.
The rest of the team lines up behind P1.
P2 stands on the other end of the channel.
Place multiple balls next to P2.
P2 starts the drill with the ball in their hands.
If you have more than 8 players, set out another heading channel.

Drill Instructions

P1 runs down the channel toward P2.
When P1 reaches the second gate, they stop and wait for the pass.
P2 throws a lofted pass toward P1’s head.
P1 completes a standing header back to P2.
Instruct players to use the correct heading technique, keeping their eyes on the ball and making contact with their forehead.
The focus of the drill is on accurate headers.
After completing the header, P1 slides outside the channel and shuffles backward toward the starting point.
The next player repeats P1’s steps.
Rotate the thrower occasionally.

Drill Variations

The first round practices standing headers.
For the second round, practice jumping headers. Instruct the throwers to loft the ball high in the air.
The heading players must learn to time their jump to make optimal contact with the ball.

6 Yard Headers On Goal: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: 6 Yard Headers On Goal
Session Length: 5 to 10 minutes
Age Group: All age groups (according to health recommendations in your area)
Number of players: 3 to 18
Skills learned: Powerful, accurate, and diving headers
Equipment: 1 ball (minimum), 3 cones, 1 goal

Drill Setup

If you have a goalkeeper, set up a full-size goal. If not, create a small goal using cones.
The penalty box is a perfect space to run this drill.
Place 1 cone centrally at the edge of the penalty box.
Place 1 cone 5 yards to the left of the penalty spot.
Place 1 cone a couple of yards to the right of the six-yard box.
P1 stands at the cone on the edge of the box. The rest of the team lines up behind them.
P2 stands at the cone near the six-yard box.

Drill Instructions

P1 runs toward the cone to their left, simulating a back post run.
Once they reach the cone, P1 quickly changes direction and sprints centrally toward the six-yard box.
P2 throws the ball in front of P1.
P1 times the flight of the ball and heads it at the goal.
Depending on the trajectory of the pass, P1 may have to jump or dive to make good contact.
The focus should be on making good contact with the ball and executing powerful and accurate headers on goal.
The goalkeeper does not try to intercept the pass but they can try to save the shots.
Rotate the thrower occasionally.

Drill Variations

Adjust the position of the cone inside the box, alternating dummy runs.
Focus on headers from different positions, including the front post, back post, and centrally.
Focus on diving headers for a round.

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.

Advanced Dribbling: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Advanced Dribbling
Session Length: 10 minutes
Age Group: all ages
Number of players: 1 to 18
Skills learned: Ball control, dribbling, turning, skill moves.
Equipment: 1 ball (minimum), 18 cones, 2 mannequins, 4 agility poles

Drill Setup

Use the width of the training field for this drill.
Set up the drill as shown in the graphic.
The distance between each piece of equipment should be relative to the space you have.
Ensure there are at least 5 yards between each 2-cone dribbling gate.
If you don’t have a mannequin, use a cone, agility pole, or player.
If you don’t have agility poles, use cones.
All players line up behind P1 at the starting point.

Drill Instructions

P1 starts the drill by dribbling from the first cone to then around the second.
P1 then completes the cone weave before rounding the next cone.
P1 dribbles at the mannequin and completes a skill move (e.g. stepover) before dribbling around it.
P1 then completes the zig-zag portion of the grid, focusing on controlled turns.
Taking large but controlled touches, P1 dribbles through the gates at speed before rounding the next cone.
P1 in and out between the agility cones, turning sharply and as close to the poles as possible.
P1 finishes the round by completing a skill move to beat the mannequin, then dribbling through the finishing line gates.
P2 then starts their round.

Drill Variations

Focus on controlled dribbling to start with no emphasis on speed. Once players are used to the route, increase the emphasis on speed. Allow the next player in line to start 5 seconds after the player ahead of them.
Time all players and create a competition to see who can get the best time.
Divide the team into 2 groups. Create competition by timing how long it takes for all players from each team to complete the drill.
If you have time, run a best-of-3 time trial competition.

Multiskill Drill: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Multiskill Drill
Session Length: 10 minutes
Age Group: 7+
Number of players: 1
Skills learned: Passing, dribbling, first touch, shooting
Equipment: 1 goal, 8 cones, 1 ball, 2 rebounding surfaces (wall, bench, fence)

Drill Setup

You need a grid of approximately 20 square yards for this drill.
Set up the drill as shown in the graphic.
A mini goal works well for this drill or a small goal made from cones.
The distance between the cone weave drill should be 2 yards, enabling the dribbler to move through it at speed.
If you don’t have a wall or rebounding surface, skip the passing sections of the drill.
P1 begins the drill at the starting cone with the ball at its feet.

Drill Instructions

P1 starts the drill by playing a one-two wall pass with themselves.
P1 then dribbles at speed through the cone weave, then around the next cone.
At the next station, P1 rolls the ball through the narrow cone gate.
After rolling the ball, P1 sprints toward the cone to their left then check the run and recollects the ball.
P1 plays another one-two wall pass.
P1 takes 1 or 2 touches to get the ball under control, then takes a shot on goal.
P1 completes the entire drill 5 times, takes a 1-minute break, then repeats the full routine 2 more times (3 times in total).

Drill Variations

TIme each round and record the fastest ones.
Focus on using both strong and weak feet for certain rounds.
Increase the distance between the cones and stations to work on conditioning.

Penalty shootout: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Penalty shootout
Session Length: 10 minutes
Age Group: all ages
Number of players: 3 to 18
Skills learned: Penalties, shooting, penalty saves
Equipment: 1 goal, multiple balls

Drill Setup

Set up a full-size goal in the penalty box
If you have multiple goalkeepers, rotate them after each penalty.
All outfield players compete against each other.

Drill Instructions

Each player takes 1 penalty in the first round.
If the player scores, they are through to the next round. If they miss, they are out.
Repeat the same process until there are 2 players left.
When there are 2 players left, play sudden death to determine the winner.
Play a round of rock-paper-scissors to determine who goes first.
In sudden death, each player takes 1 penalty per round. If both players score, sudden death continues for another round. If both players miss, sudden death continues for another round. If 1 player scores and the other misses, the player who scores wins.

Drill Variations

If there are enough players, split the team into 2 groups to compete against each other.
Enforce a rule where all players must use their weak foot for a round.
Allow the goalkeeper to compete.

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.

Weave Passing: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Weave Passing
Session Length: 5 to 10 minutes
Age Group: all ages
Number of players: 4 to 16
Skills learned: Passing, moving, anticipation, finishing
Equipment: 1 ball, 1 goal, 3 cones

Drill Setup

Use approximately half the field for this drill.
Set up a full-size goal if you have a goalkeeper. If not, a small goal or pair of cones will suffice.
Place 3 cones approximately 10 yards apart, across the field, just in front of the halfway line.
Divide the outfield players into 3 even groups.
Each group lines up at a different cone.
P1 begins with the ball at their feet at the center cone.

Drill Instructions

On the coach’s signal, P2 and P3 set off, running toward the goal.
P1 plays a through ball to P2, anticipating where they are running to.
P1 wraps around behind P2, following the pass and continuing to run toward the goal.
P2 then plays a through ball to P3.
P2 wraps around behind P3.
If P3 is close to the goal, they take a touch and shoot.
If P3 is still outside the box or too far out to shoot, they pass to P1 for a shot.
After completing the round, all outfield players join different lines. The next 3 players start the second round.
If you have multiple goalkeepers, rotate them occasionally.

Drill Variations

Time each round and challenge players to beat their best time every turn.
Set goal-scoring targets for the team.
Increase the distance of the drill and cover the entire field.

Give & go shooting: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Give & go shooting
Session Length: 5 minutes
Age Group: All age groups
Number of players: Full squad, including the starting goalkeeper and subs
Skills learned: passing, dribbling, shooting, and saves
Equipment: 2 cones, 1 goal, multiple balls

Drill Setup

Use the penalty box and the surrounding area for this drill.
Set up 1 full-size goal in the normal position on the end line. The goalkeeper takes their place in between the posts.
Place 1 cone centrally on the edge of the penalty box. The coach begins at this cone, acting as the passer and defender.
Place 1 cone centrally 5 yards outside the box.
P1 and the rest of the outfield players line up behind the cone on the outside of the penalty box.
P1 and the outfield players begin with the balls.

Drill Instructions

P1 starts the drill by playing a quick pass to the coach.
The coach lays the ball off to 1 side, then assumes the role of a defender.
P1 runs for the return pass, dribbles past the coach, then takes a shot on goal.
The coach doesn’t actively try to win possession. Instead, they shadow the attacker, allowing them to practice a game-like take-on.
P1 collects their ball and returns to the end of the line.
P2 and the rest of the outfield players repeat the drill.
Outfield players should focus on accurate finishes, picking their spot before shooting.
This drill doubles as a goalkeeper warm-up.

Drill Variations

If you have sub-goalkeepers, consider rotating them into the drill.
The coach should play bobbled return passes or slightly elevated returns to simulate real game scenarios.
Focus on weak foot shooting for a round.

Man-On Drill: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Man-On Drill
Session Length: 10 minutes
Age Group: 7+
Number of players: 3 (minimum)
Skills learned: First touch, turning, holding off the defender, shielding the ball, finishing
Equipment: 1 ball (minimum), 3 cones, 1 goal (optional)

Drill Setup

Set up a 5-yard, 2-cone gate along the edge of the penalty box.
Place 1 cone 10 yards from the gate toward the center of the field.
If you have a goalkeeper, consider setting up a goal to include shooting practice as a secondary aspect of the drill.
P2 (attacker) and D1 (defender) begin at the passing gate.
P1 and the remaining players line up behind the cone toward centerfield.
P1 begins with the ball at their feet.

Drill Instructions

P2 moves around the edge of the penalty box simulating an in-game scenario.
P2 shakes off the defender, sprints through the gate, and calls for the ball.
P1 plays a low, hard pass to P2.
P2 takes a good first touch, holds off the defender, then spins toward the goal. If there is a goalkeeper, P2 takes a shot on goal.
D1 doesn’t actively try to win the ball. Instead, they apply pressure, allowing P2 to practice taking a solid first touch when surrounded by defenders.
When the round is over, P2 joins the end of the passing line, D1 takes P2’s place, and P1 takes D1’s place.
If you have 7 or more outfield players, consider setting up 2 identical grids and running the drills concurrently.

Drill Variations

Instruct players to focus on different types of touches in each round.
For 1 round, focus on taking 1 touch, and spinning behind the defender toward the goal.
For another round, focus on taking a good touch, facing up the defender, and running past them before shooting.
For another round, instruct P2 to play a give-and-go pass with P1, before running behind the defender for a through pass from P1.
For advanced players, encourage them to work on different skill moves, touches, flicks, and turns.

1 v 1 Relay: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: 1 v 1 Relay
Session Length: 10 minutes
Age Group: All age groups
Number of players: 2+
Skills learned: Movement, quick feet, dribbling, tackling, blocking, finishing
Equipment: 6 cones, 1 ball, 1 goal, 8 agility poles

Drill Setup

Use the penalty box and the surrounding area for this drill.
Place a cone, 5 to 10 yards from the corner of the penalty box toward the sideline. This indicates the starting position.
Place 4 agility poles 5 yards from the cone toward the end line in a weave formation.
Place another cone 5 yards from the end of the weave.
Position 1 more cone in line with the first cone and the edge of the penalty box.
Set up an identical drill on the opposite side of the field.
Place 1 in the center of the edge of the penalty box.
P1 and P2 stand at the starting cones on either side of the field.

Drill Instructions

On the coach’s signal, P1 and P2 sprint to, then through the agility pole weave, moving laterally outside each pole.
After completing the weave, they spring too, then around the cone near the end line before sprinting toward the final cone next to the starting point.
After rounding the final cone, both players race to win possession of the ball.
The player who gets the ball first is the attacker, making the other player the defender.
From here, they compete in a 1 v 1, with the attacker trying to score.
If you have a goalkeeper, use a full-size goal. If not, set up a small goal or create a shooting gate using cones.
Players are awarded 2 points for a goal and 1 point for dispossessing or blocking their opponent. A foul results in a 1 point deduction.
No points are awarded to either player for a miss.
Repeat the drill until 1 player reaches 5 points.

Drill Variations

Get creative with the agility course by adding more obstacles or sections.
If you want to focus on player conditioning, consider increasing the winning points tally to 10.
To add a fun twist, award point for nutmegs (kicking the ball through the defender’s legs).
If 1 player consistently passes through the grid faster than the other, consider lengthening their route to create a more even contest.

2 v 2 Gate Games: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: 2 v 2 Gate Games
Session Length: 10 minutes
Age Group: 10+
Number of players: 4 (minimum)
Skills learned: Passing, dribbling, finishing, tackling, defensive positioning
Equipment: 8 cones, 1 ball(minimum), 2 mini goal

Drill Setup

Create a 15-yard square grid.
Create 2-yard gates using cones in each corner.
Set up a mini goal between the 2 gates at one end, around 3 yards ahead of the end line.
Divide the team into pairs. Instruct half the pairs to line up behind one end, and a half to line up behind the other.
P1 and P2 begin centrally behind the end line with the ball.
P3 and P4 begin centrally behind the opposite end line.

Drill Instructions

On the coach’s signal, the game is live.
P1 dribbles the ball through a gate to enter the field. P2 runs through the other gate.
P3 and P4 enter the field by running through both their gates.
P1 and P2 then try to score, while P3 and P4 defend their goal.
The attackers have a single opportunity to score.
The round is over when the attackers shoot, the defenders win the ball, or the ball goes out of play.
Repeat the drill for 5 rounds, then the attackers and defenders switch roles.
If there are multiple pairs, set up identical grids or rotate the pairs occasionally.

Drill Variations

Set a scoring time limit.
Create a minimum passes rule, forcing players to make a certain number of passes before they can shoot.
Create competition by counting the number of goals each team scores.

3 v 3 Overloads: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: 3 v 3 Overloads
Session Length: 10 to 15 minutes
Age Group: 7+
Number of players: 6 (minimum)
Skills learned: Teamwork, positioning, passing, marking, and tackling
Equipment: 8 cones, 4 mini goals, 1 ball

Drill Setup

Create a 20-yard long, 15-yard wide, cone grid as your playing field.
Split the field into 3 even grids across the length of the field.
Set up 2 mini goals on either end of the field.
Divide the team into groups of 3
2 groups compete against each other at a time.
Designate 1 team to start as the attackers and 1 as the defenders.

Drill Instructions

This drill is a live 3 v 3 game. However, teams cannot score unless all of their players are inside the section of the grid nearest their opponent’s goal.
This ruleset encourages well-managed, measured, and controlled team play.
Since there are 2 goals on either end, teams can score quickly and efficiently with smart buildup play.
The first team to score 3 goals is the winner.
Mix up teams after each game.
If you have enough players, create multiple teams and rotate them between games.

Drill Variations

Consider running a training tournament if you have enough players.
If teams are scoring too easily, remove a goal from either end.
Set a minimum number of passes rule before teams can score.
Limit individual touches to 2 or 3 per possession.

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Joel Powel

Soccer Analyst and Publisher at Soccer Blade | Soccer Blade | + posts

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.