If you’ve got a small group of players, we’ve got some drills for you! Here is a selection of soccer drills from 2 players to 6. To adapt the soccer drills for the number of players you have, double or treble up for more players.
You can also rotate players – have a group on the sideline and change after a session. If you have spare players, then rotate for the winner, loser, least effort, or each player can have a time-out. It’s good to give players a break.
Mini Soccer Drills (Small Group Sided Games)
Dribble Between the Squares: Soccer Drill
- Age Range: 4-6
- Length of Session: 5 mins
- Number of Players: groups of 4
- Skills to Learn: dribbling, ball handling
- Equipment: 8 cones and 4 balls for each group of 4
Description: Each child will dribble their ball from one square to the next and back using a variety of different dribbling tactics defined by the coach.
Drill Set-up:
- Set up two squares 10 meters apart with side lengths of 5 meters.
- Place 4 players in one square and give each player a ball.
Drill Instructions:
- Instruct the players to dribble to the other square and back using different techniques.
- Right foot only.
- Left foot only.
- Inside of the feet.
- Outside of the feet.
- Doing a particular move every few dribbles (stepover, cut, roll and touch, etc.)
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.
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.
1 v 1 Mini-Game: Soccer Drill
Drill Outline
- Drill Name: 1 v 1 Mini-Game
- Session Length: 5 to 10 minutes
- Age Group: All age groups
- Number of players: 2
- Skills learned: Passing, dribbling, defensive positioning, tackling, finishing
- Equipment: 10 cones, 1 ball
Drill Setup
- Create a 10 to 15-yard square playing grid, placing 1 cone on each of the 4 corners, and using 2 cones to mark the halfway point on either side.
- Create 2 x 3-yard goals using cones.
- P1 begins at 1 goal with the ball at their feet, while P2 begins at the other goal.
Drill Instructions
- The drill begins on the coach’s signal.
- P1 dribbles toward P2’s goal and tries to score. P2 can defend whatever way they choose, either pressing the ball aggressively or protecting their goal more conservatively.
- If the defender wins the ball, they have 3 seconds to score a goal on a counterattack.
- The round is over if either player scores, if the ball goes out of play, or if the 3-second counterattack is unsuccessful.
- The drill is then reset. After every round, the players switch roles, altering who starts with the ball.
- The first player to score 5 goals wins.
Drill Variations
- Increase the winning goal tally to improve player fitness.
- Set a time limit for the attacking player to score.
- Increase or decrease the size of the playing grid.
- Consider adjusting the points system, rewarding players for tackling, or doubling points for counterattack goals.
2 v 2 Possession Squares: Soccer Drill
Drill Outline
- Ages: 12 to 18+
- Drill Name: 2 v 2 Possession Squares
- Session Length: 5 to 8 minutes
- Number of players: minimum of 4 players, broken into groups of 2
- Skills learned: Agility, first touch, quick passing, tackling, and pressing
- Equipment: 4 cones, 1 ball per pair
Drill Setup
- Position 4 cones 10 to 15 yards apart to form a square.
- Divide the team into pairs.
- 2 teams take their place in the square while the other pairs wait outside.
Drill Instructions
- The coach selects one team to start with the ball and one team to defend.
- The game goes live once the first pass is played.
- The team in possession tries to keep the ball by passing and dribbling.
- The defending team attempts to win back possession through tackling or intercepting.
- If the defending team wins the ball back, they attempt to keep possession from their opponents.
- The first team to make 5 consecutive passes wins.
- The winning team begins the next round in possession. A new pair replaces the losing team, beginning the round as the defenders.
- If neither team wins after 60 seconds, the round is over and 2 fresh teams enter the square.
Drill Variations
- The number of players per team can be extended up to 11. The square should be made larger to accommodate additional players.
- If players are struggling to retain possession, consider changing the dynamic to a 3 v 2 or 4 v 2. The team of 3 starts in possession. As soon as they lose the ball, the round is over and a new 3 v 2 matchup is made.
2 v 2 Counterattacks: Soccer Drill
Drill Outline
- Drill Name: 2 v 2 Counterattacks
- Session Length: 10 minutes
- Age Group: 7+
- Number of players: 4 (minimum)
- Skills learned: Passing, dribbling, finishing, defensive positioning, tackling
- Equipment: 4 cones, 1 ball, 2 mini goals, 1 regular goal
Drill Setup
- Create a 15 to 20-yard square playing grid using 4 cones.
- Set up a regular size goal at one end of the grid.
- Set up 2 small goals next to either corner on the opposite end.
- Divide the team into pairs (2 v 2) and elect half as defenders and half as attackers.
- Defenders (D1 + D2) line up at the end with 2 goals.
- Attackers (P1 + P2) begin at the other end.
- The defenders start with the ball.
Drill Instructions
- On the coach’s signal, D1 plays a 15 to 20-yard pass (depending on the size of your grid) to P1 or P2.
- P1 and P2 now take on D1 and D2 in a 2 v 2 situation.
- P1 and P2 try to score in either goal on the opposite end. D1 and D2 attempt to stop them.
- If D1 and D2 win possession, they can counterattack quickly and attempt to score.
- P1 and P2 must try to stop them.
- Each team has a maximum of one attack per round.
- The round is over if either team scores, the ball goes out of play, or a counterattack is unsuccessful.
- After 5 rounds, the players switch roles, then play another 5 rounds.
- The team with the most goals wins.
- If you have multiple pairs, set up identical grids or rotate pairs frequently.
Drill Variations
- Switch the attacking and defending sides, giving players a chance to score dual and single goals.
- If you have a goalkeeper, consider using them for this drill.
- Set a scoring time limit.
- 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. This encourages players to focus on build-up play and chance creation, eliminating long-distance pot shots.
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.
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.
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.
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.
3 Grid Positional Drill: Soccer Drill
Drill Outline
- Drill Name: 3 Grid Positional Drill
- Session Length: 10 minutes
- Age Group: 10+
- Number of players: 6 (minimum)
- Skills learned: Positioning, passing, movement, marking
- Equipment: 8 cones, 2 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, with 1 on either end of the field.
- Divide the team into groups of 3
- 2 groups compete against each other at a time.
- Each team assigns 1 player to each section of the playing field, creating 1 v 1 situations across the field.
- Designate 1 team to start as the attackers and 1 as the defenders.
- P3 begins with the ball at their feet.
Drill Instructions
- On the coach’s signal, P3 starts the game by passing to a teammate. The defensive team allows 1 free pass to let the game begin.
- Once the game kicks off, it is a live 3 v 3 game. However, all players must stay inside their assigned grid at all times.
- If a player leaves their area, their opponents are awarded a goal.
- Players can pass the ball the entire length of the field, bypassing the center grid if they wish.
- Players can score from any position.
- The first team to score 3 goals wins.
- If you have multiple groups, rotate teams after each game.
Drill Variations
- Create a tournament if you have enough players.
- Set a minimum pass rule before teams can score.
- Limit individual touches to 2 or 3 per possession.
- Limit scoring to certain sections for a game or particular amount of time.
3 v 3 Drop-Off Drill: Soccer Drill
Drill Outline
- Drill Name: 3 v 3 Drop-Off Drill
- Session Length: 10 minutes
- Age Group: 10+
- Number of players: 6 (minimum)
- Skills learned: Positioning, passing, movement, awareness
- Equipment: 20 cones, 6 balls (minimum)
Drill Setup
- Create a 20-yard long, 15-yard wide, cone grid as your playing field.
- Set up 4 small 4-cone squares within the playing field. If you have different colored cones, use 1 color for 2 squares, and 1 color for the other 2.
- Position 2 same-colored squares next to either sideline and 2 same-colored squares next to either end line.
- Divide the team into groups of 3.
- Assign each team to a color.
- The coach stands outside the playing grid with 6 balls at their feet.
Drill Instructions
- The goal of this drill is for each team to put as many balls as possible into their assigned squares.
- Both teams begin inside the playing field, occupying whatever positions they want.
- The coach starts the drill by kicking the first ball onto the playing field. The coach can choose to play the ball into space, between 2 players, or in the air.
- The teams compete to gain possession, then try to get the ball into their colored cone squares. Once a ball has been placed into a square, it can’t be removed.
- For a team to score, the ball must come to a stop inside the square. Kicking it through the space doesn’t count.
- As soon as a ball is placed into a square or leaves the field of play (from tackling, a misplaced pass, etc.), the coach kicks the next ball onto the field and the drill continues.
- When all 6 balls have been played, the drill is over.
- The team with the most balls in their designated squares is the winner.
Drill Variations
- Add more squares to make scoring easier.
- Increase the number of balls per game.
- Play 2 balls at a time.
- Limit individual touches to 2 or 3.
- Create a tournament if you have enough players.
4v4 to Mini-Goals (no GK): Soccer Drill
- Age Range: 4-10
- Length of Session: 3 min games, up to 15 mins
- Number of Players: 6,8,10
- Skills to Learn: game decisions, passing vs. dribbling, 1v1 situations
- Equipment: regular cones, mini-goals/pug goals or large cones, pinnies, or different colored shirts.
Description: Allow kids to compete in 4v4 small-sided games up to 3 mins long.
Drill Set-up:
- Set up the field based on the age of players. For younger players, 4-6, make a field about 15x 20 meters. For older groups, make the field a bit larger.
- Set up multiple fields if you have a large group.
- Use cones to create the outline of the field.
- Set up either mini-goals, pugg goals, or large cones as the goals.
- Split the players into even teams of 4, and give each team a color.
Drill Instructions:
- Play 3 min games to the mini-goals.
- Define how players earn points. You can create unique rules to shift the focus and practice different things. For example, you could make a 1-touch finish worth 2 points for older kids.
- Keep the simple focus for kids 4-6, emphasizing taking the ball from the other team but not your team. Also, guide them to stay spread out and communicate.
- For older kids, emphasize decision-making between passing and dribbling.
- You can also use larger goals and add a GK for older kids, ages 9-10.
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.
