No Contact Soccer Drills (Pre-Session And Youth)

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No contact soccer drills are great for warm-ups, youth, and general practice to focus on skill sets. Normally a training session will begin with no contact drills and end with a game.

The following drills will help players with their passing, control, dribbling, and shooting. Enjoy these no-contact drills.

Soccer players training with a ball each

No Contact Soccer Drills

Windows: Soccer Drill

Age Range: 8-10
Length of Session: 10 mins
Number of Players: Minimum 6
Skills to Learn: dribbling, passing, first touch, turning, trapping
Equipment: balls, cones

Description: Half of the players are on the outside of the circle and half inside. The players in the circle run to a player on the outside to complete a skill before running back to the center and finding a new player.

Drill Set-up:

Create a large circle. You can use the center circle painted on a field or create your own. Base the size of the circle on the number of players and age group.
Half of the players start in the center of the circle, and half on the outside.
Each player on the outside of the circle should start with a ball.

Drill Instructions:

When you say “go”, the central players will each check to a player on the outside.
The player on the outside passes the ball to the central player.
The central player passes the ball back.
The central player heads back into the middle of the circle.
The central player finds a new outside player to repeat the technique.
Each round should be no more than 60 seconds.
After the first round, switch the central and external players.
Change the skill each round. You can have players use different feet, play in 1 touch, receive the ball out of the air, volley the ball back, perform a wall pass to switch places, etc.

Pass Around the Square: Soccer Drill

Age Range: 8-10+
Length of Session: 10 mins
Number of Players: 5-6 players per square
Skills to Learn: passing, receiving, movement off the ball
Equipment: 4 cones and 1 ball per square.

Description: Kids must pass the ball around the square, following their passes. You can add increasingly complex versions.

Drill Set-up:

Create a square using 4 cones.
The square can be anywhere from 5×5 meters to 10×10 meters depending on the age and skill level of the kids.
Position one kid at each cone.
Place an additional player behind the player with the ball.
Optional: place an additional player behind another child at a different cone.

Drill Instructions:

Child A starts with the ball.
Pass the ball to child B, who will receive the ball, and play to child C.
Each player follows their pass and waits at that cone.
Instruct players to “show” for the ball by popping off the cone.
Focus on body position, opening up to receive, and play in 2 touches.
Complete the drill in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise).
Progress to more advanced patterns. For example, add a wall pass at each corner, or have the play change to up, back, and through.

Pass, Move, and Shuffle: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Pass, Move, and Shuffle
Age Group: All age groups
Session Length: 5 minutes
Number of players: minimum of 2 as players work in pairs
Skills learned: first touch, passing, and quick feet
Equipment: 2 cones, 1 ball per pair

Drill Setup

Each pair of players needs 2 cones.
Place 2 cones approximately 5 yards apart to create the passing lane.
Create separate passing lanes parallel to these cones for each pair of players.
Each pair requires 1 ball.

Drill Instructions

P1 stands 1 yard to the right and behind the cone, with the ball at their feet.
P2 stands in a mirrored position, 1 yard to the left and behind the cone, waiting to receive a pass.
P1 plays a firm, right-footed pass along the ground to P2.
P1 then shuffles to the left side of the cone and waits for the return pass.
P2 takes one touch to shift the ball from the left to the right side of the cone, before playing return pass to P1.
P2 then shuffles back to the left side of the cone.
P1 takes one touch to shift the ball from the left to the right side of the cone, before passing it to P2
In the first and second rounds, allow 3 touches. In the third and fourth rounds, allow only 2.

Drill Variations

Switch starting positions to focus on opposite foot passing.
Increase the distance between players to improve passing accuracy, control, and range. For this drill, the maximum distance between players should be 15 yards.

Defending Crosses: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Defending Crosses
Session Length: 5 minutes
Number of players: minimum 3, optimum 8 to 16
Skills learned: defensive positioning, marking, heading, volleying, and clearing the ball
Equipment: 9 cones, multiple balls, and 1 goal

Drill Setup

The penalty box is a perfect space to run this drill. If your training ground doesn’t have a lined field, use cones to create a penalty box.
Set up goalposts or make a goal using cones on the end line of the penalty box.
Create a 5 x 5-yard square on the outside of the penalty box toward the sideline. This is where players will make crosses from.
Place a cone 5 yards from the crossing square toward the center of the field.
Split the team into attackers and defenders.
The attackers line up at the cone next to the crossing square.
The defenders line up behind the goal.

Drill Instructions

P1 and P2 position themselves in the penalty box, anticipating a cross from the wing.
Attackers line up behind the cone near the sideline.
P3 dribbles into the small square before crossing the ball into the penalty box.
P1 and P2 work together to clear the ball away from the goal.
P1 and P2 must communicate effectively to ensure one of them gets the ball out of the danger zone.
Defenders should head, volley, or simply kick the ball away.
Instruct defenders to clear the ball toward the sidelines where possible, avoiding the central areas.

Drill Variations

Add 1 attacker to compete with the defenders for the crosses.
Add 2 attackers to complete with defenders.
Add more attackers and defenders to simulate in-game scenarios. Limit the number of rounds with 4 attackers and 4 defenders or more to avoid potentially dangerous collisions.
Switch the crossing position to the opposite wing.
Add a goalkeeper to the drill if you have one.

Wide Attack: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Wide Attack
Session Length: 5 minutes
Number of players: 3 to 16
Skills learned: Quick passing, dribbling, turning, and finishing
Equipment: 4 cones, 1 ball, and goalposts

Drill Setup

Place 1 cone on the end line 5 yards outside the penalty box.
Place 1 cone 12 yards in front of the first.
Place 1 cone parallel to the second cone on the edge of the penalty box.
Place 1 cone in line with the third cone, around 5 yards outside the penalty box.
If you have a goalkeeper, set up full-size goalposts. If you don’t have a goalkeeper, mini goalposts are okay.

Drill Instructions

The team lines up behind the cone on the end line. 1 player stands at the second and another at the third cone.
P1 starts the drill by playing a quick one-two pass with P2.
As soon as P2 plays the return pass, they turn and start to run toward the cone outside the penalty box.
P1 passes to P3.
P3 plays a first-time pass (if possible) in front of P1.
P1 receives the ball on the move, dribbles at it, then around the cone toward the goal.
P1 then dribbles into the penalty box for a 1 v 1 with the goalkeeper.
The goalkeeper may rush the attacker, come off their line, or play the scenario however they wish. This is a useful drill for goalkeepers also.
If you have multiple goalkeepers in your team, rotate them each round.
After the round, P1 rejoins the main line, P3 takes the P1 spot, and P2 takes the P3 spot.

Drill Variations

Create a competition between attackers and between goalkeepers for the most goals and stops.
Switch the drill setup to the opposite side of the training field.
Add a player to the penalty box to passively defend the attacker.

Short Pass, Long Pass: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Short Pass, Long Pass
Session Length: 5 minutes
Age Group: All age groups
Number of players: 4 to 16
Skills learned: first-time passing, ball control, long-distance passing,
Equipment: 1 ball (per group), 4 cones (per group)

Drill Setup

Create a 4 cone passing grid that spans the width of the training field.
Place 2 cones 5 yards apart along the left wing sideline.
Place 2 parallel cones 5 yards apart along the right wing sideline.
Assign 4 players to the grid, with 1 player lining up next to each cone.
Create as many passing grids as you need to include all players.
If you don’t have enough space for multiple grids, rotate groups every minute.

Short Pass Long Pass — Short Pass, Long Pass

Drill Instructions

P1 starts by playing a quick one-two return pass with P2.
After receiving the return, P1 opens their body, taking their first touch toward P3 on the opposite wing.
P1 then plays a long pass to P3.
P1 and P2 switch positions.
P3 takes the necessary amount of touches to control the pass (as few as possible).
P3 plays a quick one-two return pass with P4.
After receiving the return, P3 opens their body, taking their first touch toward P2 on the opposite wing.
P3 then plays a long pass to P2.
P3 and P4 switch positions.
Repeat the drill, focusing on accurate, controlled passing, and good first touches.

Drill Variations

Get players to switch sides.
Focus on weak foot passing for several rounds.
Get groups to compete against each other by counting how many complete passes they make within the time frame.

Double Movement Finishing: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Double movement finishing
Session Length: 10 to 15 minutes
Age Group: 10+
Number of players: 3 to 18
Skills learned: First touch, shooting, finishing from a cross, crossing, movement
Equipment: 1 mannequin (alternatively 1 cone or agility pole), 3 cone, 1 goal, 2 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 penalty spot inside the box.
Place 1 cone 5 yards outside the penalty box.
Place 1 cone next to the goal on the end line.
Place 1 cone between the right-hand sideline and the edge of the penalty box.
P2 stands next to the cone on the end line with a ball.
P3 stands next to the cone near the sideline with a ball.
P1 and the rest of the players line up behind the cone outside the penalty box.

Drill Instructions

P2 starts the drill by passing the ball to P1.
P1 takes one touch to control the pass before taking a shot on goal.
P1 then makes a dummy run to the left side of the mannequin as if they are heading for the back post. When P1 reaches the mannequin, they quickly check their run, sprinting to the other side toward the front post.
P3 crosses the ball to P1.
P1 finishes the ball with a header, volley, or regular shot. Instruct the attackers to try to finish first-time.
P1 rejoins the end of the attacking line.
Rotate the passer and crosser occasionally.

Drill Variations

Switch the passing and crossing positions to the opposite side.
Instruct strikers to shoot first-time on all shots.
Change the starting position of the strikers for different shooting angles.
Change the angle of the runs toward the back post.
Focus on weak foot shooting.

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.

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.

Shuttle Drills: Soccer Drills

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Shuttle Drills
Session Length: 5 to 10 minutes
Age Group: all ages
Number of players: 1 to 18
Skills learned: Quick feet, lateral movement, sprinting, deceleration, change of direction
Equipment: 8 cones (minimum)

Drill Setup

This drill involves 3 stations.
Set up the stations as shown in the graphic
Station 1: Place 2 cones 3-yards apart to indicate the starting gate. Place 2 identical cones 15 yards away to indicate the other end of the station. Place 2 cones between the start and end gates, equal distances apart (5 yards).
Station 2: Create 4, 2 cone gates, 5 yards apart to create a running strip. The full length of the station is 15 yards.
Station 3: Use the same cone formation as station 3.
None of the drills involve a ball.

Drill Instructions

Each of these drills involves explosive movements. Ensure all players undergo a thorough warmup to avoid injury.
Station 1: P1 sprints to the front of the first cone, then shuffles the full way around it while moving their feet as quickly as possible (continually facing forward). They then sprint to the next cone and repeat the same movement, before sprinting through the end gate. P1 then turns around and repeats the drill from the opposite side.
Station 2: This is an endurance-style drill. P1 sprints to the first gate then turn and run back to the starting point. P1 then sprints to the second gate before returning to the starting position. P1 then sprints through all the gates, pushing through passed the final cones.
Station 3: P1 stands at the left cone of the first gate. To start, P1 sprints to the cone directly in front, then side steps quickly toward the cone to their right. P1 then sprints to the cone directly in front before side-stepping toward the cone to their left. To finish, P1 sprints through the final gate.

Drill Variations

If you have enough players and space, you can set up all 3 at the same time. If not, adjust the cones after completing each round.
Station 2: Instead of turning and sprinting back to the starting point, instruct players to sprint backward.
Station 3: Repeat drill starting on the opposite side.
Create competition by timing each player’s round. Or, divide players into groups and combine their total times.

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.

Dribble, Pass, & Move: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Dribble, Pass, & Move
Session Length: 5 minutes
Age Group: all ages
Number of players: 4 to 16
Skills learned: Passing & dribbling
Equipment: 1 ball, 3 cones

Drill Setup

Place 3 cones in a line, with each cone 5 yards apart.
Divide the team into 2 groups.
Group 1 lines up at one outside cone while group 2 lines up outside the other.
P1 begins with the ball at their feet.

Drill Instructions

P1 starts by dribbling toward the center cone.
At the center cone, P1 passes to P2 and then joins the end of P2’s line at the back.
P2 dribbles to the center cone pass to P3 then join the end of P3’s line.
Players continue repeating the process for several minutes.

Drill Variations

Instruct players to use their weak foot only for 1 minute.
Limit dribbling touches to 2 before the player must pass.

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.

Passing Practice in Pairs: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Passing practice in pairs
Session Length: 5 minutes
Age Group: all ages
Number of players: 2 to 18
Skills learned: Passing, volleying, heading, and ball control
Equipment: 1 ball, 8 cones (per group)

Drill Setup

Divide the team into pairs.
Create 2 x 4-cone grids approximately 5 yards apart for each pair.
Each player stands inside their own 4-cone grid.
1 player in each pair begins with the ball.
There are 4 rounds in this drill. Each round covers a different variation.

Drill Instructions

Round 1: P1 starts by playing a low pass to the feet of P2. P2 then plays a return pass to P1. Players repeat the process for 10 passes.
Round 2: P1 starts with the ball in their hands and gently lobs it toward the feet of P2. P2 volleys the ball back to P1’s hands using the inside of their foot. Players repeat the process for 5 passes then switch roles.
Round 3: P1 starts with the ball in their hands and lobs it toward P2’s chest. P2 controls the ball with their chest, then volleys it back to P1’s hands as they did in round 2. Players repeat the process for 5 passes then switch roles.
Round 4: P1 lobs the ball in the air. P2 heads the ball back to P1’s hands, jumping if necessary. Players repeat the process for 5 passes then switch roles.
Players complete all 4 rounds 3 times.

Drill Variations

Focus on using weak feet for a round.
Increase the distance between the grids to practice different ranges of passing.

Pass, turn, & shoot: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Pass, turn, & shoot
Session Length: 10 minutes
Age Group: all ages
Number of players: 2 to 18
Skills learned: Passing, turning, & shooting
Equipment: 2 balls, 2 cones, 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 centrally on the edge of the penalty box.
Place 1 cone 5 yards from the first, toward the center of the field.
P2 stands at the cone on the edge of the penalty box.
P1 and the rest of the players line up at the other cone.
P1 begins with the ball at their feet.

Drill Instructions

P1 starts the drill by playing a low, hard pass to P2.
P2 takes a touch to control the ball then turns toward the goal.
P2 sets the ball in front of them and shoots at goal.
This drill focuses on technique. Instruct players to work on precision passing, great first touches, and accurate shooting.
P1 collects their ball, gives it to the next player, and joins the end of the line.
P1 takes P2’s original position and the next player in line continues the drill.

Drill Variations

Instruct players to turn to their right and left to focus on shooting from both sides.
Instruct players to focus on power shots for a round.
Set accuracy targets, instructing players to aim for specific targets on goal, such as the bottom and top corners.

Long passing: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Long passing
Session Length: 5 minutes
Age Group: all ages
Number of players: 2 to 18
Skills learned: First touch, ball control, long-distance passing
Equipment: 1 ball, 8 cones (per pair)

Drill Setup

Divide the team into pairs.
For each pair, create 2 x 4-cone grids and position them approximately 10 yards apart.
Each player stands inside their own 4-cone grid.
1 player in each pair begins with the ball.

Drill Instructions

P1 starts the drill by playing a direct pass to their teammate. Passes should be accurate, requiring minimal lateral movement from the receiver. However, allow the passers to vary the power and height of their passes, forcing the receiver to adjust and practice controlling the ball with different parts of their body.
Instruct the receivers to focus on taking their first touch within the grid, keeping the ball close to their body.
In the beginning, don’t limit the number of touches each player can take. Once players get used to the drill, encourage them to take a single touch to control the ball before playing a return pass.
All players must complete 10 passes with their strong foot, then 10 passes with their weaker foot.
When each player completes their 10 passes on each foot, expand the size of the grid and increase the distance between players to 20 yards. Repeat the entire process at this distance.

Drill Variations

For advanced players, instruct players to make chest passes for a round.
For advanced players, instruct players to try landing the ball inside their teammate’s grid, without it hitting the ground beforehand.

Quick Fire Passing Drill: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Quick Fire Passing Drill
Session Length: 10 minutes
Age Group: 10+
Number of players: 2 (minimum)
Skills learned: One touch passing, first touch, lateral movement, give-and-go passing
Equipment: 1 ball (per pair), 3 cones

Drill Setup

Divide the team into pairs.
Each pair operates in a small grid consisting of a 3-yard, 2-cone gate, and a perpendicular cone, 3 yards from the gate.
Each player takes turns being the focus of the drill.
P1 begins in the center of the gate.
P2 begins with the ball at their feet at the perpendicular cone.

Drill Instructions

On the coach’s signal, P2 starts the drill by playing 2 return passes to P1.
P1 then shuffles to the right side of the right-hand cone to receive the next pass.
P2 passes the ball when P1 reaches the outside of the cone.
P1 takes 1 touch (if possible), taking the ball back toward the center of the gate.
P1 passes the ball to P2.
P2 plays 2 return passes to P1.
P1 shuffles to the left side of the left-hand cone to receive the next pass.
After receiving the pass, P1 takes 1 touch, taking the ball back toward the center of the gate.
P1 and P2 continue the process for 1 minute then switch roles.
Each player performs at least 3 rounds of the drill.

Drill Variations

To add a conditioning focus to the drill, consider increasing the working time or the number of rounds.
Create competition by tracking the number of mistakes (extra touches, misplaced passes, performing the drill incorrectly, etc.). The team that commits the least number of mistakes wins.

One-Touch Passing and Shooting: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: One-touch passing and shooting
Session Length: 10 minutes
Age Group: 10+
Number of players: 3 to 18
Skills learned: One touch passing, first touch, crossing, first time finishing
Equipment: 1 ball, 3 cones, 1 goal

Drill Setup

Use the penalty box and the width of the training field for this drill.
Set up a full-size goal. If you have a goalkeeper, this drill can double as saving practice.
Place 1 cone centrally, approximately 5 yards outside of the penalty box.
Place 2 more cones next to either sideline, in line with the first cone.
Divide the team into groups of 3. Each group lines up behind a cone.
P1 begins at the central cone with the ball at their feet.

Drill Instructions

P1 starts the drill by playing a long pass to P2.
As soon as the first pass is played, P3 starts to run toward the box.
P2 takes a good first touch toward the endline or penalty box.
P2 times the run of P3 and crosses the ball to them, aiming for their feet or head.
P3 shoots or heads the ball first time on goal.
If you have a goalkeeper, instruct them not to compete for the crosses. They should only attempt to save the shots.
After the round, P1 joins P2’s line, P2 joins P3’s line, and P3 joins P1’s line.

Drill Variations

Switch the crossing angle to the opposite side of the field.
Set scoring targets for the team.
Instruct P1 to vary the height of their initial passes so P2 and P3 can practice their first touch and ball control with their feet, knees, and chest.

Piggy In The Middle: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Piggy In The Middle
Session Length: 5 minutes
Age Group: All age groups
Number of players: 9 to 18
Skills learned: Passing, movement, positioning, blocking
Equipment: 8 cones, 1 ball

Drill Setup

Create a 10-yard, 4-cone square grid.
Split the grid into 3 even sections using the remainder of the cones.
Divide the team into groups of 3.
3 groups participate at a time.
2 groups are designated as attackers, occupying the sections on either end of the grid.
1 group is designated as the defender and occupies the middle section.
The attackers begin with the ball.

Drill Instructions

The objective of this drill is for the attackers to successfully pass the ball from one side of the grid to the other. However, all players must stay inside the section they are assigned to.
Each trio of attackers can play a maximum of 3 consecutive passes inside their section before they must attempt to switch play to the opposite side.
If the defensive group wins possession, they switch with the group at fault.
If an attacking player misplaces a pass outside of the grid, their team must switch with the defensive group.
The team that successfully switches the play on 5 consecutive occasions is the winner.

Drill Variations

Create a competition to see which group can win 3 separate games.
Limit the number of touches per player.
Set a time limit for players to keep the ball inside their section.
Allow 1 defender to enter either attacking grid while that group is in 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.