Offense – Attacking Soccer Drills (Shoot + Score)

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Most players’ favorite part of the game is the offense. There’s nothing better than hitting the back of the net. The attacker is one of the most difficult positions as well.

You need some of these attributes, strength, speed, skill, agility, and power. This collection of drills has some real-game plays and some mini-games that will prepare you for your next game.

Soccer striker shooting at goal

Offense – Attacking Soccer Drills (Shoot + Score)

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. 
Advanced Dribbling
Advanced Dribbling

Drill Instructions

  1. P1 starts the drill by dribbling from the first cone to then around the second. 
  2. P1 then completes the cone weave before rounding the next cone. 
  3. P1 dribbles at the mannequin and completes a skill move (e.g. stepover) before dribbling around it.
  4. P1 then completes the zig-zag portion of the grid, focusing on controlled turns. 
  5. Taking large but controlled touches, P1 dribbles through the gates at speed before rounding the next cone. 
  6. P1 in and out between the agility cones, turning sharply and as close to the poles as possible. 
  7. P1 finishes the round by completing a skill move to beat the mannequin, then dribbling through the finishing line gates. 
  8. 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. 

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.
Dribble Turn and Shoot
Dribble Turn and Shoot

Drill Instructions

  1. 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. 
  2. P1 starts the drill by dribbling at, then around the parallel cone toward the sideline. 
  3. After rounding the cone, P1 passes the ball to P2 and then takes its original position. 
  4. P2 dribbles at, then around the cone near the edge of the penalty box. 
  5. After rounding the cone, P2 dribbles at the mannequin and uses a skill move (e.g. step over) to go around it. 
  6. 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.

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. 
1 v 1 Relay
1 v 1 Relay

Drill Instructions

  1. On the coach’s signal, P1 and P2 sprint to, then through the agility pole weave, moving laterally outside each pole. 
  2. 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. 
  3. After rounding the final cone, both players race to win possession of the ball. 
  4. The player who gets the ball first is the attacker, making the other player the defender. 
  5. From here, they compete in a 1 v 1, with the attacker trying to score. 
  6. If you have a goalkeeper, use a full-size goal. If not, set up a small goal or create a shooting gate using cones. 
  7. 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. 
  8. No points are awarded to either player for a miss.
  9. 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. 

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. 
Man On Drill
Man On Drill

Drill Instructions

  1. P2 moves around the edge of the penalty box simulating an in-game scenario. 
  2. P2 shakes off the defender, sprints through the gate, and calls for the ball. 
  3. P1 plays a low, hard pass to P2.
  4. 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.
  5. 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. 
  6. When the round is over, P2 joins the end of the passing line, D1 takes P2’s place, and P1 takes D1’s place.
  7. 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. 

Byline Attack: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Byline Attack
  • Session Length: 10 minutes
  • Number of players: minimum 4, optimal 8 to 16
  • Skills learned: Timing, holding off defenders, off-the-ball movement, penalty box positioning, and by-line crossing
  • Equipment: 5 cones, 1 ball, 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 5 yards in front of the first toward the goal. 
  • Place 1 cone on the edge of the penalty box, 5 yards left of center.
  • Create a 5-yard gate to the right of the penalty box in line with the edge of the area.
  • Set up goalposts (any size)
See also  Teamwork Soccer Drills (Position Team Play)
Byline Attack
Byline Attack

Drill Instructions

  1. The team lines up behind the cone at the center field. 1 attacker and 1 defender stand at the cone 5 yards from center field. 1 player stands near the sideline, parallel to the center field. 
  2. P2 starts the drill at the center field by playing a 5-year pass to P1. 
  3. P1 takes a touch to control the ball, then holds off the defender (D1) before playing a return pass to P2. 
  4. Immediately after the return pass, P1 spins the defender and makes a forward run toward the back post. 
  5. Concurrently, P3 starts their forward run along the sideline. 
  6. After receiving the return ball, P2 plays a through pass behind the gate in front of P3.
  7. P3 must time their run to ensure they don’t move through the gate until the pass from P2 is played. This simulates timing a run to beat the offside line.
  8. P3 dribbles toward the end line.
  9. When P1 reaches the cone at the edge of the penalty box, they quickly change the angle of their run and sprint toward the front post. 
  10. At the by-line, P3 crosses the ball to meet the run of P1.
  11. P1 finishes the cross inside the 6-yard box. 
  12. The main focus of this drill is timing so repeat the sequence multiple times until the players are running it smoothly.

Drill Variations

  • Switch to the opposite side of the field. 
  • Focus initially on low crosses, then headers. 
  • Adjust the angle of the attacker’s run inside the penalty box, focusing on back post runs and cutbacks.

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. 
Pass, Layoff, and Shoot
Pass, Layoff, and Shoot

Drill Instructions

  1. P1 starts the drill by passing the ball to P2. 
  2. P1 then sprints toward the box and calls for a return pass. 
  3. P2 plays a first-time layoff pass in front of P1. 
  4. P1 takes a touch to control the ball, before shooting on goal. 
  5. This is also a useful drill for goalkeepers. 
  6. The next player in the attacking line continues the drill after the first shot is taken. 
  7. 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.
Split The Defense Finishing
Split The Defense Finishing

Drill Instructions

  1. P1 starts the drill by moving around the mannequin as if it were a defender. 
  2. P1 then sprints in front of the mannequin to receive a pass.
  3. P2 plays a quick one-two return pass to P1. 
  4. After playing the return pass, P1 backs away toward the 2 cone grid while still facing P2.
  5. This movement simulates splitting 2 defenders in the back line. 
  6. P2 plays a pass to P1’s feet. 
  7. P1 takes a touch into the penalty box for a 1 v 1 with the goalkeeper.
  8. P1 joins the end of the passing line. 
  9. P2 takes P1’s position. 
  10. 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.

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.
Wide Attack
Wide Attack

Drill Instructions

  1. The team lines up behind the cone on the end line. 1 player stands at the second and another at the third cone.
  2. P1 starts the drill by playing a quick one-two pass with P2. 
  3. As soon as P2 plays the return pass, they turn and start to run toward the cone outside the penalty box. 
  4. P1 passes to P3. 
  5. P3 plays a first-time pass (if possible) in front of P1. 
  6. P1 receives the ball on the move, dribbles at it, then around the cone toward the goal. 
  7. P1 then dribbles into the penalty box for a 1 v 1 with the goalkeeper. 
  8. 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.
  9. If you have multiple goalkeepers in your team, rotate them each round. 
  10. 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.

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. 
Double Movement Finishing
Double Movement Finishing

Drill Instructions

  1. P2 starts the drill by passing the ball to P1. 
  2. P1 takes one touch to control the pass before taking a shot on goal. 
  3. 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.
  4. P3 crosses the ball to P1.
  5. P1 finishes the ball with a header, volley, or regular shot. Instruct the attackers to try to finish first-time. 
  6. P1 rejoins the end of the attacking line. 
  7. 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.
See also  Soccer Drills & Games For 7-Year-Olds (u7)

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. 
Weave Passing
Weave Passing

Drill Instructions

  1. On the coach’s signal, P2 and P3 set off, running toward the goal. 
  2. P1 plays a through ball to P2, anticipating where they are running to. 
  3. P1 wraps around behind P2, following the pass and continuing to run toward the goal. 
  4. P2 then plays a through ball to P3.
  5. P2 wraps around behind P3. 
  6. If P3 is close to the goal, they take a touch and shoot. 
  7. If P3 is still outside the box or too far out to shoot, they pass to P1 for a shot. 
  8. After completing the round, all outfield players join different lines. The next 3 players start the second round. 
  9. 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. 

Pass, Dummy, & Shoot: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Pass, Dummy, & Shoot
  • Session Length: 5 to 10 minutes
  • Age Group: all ages
  • Number of players: 4 to 16
  • Skills learned: Passing, moving, dummying, finishing
  • Equipment: 1 ball, 1 goal, 3 cones

Drill Setup

  • Use the penalty box and the surrounding area 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 1 cone central, 5 to 10 yards outside the penalty box. 
  • Place 1 cone 5 yards to the right of the first.
  • Place 1 cone next to the left corner of the penalty box. 
  • 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. 
Pass Dummy Shoot
Pass Dummy Shoot

Drill Instructions

  1. On the coach’s signal, P1 plays a give-and-go pass to P2. After playing the pass, they run toward the goal, calling for the return. 
  2. At the same time, P3 makes a run toward the right side of the penalty box, aligning their position with P1. 
  3. P2 plays a firm return pass toward P1. 
  4. P1 acts as if they are going to take a touch or shoot. At the last second, they dummy the ball, letting it run past them, into the path of P3. 
  5. P3 takes a touch and finishes or shoots the first time. 
  6. Instruct players to make firm and accurate passes to ensure the drill runs smoothly. 
  7. P1 can let the run pass in front of them, behind them, or through their legs. 
  8. After completing the round, all outfield players join different lines. The next 3 players start the second round. 

Drill Variations

  • Switch the drill to the opposite side.
  • Set goal-scoring targets for the team. 
  • Focus on shooting with the left and right feet. 

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. 
One Touch Passing and Shooting
One Touch Passing and Shooting

Drill Instructions

  1. P1 starts the drill by playing a long pass to P2. 
  2. As soon as the first pass is played, P3 starts to run toward the box. 
  3. P2 takes a good first touch toward the endline or penalty box. 
  4. P2 times the run of P3 and crosses the ball to them, aiming for their feet or head. 
  5. P3 shoots or heads the ball first time on goal. 
  6. If you have a goalkeeper, instruct them not to compete for the crosses. They should only attempt to save the shots. 
  7. 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. 

Channel Possession: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Channel Possession
  • Session Length: 10 to 15 minutes
  • Age Group: 12+
  • Number of players: 10 (minimum)
  • Skills learned: Passing, movement, positioning, counter attacking 
  • Equipment: 10 cones, 1 ball, 2 goals 

Drill Setup

  • Use approximately half the length and the full width of the field for this drill. 
  • Extend the penalty box lines by placing cones all the way from the edge of the penalty box to the halfway line (or end of the playing field). This creates 3 separate sections (1 left, 1 center, and 1 right).
  • Set up 2 goals. If you have goalkeepers, use full-size goals. If not, small goals are fine.
  • Divide the team into groups of 5 outfield players. 
  • 5 attackers and 5 defenders occupy either end of the field. 
  • If you have goalkeepers, assign 1 goalkeeper to each team.
Channel Possession
Channel Possession

Drill Instructions

  1. The objective of this drill is to score against the opposition. However, the attacking team can only score if they have at least 1 player in every section. This encourages players to create space and use the entire width of the field. 
  2. The defending team must stay in the center section. 
  3. Encourage attacking players to switch the play where possible, creating space on the wings. Attackers can rotate positions freely. 
  4. If the defenders win possession, they are now the attacking team. They should counterattack quickly to score while the opposition is out of position. However, they must adopt the same rules, meaning they must have at least 1 player in every section to score. 
  5. The first team to score 3 goals wins. 

Drill Variations

  • Scale this drill up or down depending on the number of available players. 
  • Set time limits to score when teams are in possession. 
  • Set a minimum number of consecutive passes before a team can score. 

Multiphase Attacking Possession: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Multiphase Attacking Possession 
  • Session Length: 5 to 10 minutes
  • Age Group: 10+
  • Number of players: 8 (minimum)
  • Skills learned: Passing, movement, positioning, dribbling, finishing
  • Equipment: 4 cones, 1 ball, 1 goal

Drill Setup

  • Use the penalty box and surrounding area for this drill. 
  • If you have a goalkeeper, set up a full-size goal. If not, create a small goal using cones.
  • Divide the team into groups of 4. 
  • 4 attackers and 4 defenders participate at a time. 
  • The attackers form a circle outside the penalty box with the ball. 
  • 2 defenders stand inside the circle of attackers. 
  • 2 defenders wait inside the penalty box. 
Multiphase Drill
Multiphase Drill

Drill Instructions

  1. The drill starts as a passing rondo. The attackers try to complete 5 consecutive passes. 
  2. If the defenders win possession, they switch roles with the attackers. 
  3. Once a team completes 5 consecutive passes, the rondo defenders must stop trying to win the ball. 
  4. The attackers then take on the defenders inside the penalty box and try to score. They can pass, dribble, or shoot from wherever they like. 
  5. Encourage the attackers to be smart regarding their positional play, using their numerical mismatch to make space and create a high percentage of goal-scoring chances. 
  6. After each round, the attackers and defenders switch roles. 
  7. If there are more groups, rotate them after each round. 

Drill Variations

  • Limit the number of touches for attacking players. 
  • Add extra defenders to increase the difficulty for attackers. 
  • Create a competition to see which team can score the most goals. 
  • Scale this drill up or down depending on the number of available players. 

3 v 3 Attacking Waves: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: 3 v 3 Attacking Waves
  • Session Length: 10 to 15 minutes
  • Age Group: 10+
  • Number of players: 6 to 18
  • Skills learned: Positioning, tackling, and blocking
  • Equipment: 2 cones, 1 ball, 1 goal
See also  Competitive Soccer Drills (Aggression + Power)

Drill Setup

  • This drill takes place in the penalty box. 
  • If you have a goalkeeper, set up a full-size goal. If not, create a small 5-yard goal using cones.
  • Split the team into groups of 3.
  • 3 defenders start inside the penalty box. 
  • 3 attackers start outside the penalty box with the ball.
Attacking Waves
Attacking Waves

Drill Instructions

  1. On the coach’s signal, the drill begins as a 3 v 3, attack v defense scenario. 
  2. The attacking team has 15 seconds to score. 
  3. The attackers have unlimited touches and are permitted to pass, dribble, and shoot.
  4. The attackers cannot score from outside the penalty box. 
  5. Instruct the defenders to communicate effectively and work as a team to snuff out attacks. 
  6. Defenders can tackle, press, block, and intercept. 
  7. The wave is over if the attacker scores, the defense gains possession, or 15 seconds elapses.
  8. When the wave finishes, the defense has 5-seconds to get back into position before the next group of attackers starts the second wave. 
  9. The defense sustains 5 waves before they switch with another group. 
  10. Repeat the drill until all groups have defended 5 waves. 

Drill Variations

  • Get rid of the time limit. 
  • Introduce a maximum touch and/or minimum pass rule for attackers.
  • Adjust numbers to 2 v 2 or 4 v 4. 
  • Add extra attackers to create mismatches for the defensive groups.

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.
4 v 4 Penalty Box
4 v 4 Penalty Box

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.

Team Penalty Shootout: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Team Penalty Shootout
  • Session Length: 10 to 15 minutes
  • Age Group: All age groups
  • Number of players: 11 minimum (10 outfield players & 1 goalkeeper)
  • Skills learned: shooting, pressure, saving
  • Equipment: 1 ball, 1 goal

Drill Setup

  • Use the full penalty box for this drill.
  • Set up a full-size goal and mark the penalty spot.
  • This drill replicates a real 2 team penalty shootout. It works best with a high number of players. However, a minimum of 5 v 5 with a goalkeeper can work. 
  • Divide the team into 2 even groups. 
  • If you have multiple goalkeepers, assign them to each group. 
  • Instruct each group to line up together outside the penalty box. 
  • Host a coin toss to determine which team goes first. 
Team Penalty Shootout
Team Penalty Shootout

Drill Instructions

  1. The teams compete in a 5 shot, penalty shootout. 
  2. Each team takes turns taking penalties, with a different player shooting each time. 
  3. The shootout is decided in a best of 5, meaning the team with the most goals after 5 penalties each is the winner. 
  4. If the scores are tied after 5 penalties each, the shootout goes to sudden death. 
  5. In sudden death, each team takes 1 penalty per round. If both teams score, sudden death continues for another round. If both teams miss, sudden death continues for another round. If 1 team scores and the other misses, the team that scores win.
  6. Both teams must follow the same shooting order throughout sudden death. 
  7. For more practice, consider mixing up the teams ad repeating the drill.

Drill Variations

  • To increase pressure, introduce punishments for missing penalties, such as post-training sprints or push-ups. 
  • Instruct teams to line up at the halfway line to simulate the long walk to take a penalty during a shootout. 

Last Minute All-Out: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: Last minute hail mary
  • Session Length: 10 minutes
  • Age Group: 12+
  • Number of players: 10 
  • Skills learned: Long passing, heading, finishing, & positioning
  • Equipment: Full Field, 1 ball, 1 goal

Drill Setup

  • This drill is designed to help teams prepare for a last-ditch attempt to score after they have just conceded. 
  • The team lines up in an attacking formation, with the defenders, positioned further forward than usual, since they are typically the biggest and strongest in the air. 
  • The center back (D2 and D3) begin on the left side of the center circle, ready to create an overload. 
  • The wingers (W1 and W2) maintain central positions to act as facilitators if the play breaks down. 
  • Only the best passer (M1) and the left and right backs (D1 and D4) hold defensive positions. 
Last Minute All Out
Last Minute All Out

Drill Instructions

  1. S1 and S2 take the kick-off, before playing a pass back to M1.
  2. As soon as the first pass is played, D1 and D2 run down the left channel toward the edge of the box, keeping an eye on the kickers. 
  3. S1 and S2 sprint toward the box, anticipating a knockdown or flick-on. 
  4. W1 and W2 run forward but remain outside the penalty box in case the play breaks down.
  5. M2 runs toward the right side of the penalty box, looking to isolate a defender for a back post cross.
  6. D1 and D4 push forward slightly, providing passing options if M1 is closed down. 
  7. M1 lofts the ball toward D1 and D2.
  8. D1 and D2 attack the ball, flicking it onto their teammates who then work together to score. 

Drill Variations

  • Switch this drill to the opposite side of the field. 
  • Use opposition defenders or mannequins to simulate defenders’ positions.
  • If the passer has a strong kick, instruct players to make more central runs to crowd the penalty box. 

120 + SOCCER DRILLS

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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.

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