Short/Long Passing Drills And Receiving (Vision)

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Passing in soccer is the skill that players do the most. So it’s important to have this as a priority when practicing soccer. Then second to passing is receiving the ball, which you will also do.

We’ve got a huge list of passing soccer drills for you to enjoy.

Soccer player passing the ball during a game

Passing and Receiving Drills

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.

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 Through the Gates: Soccer Drill

Age Range: 6-10
Length of Session: 10 mins
Number of Players: any
Skills to Learn: passing, communication
Equipment: balls and cones, optional pinnies

Description: Players must pass the ball through a gate to their teammate to earn a point.

Drill Set-up:

Set up a large space based on the number of players you have and their ages.
Randomly place gates using cones. Gates should be about 3 meters.
Give each player a partner.
Optional: use pinnies to distinguish groups.
Each group of 2 gets 1 ball.

Pass Through the Gates Soccer Drill — Pass Through The Gates Soccer Drill

Drill Instructions:

Kids must dribble around the area and pass through the gates to their partners.
Each successful pass through the gate earns one point.
Kids cannot go through the same gate twice in a row.
Challenge your players to see who gets the most passes in a set time or who can complete all gates first.
Keep each round to 60 seconds or less.
Challenge older players to use their weaker foot or complete the drill with smaller gates.

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 and Move Awareness: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Pass and move awareness drill
Session Length: 3 to 5 mins
Number of players: Minimum of 8 players broken into 4 groups
Skills learned: passing, quick movement, first touch, and awareness
Equipment: 4 cones, 2 balls

Drill Setup

Position 4 cones to create a tilted square. The 4 corners should be 10 yards apart from each other.
Split the training squad into 4 even groups, with each group lining up at a separate cone.
3 to 4 players per group is optimal. There must be a minimum of 2 in each group.

Drill Instructions

P1 and P3 start with the balls at their feet.
P1 plays a low, firm pass to P2. After playing the pass, the player jogs to the back of the line on their right.
Then, P3 passes the ball to P4. When the pass is played, the player joins the end of the line to their right.
P2 and P4 take one touch the control the ball, before playing a return pass to the next player in the group they received the ball from.
After playing the pass, the players jog to the back of the line to their right.
As the passing lanes intersect in the middle of the square, players must time their passes precisely to avoid the balls from accidentally colliding.

Drill Variations

Introduce limits on the number of touches. Start out with no limits, then gradually reduce it to 2 touches.
Instruct players to use their weaker foot for a certain number of passes.
Set targets for successive completed passes.

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.

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.

Zig-Zag Passing: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Zig-Zag Passing
Session Length: 5 minutes
Age Group: 10+
Number of players: 7 to 18
Skills learned: Short, medium, and long-distance passing
Equipment: 1 ball (minimum), 7 cones

Drill Setup

Use half a training field for this drill.
Set up cones as shown in the graphic, using the lines on the field as a guide.
The precise distance between cones isn’t important. The most important factor is that there are different distances between some of the cones to focus on different passing ranges.
Split the team into 6 groups and line them up behind the cones. There must be at least 2 players at the P1 position to begin with.

Drill Instructions

P1 starts by playing a low, hard pass to P2.
P2 takes a touch and passes to P3.
P3 takes a touch and then plays a medium distance, low, hard pass to P4.
P4 takes a touch and then plays a medium distance, low, hard pass to P5.
P5 takes a touch then plays a low, hard pass to P6.
P6 takes a touch and then plays a long pass to the P1 position. P6 can put height and power on this pass as it must travel the entire width of the field.
Each player follows their pass to the next position.
The drill is repeated on a loop, ensuring all players practice different passing distances.

Drill Variations

Set a timer for each round and challenge players to beat it.
Encourage players to play first-time passes if possible.
Focus on weak foot passing for multiple rounds.
Instruct all players to move before receiving a pass. This simulates getting free from a marker during a game. Shoulder checks and directional feints are suitable movements.

Agility Passing Weave: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Agility Passing Weave
Session Length: 10 minutes
Age Group: all ages
Number of players: 5 (minimum)
Skills learned: Sprinting, changing direction, back peddling, 1-touch passing
Equipment: 5 cones, 4 balls

Drill Setup

Create a square grid using cones positioned 5 to 10 yards apart.
Place 1 cone 5 yards perpendicular to any corner of the grid to indicate the starting point.
4 players stand 5 yards outside each corner of the grid. Each of these players has a ball at their feet.
P1 and any remaining players line up behind the starting cone.

Drill Instructions

On the coach’s signal, P1 sprints to, then around the first cone and faces P2.
P1 calls for the ball.
P2 plays a quick give-and-go pass with P1.
P1 sprints, then around the next cone, repeating the process until they complete the entire square grid.
The next player may begin when P1 reaches the second cone.
Rotate player roles occasionally, giving all players a chance to complete the drill.
The focus of this drill is quick movements. Sharp turns to simulate getting free from a defender to receive a pass.
Encourage players to be vocal, calling for a pass as they would in a real game scenario.

Drill Variations

Focus on the players’ left and right feet each round, ensuring they practice with both.
Instead of a give-and-go pass, practice headers, volleys, or chest control.
Increase the passing distance for higher-skilled players.
Create competition by timing each player’s round.

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.

Give & Go Passing Squares: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Give & Go Passing Squares
Session Length: 5 to 10 minutes
Age Group: all ages
Number of players: 5 (per square)
Skills learned: Give & go passing, moving, awareness, concentration
Equipment: 1 ball (per square), 4 cones (per square)

Drill Setup

Divide the team into groups of 5.
Set up a 4-cone square grid for each group. All cones should be around 5 yards apart.
P1 and P5 stand behind 1 cone. All other players stand behind separate cones.
P1 begins with the ball at their feet.

Drill Instructions

P1 starts the drill by playing a pass to P2. The pass must travel along the outside of the square.
P1 follows their pass and heads toward P2’s cone.
P2 plays a first-time pass in front of P1 to the inside of the square, then starts to run toward P3’s cone along the outside of the square.
P1 plays a first-time pass to P2 and then stands behind P2’s original cone.
P2 plays a pass along the outside of the square to P3 then continues to run toward the cone.
P3 plays a first-time pass in front of P2 to the inside of the square, then starts to run toward P4’s cone along the outside of the square.
P2 plays a return pass to P3 and then takes P3’s original starting position.
These steps are continuously repeated, creating a constant passing loop.

Drill Variations

Occasionally change the direction of the drill.
Set consecutive passing targets.
If you have multiple groups, create a competition to see which team can accumulate the most consecutive passes.

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.

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.

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.

4v4 Mini Goals Soccer Drill SoccerBlade.com

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.

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.

Drill Instructions

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.
The defending team must stay in the center section.
Encourage attacking players to switch the play where possible, creating space on the wings. Attackers can rotate positions freely.
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.
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.

Progressive Passing Drill: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Progressive passing drill
Session Length: 10 to 15 minutes
Age Group: 10+
Number of players: 10 to 12
Skills learned: Passing, movement, awareness,
Equipment: 6 cones, 1 ball

Drill Setup

Create a 20-yard, 4-cone square grid. Split the grid into 2 sections using 2 more cones.
Elect 8 players to perform as attackers, and 2 as defenders.
P1 and P2 stand outside the grid on one end, with P3 and P4 outside the grid on the other end.
P5 and P6 begin inside the grid on one side, with P7 and P8 on the other side.
D1 occupies the same space as P5 and P6. D2 occupies the same space as P7 and P8.

Drill Instructions

Throughout this drill, all players must stay in their designated spaces.
Players cannot pass the ball through any section. The ball must travel through each individual section to score.
On the coach’s signal, P1 starts by playing the ball to P5 or P6.
P5 and P6 work together to play the ball into the next section to P7 and P8. They can play the ball back to P1 and P2 to recycle possession.
When P7 and P8 receive possession, they work together to play the ball to P3 and P4. They can play the ball back to P5 and P6, but not back to P1 and P2.
D1 and D2 (in black) tackle, block, and try to regain possession.
If the defenders win back the ball, the attackers must restart with P1 and P2.
Each time the attackers successfully play the ball from one side to the other, they score a point.
Run the drill for 2 to 3 minutes then rotate player roles.

Drill Variations

Add an extra defender to both center sections.
Create competition by tracking how many points each group scores.
Reduce or increase the size of the grid to accommodate players’ skill levels.
Limit the number of touches per player inside the grid.
If attacking players are struggling, instruct the defenders to play passively with no tackling.
This drill is designed for 10 to 12 players but it can be scaled up or down depending on numbers. Consider increasing the size of the grid if you have a large training squad.

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.

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.

Midfield Attacking Sequence: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

Drill Name: Midfield Attacking Sequence
Session Length: 5 to 10 minutes
Number of players: 4 to 16
Skills learned: Receiving the ball under pressure, quick passing, dribbling, and crossing
Equipment: 7 cones, 1 ball, and goalposts

Drill Setup

Half a soccer field is the perfect space for this drill.
Set up the drill as shown in the graphic.
Place 1 cone near the center of the field to indicate the starting point.
Place 1 cone 5 yards in front of the first cone, toward the goal.
Place 1 cone 25 yards to the right of the second cone, toward the sideline.
Create a square crossing zone in front of the third cone, next to the penalty box.
Set up a full-size goal.
Split the team into 2 groups, with wingers and full-backs lining up on the wing and other players lining up in the center of the field.

Drill Instructions

P2 starts with the ball at the center field. P1 stands at the second cone with their back to the goal.
The defender (D1) stands behind P1, applying some pressure as they receive, pass, and turn, simulating an in-game midfield scenario.
P1 begins the drill by playing a quick “one-two” (return pass) with P2.
P1 must hold off the defender while playing the return pass.
The defender applies some pressure but doesn’t attempt to win possession.
After playing the ball back to P2, P1 spins toward the goal and sprints to the penalty box.
P2 then plays a 25-yard pass to P3 next to the sideline.
P3 dribbles along the sideline into the crossing grid and crosses the ball into the penalty box toward P1.
P1 takes a shot on goal.
Rotate the defensive player every 2 to 3 rounds.

Drill Variations

Switch the crossing grid to the opposite side of the field.
Introduce a defender in the penalty box.
Create a contest between the 2 groups to see which team scores the most goals.

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)

Drill Instructions

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.
P2 starts the drill at the center field by playing a 5-year pass to P1.
P1 takes a touch to control the ball, then holds off the defender (D1) before playing a return pass to P2.
Immediately after the return pass, P1 spins the defender and makes a forward run toward the back post.
Concurrently, P3 starts their forward run along the sideline.
After receiving the return ball, P2 plays a through pass behind the gate in front of P3.
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.
P3 dribbles toward the end line.
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.
At the by-line, P3 crosses the ball to meet the run of P1.
P1 finishes the cross inside the 6-yard box.
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.

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.

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.

Drill Instructions

The drill starts as a passing rondo. The attackers try to complete 5 consecutive passes.
If the defenders win possession, they switch roles with the attackers.
Once a team completes 5 consecutive passes, the rondo defenders must stop trying to win the ball.
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.
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.
After each round, the attackers and defenders switch roles.
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.

120 + SOCCER DRILLS

Soccer drills for every aspect of the game, head over to our free Soccer Drills Hub …

DRILLS HUB

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.