Teamwork Soccer Drills (Position Team Play)

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Individuals have moments of brilliance but teams win games. Work together for success with your team. Use the drills in this list to improve your linkup play, understanding, and teamwork.

When working with your players, match up players that play in the same area of the field and rotate them. Two midfielders need to know how each other plays, and also linking players like fullback and winger.

Soccer teams lined up before a game

Teamwork Soccer Drills (Position Team Play)

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. 

Pass Around The Square Soccer Drill
Pass Around The Square Soccer Drill

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:

  1. Child A starts with the ball. 
  2. Pass the ball to child B, who will receive the ball, and play to child C. 
  3. Each player follows their pass and waits at that cone.
  4. Instruct players to “show” for the ball by popping off the cone. 
  5. Focus on body position, opening up to receive, and play in 2 touches. 
  6. Complete the drill in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise). 
  7. 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.
Pass Move and Shuffle
Pass Move and Shuffle

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.

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. 
Midfield Attacking Sequence
Midfield Attacking Sequence

Drill Instructions

  1. P2 starts with the ball at the center field. P1 stands at the second cone with their back to the goal. 
  2. The defender (D1) stands behind P1, applying some pressure as they receive, pass, and turn, simulating an in-game midfield scenario.
  3. P1 begins the drill by playing a quick “one-two” (return pass) with P2.
  4. P1 must hold off the defender while playing the return pass. 
  5. The defender applies some pressure but doesn’t attempt to win possession.
  6. After playing the ball back to P2, P1 spins toward the goal and sprints to the penalty box. 
  7. P2 then plays a 25-yard pass to P3 next to the sideline. 
  8. P3 dribbles along the sideline into the crossing grid and crosses the ball into the penalty box toward P1. 
  9. P1 takes a shot on goal. 
  10. 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.

Defending The Goal: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

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

Drill Setup

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

Drill Instructions

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

Drill Variations

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

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. 
Defending Crosses
Defending Crosses

Drill Instructions

  1. P1 and P2 position themselves in the penalty box, anticipating a cross from the wing. 
  2. Attackers line up behind the cone near the sideline. 
  3. P3 dribbles into the small square before crossing the ball into the penalty box. 
  4. P1 and P2 work together to clear the ball away from the goal. 
  5. P1 and P2 must communicate effectively to ensure one of them gets the ball out of the danger zone. 
  6. Defenders should head, volley, or simply kick the ball away. 
  7. 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.
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.

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.
See also  Warm Up Soccer Drills (Before Games)
Dutch Style Passing
Dutch Style Passing

Drill Instructions

  1. P1 starts the drill by playing a low, firm pass to P2. 
  2. As soon as P1 passes the ball, they run toward P3 and call for the return pass. 
  3. P2 plays a quick, first-time (if possible) return pass to P1. 
  4. While on the move, P1 receives the return pass and plays a first-time (if possible) pass to P3. 
  5. P3 takes a touch to control the ball then plays a low, firm, pass to P4.
  6. As soon as P3 passes the ball, they sprint toward the penalty box and call for the return pass. 
  7. P4 plays a threaded pass in front of P3. 
  8. P3 receives the pass on the move, dribbles into the box, and shoots on goal. 
  9. 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.

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)
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.

2 v 2 Inside The Box: Soccer Drill

Drill Outline

  • Drill Name: 2 v 2 Inside The Box
  • Session Length: 10 minutes
  • Age Group: 10+
  • Number of players: 8 (minimum)
  • Skills learned: Marking, tackling, and blocking
  • Equipment: 1 ball, 1 goal

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 pairs. 
  • 1 pair is designated as the defensive team (D1 + D2) and another as the attacking team (P1 + P”). 
  • D1 + D2 and P1 + P2 begin the drill inside the penalty box. 
  • The attackers start with their back to goal. 
  • The defenders mark them appropriately. 
  • At least 3 players from the remaining groups line up outside the penalty box, one of them starting with the ball. 
2 v 2 Inside The Box
2 v 2 Inside The Box

Drill Instructions

  1. On the coach’s signal, the game goes live. 
  2. P1 and P2 attempt to get free to receive the ball from the player outside the box. 
  3. D1 and D2 mark the attackers closely, trying to stop them from receiving the outside pass. 
  4. The attackers and defenders must stay inside the box. 
  5. When the attackers receive the ball, they work together and try to score. 
  6. The defenders attempt to stop them. 
  7. The attackers can pass to the players outside the penalty box to recycle possession. 
  8. The players outside the penalty box cannot shoot or score. 
  9. The round is over if the attackers score, shoot the ball wide or over the crossbar, or if the defenders win possession.
  10. The pair that wins the round continues as the defensive team.

Drill Variations

  • Create a time limit for each round. 
  • Limit the number of times the attackers can recycle possession with the outside group.
  • Add a third attacker to make things difficult for the defense.

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.
See also  Competitive Soccer Drills (Aggression + Power)

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. 

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. 

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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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