Top Youth Soccer Training Drills

Youth Soccer Training Drills

Youth soccer training drills are essential for developing young players’ skills and keeping them engaged. These drills not only enhance their technical abilities but also make practice fun and enjoyable. Here’s a look at some of the best drills to include in your training sessions.

Key Takeaways

• Drills like Passing In Doubles help players learn to control the ball and pass accurately.
• Goal Kicking drills excite young athletes by allowing them to practice scoring.
• Weaving Drills improve players’ agility and ball handling in tight spaces.
• Fun games like Sharks and Minnows teach teamwork and strategy while keeping players active.
• Consistent practice with these drills builds confidence and skill in youth soccer players.

1. Passing In Doubles

When we think about improving our soccer skills, getting comfortable with the ball is key. This drill is all about pairing up and practicing passing.

How to Set It Up

1. Find a partner: Pair up with a teammate.
2. Stand apart: Start a few steps away from each other, maybe about 10 feet.
3. Pass the ball: Use the inside of your foot to pass the ball back and forth.

Why It’s Important

This drill helps us learn how to receive the ball smoothly and pass it accurately. It’s all about making it easy for our partner to stop the ball and kick it forward.

Key Points to Remember

• Focus on using the inside of your foot for better control.
• Keep your eyes up to see your partner.
• Adjust your distance as you get better at passing.

Practicing together not only improves our skills but also builds teamwork!

Highlight

In this drill, we can think of it as a mini-game of 2 v 2 in a square. It’s a fun way to train dribbling and possession while working on our passing skills!

2. Goal Kicking

When it comes to youth soccer, goal kicking is a game-changer! This drill helps our players learn how to aim for specific spots in the goal, making them more versatile shooters. Here’s how we can set it up:

How to Play

1. Positioning: Each player starts two steps behind the ball, facing the goal.
2. Target Selection: They should pick a spot inside the net to aim for.
3. Execution: At the coach’s whistle, players step forward with their non-dominant foot and strike the ball with their dominant foot towards the target.
4. Repetition: Allow each player five attempts, changing the ball’s position slightly each time to simulate different angles.

Tips for Success

• Encourage players to choose a different target for each round.
• For older youth, have them practice with their opposite foot too.

This drill not only builds shooting skills but also helps players understand the importance of accuracy in scoring.

By practicing these steps, we can help our young athletes develop solid foundations for their future as a goalkeeper. Remember, the more they practice, the better they’ll get!

3. Stop To Turn

In this drill, we focus on teaching players how to quickly change direction while maintaining control of the ball. The stop and turn soccer dribbling relay race adds more competition and focus to stopping, turning, and changing direction. Here’s how we can set it up:

1. Setup: Organize players into groups of 2-3. Each group will need a ball and a designated area to practice.
2. Execution: One player starts dribbling the ball forward. When they reach a designated point, they must stop the ball using the bottom of their foot and pivot to change direction.
3. Relay Race: After turning, they dribble back to their starting point and tag the next player in line.

This drill not only helps with ball control but also encourages teamwork and speed.

Remember, mastering the stop and turn is crucial for evading defenders and creating space on the field!

4. Weaving Drills

Weaving drills are a fantastic way to improve our agility and ball control. These drills help us navigate through obstacles while keeping the ball close. Here’s how we can set up and execute some effective weaving drills:

1. Cone Weaving Drill: Set up a line of cones about 1-2 feet apart. We’ll dribble the ball in and out of the cones, focusing on keeping the ball close to our feet.
2. Zigzag Weave: Arrange cones in a zigzag pattern. As we dribble, we’ll change direction sharply at each cone, enhancing our ability to maneuver under pressure.
3. Partner Weave: Pair up with a teammate. One person will dribble through the cones while the other defends. This adds a competitive element and simulates game situations.

Drill Type	Focus Area	Duration
Cone Weaving	Ball Control	10 minutes
Zigzag Weave	Agility	10 minutes
Partner Weave	Decision Making	15 minutes

Weaving drills not only improve our skills but also make practice fun and engaging!

5. 3 Cone Dribble

When we think about improving our dribbling skills, the 3 Cone Dribble drill is a fantastic way to get started! This drill helps us work on our ball control and agility while having fun. Here’s how we can set it up and play:

Setting Up the Drill

1. Gather Your Cones: We need three cones to create a straight line, spaced about 5-10 feet apart.
2. Mark the Starting Point: We should start a few feet behind the first cone.
3. Get Ready to Dribble: Each player will need a soccer ball to begin.

How to Play

• Dribble Through the Cones: We’ll start at the first cone and dribble the ball to the second cone, weaving in and out as we go.
• Focus on Control: It’s important to keep the ball close to our feet while changing directions.
• Speed It Up: Once we feel comfortable, we can try to dribble faster through the cones!

Benefits of the Drill

• Improves Agility: This drill helps us become quicker on our feet.
• Enhances Ball Control: We learn to keep the ball close, which is crucial during a game.
• Fun Competition: We can time ourselves or race against friends to see who can complete the drill the fastest!

Remember, the key to mastering soccer dribbling drills is practice. The more we do it, the better we get!

6. Wolf Tail

Wolf Tail is a super fun drill that we can use to warm up our bodies before practice. In this game, we chase each other around and try to pull the “wolf tail” out from behind our shorts. This drill helps us improve our athleticism and positional awareness because we need to think quickly about both attacking and defending. Plus, it’s easy to set up and doesn’t need a lot of space!

How To Set Up The Drill

1. Gather at least four players to join in.
2. Use cones to mark a square area that fits the number of players. A smaller space can lead to more action!
3. Each player tucks a soccer pinney into the back of their shorts to create their wolf tail.

Objective

The goal of the game is to grab as many wolf tails as we can while keeping our own safe.

How To Play

• We can run anywhere inside the marked area, trying to snatch each other’s tails while protecting our own.
• If someone grabs our tail, we have to do a fun activity like sprinting around the field or doing jumping jacks before we can rejoin the game.
• The winner is the one who collects the most tails or we can play for a set time, like 3-5 minutes.

Wolf Tail is not just about fun; it’s also about teamwork and strategy!

So, let’s get out there and enjoy this exciting drill while improving our skills!

7. Red Light Green Light

This fun drill is a classic that we can play with players of all ages, from little ones to older kids. The Red Light, Green Light drill helps improve our dribbling, coordination, and agility while also introducing players to controlled body contact.

How to Set Up the Drill

• All players start on one sideline with a ball at their feet.
• The goal is to dribble to the opposite sideline while keeping close control of the ball.
• The coach should stand at least 15 yards away from the closest player.

Objective

The aim is to be the first player to dribble to the other sideline successfully.

How to Play

1. The players move based on the coach’s commands. When the coach shouts ‘yellow,’ we should dribble slowly towards them.
2. When the coach calls ‘green,’ we speed up our dribbling.
3. Finally, when the coach yells ‘red,’ we must freeze! After calling red, the coach turns around to catch any players still moving.
4. Anyone caught has to return to the starting sideline. The game continues until most players have made it to the opposite side.

This drill is not just about speed; it’s also about control and awareness of our surroundings.

By practicing this drill, we can enhance our skills while having a blast!

8. Space Wars

In this fun drill called Space Wars, we get to practice our dribbling and shooting skills while having a blast! The setup is simple: we create a grid and designate one player as the target (that’s usually the coach!). The rest of us will try to hit the target with the ball while dribbling around the grid. Here’s how we can make the most of it:

1. Set Up the Field: Mark out a square or rectangular area where we can all move freely.
2. Choose the Target: One player (or coach) stands in the middle as the target.
3. Start the Game: The rest of us dribble around, trying to kick the ball and hit the target. If we hit them, we score a point!

This drill not only helps us improve our accuracy but also keeps us engaged and excited. Plus, it’s a great way to work on our teamwork and communication skills.

Remember, the goal is to have fun while learning!

Here’s a quick look at what we can focus on during Space Wars:

Skill Focus	Description
Dribbling	Improve ball control while moving around.
Shooting	Work on accuracy by aiming for the target.
Teamwork	Communicate with teammates to set up shots.

So, let’s gear up and get ready for some galactic fun with Space Wars!

9. Duck Tails

Duck Tails is a super fun drill that helps us work on our dribbling skills while keeping our heads up. In this game, we need to watch our tails! The goal is to keep our soccer pinnies safe while trying to grab others’ tails. Here’s how we can set it up and play:

How to Set Up the Drill

1. Gather Players: We need at least four players to make it exciting.
2. Mark the Area: Use cones to create a square or rectangular playing area. The size can depend on how many players we have.
3. Get the Tails Ready: Each player tucks a pinnie into the back of their shorts, which acts as their tail.

How to Play

• Players run around the marked area trying to grab other players’ tails while protecting their own.
• If someone loses their tail, they must do a fun activity like jumping jacks or a quick sprint before rejoining the game.
• The game can last for a set time, like 3-5 minutes, or until one player collects all the tails.

Objective

The main goal is to grab as many tails as possible while keeping our own safe. This drill not only helps with athleticism but also teaches us to be aware of our surroundings.

Duck Tails is a great way to combine fun and skill-building in our practice!

10. Knockout

Knockout is one of those fun soccer drills that really gets everyone involved! In this game, we start with a line of players about 10 to 25 yards from the goal. The coach has a pile of balls at the corner of the 6-yard box, ready to go. The goal is to score while trying to knock out your friends!

How to Play

1. Players line up facing the goal, waiting for the coach to start.
2. The coach rolls or throws a ball into the mix, and everyone rushes to kick it into the goal.
3. If a player scores, they stay in the game. If they miss, they’re out until the next round.

Key Points

• Players learn to protect the ball and poke tackle their opponents’ balls.
• It’s a great way to practice shooting under pressure.
• The game encourages teamwork and friendly competition.

Knockout is not just about scoring; it’s about having a blast while improving our skills!

11. Half-Court Soccer

This fun drill is a great way to improve our teamwork and skills on the field. In this small-sided game, we play in half the space, which helps us focus on our attacking and defending abilities. It’s like basketball but with a soccer twist!

How to Play:

1. Set Up the Field: Mark a half-court area with cones.
2. Divide into Teams: Split players into two teams, aiming for 3-5 players each.
3. Game Rules: Play a regular soccer game but only in the designated half-court area. The focus is on quick passes and teamwork.

Benefits:

• Improves Communication: Players learn to talk and work together.
• Enhances Skills: We get to practice dribbling, passing, and shooting in a smaller space.
• Builds Fitness: The fast pace keeps everyone moving and engaged.

This drill is perfect for warming up and getting everyone involved. It’s a fun way to work on our skills while having a blast!

12. Juggling Horse

In this fun drill, we split into small groups and challenge each other to keep the ball in the air using our feet, thighs, or chests. If the ball touches the ground, the team gets a letter. Once a team spells out H-O-R-S-E, they’re out of the round. This game is not just about juggling; it’s about teamwork and having a blast!

Here’s how we can play Juggling Horse:

1. Form small teams of 3-5 players.
2. Start juggling the ball, using any part of the body except the hands.
3. Keep track of how many times the ball hits the ground to see who’s the best!

Team	Letters Spelled
Team A	H-O-R-S-E
Team B	H-O-R
Team C	H-O

This drill is a great way to improve our ball control while having fun together! Plus, it helps us learn to communicate better on the field.

Let’s get juggling and see who can keep the ball up the longest!

13. Two-Cone Drill

When it comes to soccer training, the Two-Cone Drill is a fantastic way to improve our foot skills. We can do so many variations with just two cones! This drill helps us practice using both our dominant and non-dominant feet, which is super important for becoming well-rounded players.

How to Set Up the Drill

1. Place two cones about 5-10 yards apart.
2. Choose a starting position for the player, either at one cone or in the middle.
3. Decide on the specific skill to practice, like dribbling, passing, or footwork.

Variations to Try

• Dribble between the cones: Focus on keeping the ball close and using different parts of our feet.
• Pass and move: Pass the ball to a teammate and then run to the other cone.
• Footwork patterns: Use different footwork techniques like inside-outside touches or toe taps.

This drill is not just about speed; it’s about control and precision. Let’s make sure we focus on our technique as we practice!

By incorporating the Two-Cone Drill into our training, we can really enhance our ball control and overall game performance!

14. Touches, Touches, And More Touches

When it comes to soccer, getting comfortable with the ball is key. This drill focuses on practicing different types of touches to help players improve their footwork. Here’s how we can break it down:

1. Toe Taps: Players tap the top of the ball with the soles of their feet, alternating feet.
2. L-Turns: Players use the inside of one foot to push the ball and then turn with the other foot.
3. Rolling Toe Taps: Players roll the ball back and forth using the soles of their feet.

We can set a goal for each type of touch, like aiming for 20 touches in a row. This helps players build their confidence and control.

Touch Type	Target Touches
Toe Taps	20
L-Turns	15
Rolling Toe Taps	25

Practicing these touches regularly will make players feel more at ease with the ball, which is essential for their development.

Let’s keep it fun and engaging, and remember, the more touches we get, the better we become!

15. Soccer Trainer

When it comes to youth soccer training, having the right tools can make a big difference. A soccer trainer is a fantastic piece of equipment for solo practice. It keeps the ball close, which is perfect for working on kicks and improving our first touch. Here’s why we think it’s a must-have:

• Enhances ball control: The trainer helps us practice our kicks without chasing the ball all over the place.
• Encourages repetition: We can keep practicing our shots and touches, which is key for skill development.
• Great for all ages: Whether we’re beginners or more advanced, it’s useful for everyone.

Using a soccer trainer can really boost our skills and confidence on the field. It’s like having a personal coach right at home!

In our library of soccer drills & games, we include everything you’ll need whether that’s shooting, dribbling, or passing for all age groups. So, let’s get out there and make the most of our youth soccer training drills!

16. Triangle Passing

This drill is a fantastic way to improve our passing skills while also working on movement and teamwork. Triangle Passing helps us develop quick decision-making under pressure.

How to Set Up the Drill

1. Gather four players and create a triangle using three cones, spaced about 20 feet apart.
2. Position three players a few feet outside each cone, with the fourth player standing behind one of them.
3. We’ll need just one soccer ball, but having a backup is smart for quick restarts.

How to Play

• Player 1 starts by passing the ball to Player 2 and then runs towards Player 2’s position.
• Player 4 moves in to fill Player 1’s spot.
• Player 2 receives the ball with one foot and passes it to Player 3 with the other foot, then sprints to Player 3’s position.
• The drill continues in a clockwise direction, keeping the pace quick and the passes sharp.

Objectives

• This drill is great for practicing ball control and making accurate passes before moving to the next cone.
• It encourages players to communicate and work together, which is essential for effective midfield play.

Remember, the key to success in this drill is to keep our heads up and make quick decisions!

17. Possession

In this drill, we focus on keeping the ball and making quick decisions. Possession is key in soccer, and this exercise helps us practice that. Here’s how we can set it up:

1. Create a grid: Set up a small area where players can move freely.
2. Divide into teams: Split the players into two teams. One team will try to keep the ball while the other tries to take it away.
3. Set a time limit: Give each team a few minutes to see how long they can maintain possession.

Objectives

• Improve ball control
• Enhance teamwork
• Develop quick thinking under pressure

How to Play

• The team with the ball must pass it among themselves without losing it to the other team.
• The defending team should work together to apply pressure and try to win the ball back.
• If the defending team wins the ball, they switch roles and try to keep possession.

This drill not only helps us with our passing but also teaches us how to work together as a team.

Key Points to Remember

• Stay close to your teammates.
• Move to open spaces to receive the ball.
• Communicate with each other to make quick passes.

By practicing possession, we can learn how to control the game and create more scoring opportunities. Let’s get out there and keep that ball moving!

18. Pass And Move

This drill is all about keeping the ball moving and making sure everyone is involved. It’s a fantastic way to improve our passing skills while also getting us to think about our positioning.

How to Set Up the Drill

1. Create a circle with cones, about 10-12 yards in diameter.
2. Have one player stand in the middle while the others spread out around the edge.
3. The player in the middle starts with the ball and passes it to someone on the outside.

How to Play

• After passing, the player in the middle runs to fill the space left by the player they passed to.
• The receiving player must control the ball and pass it to another player before moving to the middle.
• This continues in a clockwise direction, keeping the pace quick and the passes sharp.

Objectives

• This drill helps us practice quick and accurate passing.
• It encourages us to keep our heads up and be aware of our teammates’ positions.
• We learn to make space for each other, which is crucial in a game.

Remember, the key to this drill is to stay engaged and keep moving. The more we practice, the better we get!

Key Takeaways

• Pass and move is essential for teamwork.
• Always be ready to receive the ball.
• Keep the energy high and have fun!

By incorporating this drill into our training, we can develop our passing skills and improve our overall game. Let’s keep practicing and make those passes count!

19. Fundamental Running Lines

When it comes to soccer, running is a big deal! Since players can cover about 6 miles in a game, we need to make sure our running technique is on point. Here’s how we can help our young players improve their endurance and speed while keeping it fun:

1. Warm-Up Laps: Start by gathering everyone in a straight line and have them run a few laps around the field. This gets the blood pumping!
2. Sprinting Practice: Call out players’ names randomly and have them sprint to the front of the line. This helps us check their form and give tips to run faster.
3. Backpedaling Drills: Teach players to backpedal while keeping their heads up. This helps them stay aware of the game while moving backward.

Making running a positive part of practice is key to training soccer to youth players.

By focusing on these fundamental running lines, we can help our players build stamina and improve their overall performance on the field. Let’s keep it engaging and watch them thrive!

20. Backpedal

Backpedaling is a super important skill in soccer that helps us stay balanced and ready to react. When we practice this drill, we learn to move quickly while keeping our eyes on the ball. Here’s how we can do it:

1. Start Position: We begin by standing with our feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and ready to move.
2. Movement: As we backpedal, we should keep our head up to see the field and the ball. This helps us stay aware of our surroundings.
3. Practice: We can set up cones to mark a distance and practice backpedaling to them. This will help us improve our speed and control.

Key Points to Remember:

• Always keep your knees bent.
• Use short, quick steps to maintain balance.
• Keep your eyes on the ball and the field.

Practicing backpedaling not only helps us defensively but also improves our overall agility on the field.

In summary, backpedaling is a fun and effective way to enhance our soccer skills. Let’s make sure to include it in our training sessions!

21. Sharks And Minnows

How to Set Up the Drill

To kick things off, we need to create a grid that’s about 15×20 yards. This size can change based on how many players we have and their skill levels. We’ll pick two players to be the “sharks” and have them start in the middle of the field without a ball. The rest of the players, known as the “minnows,” will line up with their balls at one end of the grid.

How to Play

The goal for the minnows is to dribble their balls from one end of the grid to the other while avoiding the sharks. The sharks will try to kick the minnows’ balls out of the area. If a minnow loses their ball, they become a shark too! The last minnow standing wins the game. This drill is a fantastic way to practice dribbling and evasion skills!

Key Points to Remember

• Grid Size: Adjust based on player count and skill.
• Roles: Two sharks and the rest are minnows.
• Objective: Minnows must reach the opposite side without losing their ball.

This game not only helps with dribbling but also makes practice super fun!

22. Cone Chase

Cone Chase is a super fun drill that helps us work on our dribbling skills while also getting a good workout. We love how this drill encourages quick thinking and agility! Here’s how we can set it up and play:

How to Set Up

1. Place cones in a large area, creating a grid or scattered pattern.
2. Choose a few players to be the “chasers” while the rest are the “runners”.
3. The runners start at the cones, and the chasers stand in the middle.

How to Play

• When the coach says “Go!”, the runners must dribble from one cone to another while avoiding the chasers.
• If a chaser tags a runner, that runner becomes a chaser too!
• The game continues until all runners are tagged.

Benefits of Cone Chase

• Improves dribbling skills: Players learn to control the ball while moving quickly.
• Enhances spatial awareness: We get better at understanding where we are on the field and how to avoid defenders.
• Encourages teamwork: Players can strategize together to avoid being tagged.

Cone Chase is not just about speed; it’s about mastering space and movement for young players. Youth soccer spacing drills help young players learn how to spread out on the field, improve passing, and avoid bunching around the ball. These drills teach us to be aware of our surroundings and make better decisions on the field!

23. Pac Man

This drill is a fun way to get our players moving while practicing their ball skills. It’s a great mix of fun and learning! Here’s how we set it up:

How to Set Up the Drill

1. Create a grid: Mark out a suitable size grid based on how many players we have.
2. Choose the Pac Man: 2 to 3 players start with a ball, and these are the Pac Man.
3. Set the ghosts: The rest of the players are the “ghosts” and they don’t have a ball.

How to Play

• The Pac Man players try to tag the ghosts or hit them with their ball below the ghost’s knee.
• The ghosts move around the grid, trying to avoid being tagged.
• If a ghost gets tagged or hit, they become a Pac Man too!
• The game continues until there are no ghosts left. Then, we can switch it up with a new set of Pac Man starters.

This drill not only helps with ball control but also encourages teamwork and quick thinking.

Let’s keep it fun and engaging, and remember, the more we practice, the better we get!

24. Technical Circle

The Technical Circle drill is a fantastic way to work on various skills all at once. It combines throw-ins, juggling, and passing into one fun activity! We can set this up as a warm-up or even turn it into a friendly competition among players. Here’s how we can do it:

1. Form a Circle: Players stand in a circle, spaced out evenly.
2. Start with Juggling: One player starts by juggling the ball and then passes it to another player.
3. Add Challenges: As players get comfortable, we can add challenges like using only one foot or juggling before passing.

This drill not only helps with mastering the rondo, but it also sharpens our passing and decision-making skills. It’s a great way to keep everyone engaged and improve their game!

25. 1 V 1 With Odds And Evens

In this fun drill, we start by giving each player a number. Odd-numbered players line up on one side of the goal, while the even-numbered players take their place on the other side. Everyone sits down with their backs to the field, and the coach stands in the middle with a bunch of soccer balls ready to go.

When the coach calls out an odd and an even number, those players jump up and race to get the ball. The goal is to score for their team! It’s important to remind everyone that there’s no set offense or defense here; once they get the ball, they should head straight for the goal. This drill is great for building a no-quit attitude and helps improve listening skills too.

Key Points:

• Assign numbers to players before starting.
• Odd players on one side, even players on the other.
• Players must listen for their number and react quickly.

This drill not only enhances decision-making but also encourages teamwork and quick thinking on the field!

Wrapping It Up

So there you have it! These youth soccer drills are not just about improving skills; they’re also a blast for the kids. When players are having fun, they learn faster and enjoy the game more. Remember, the key is to mix skill-building with enjoyment. Keep things lively, and your practice sessions will be something the kids look forward to. With a little creativity and planning, you can make every practice a fun adventure that helps your players grow. Now, get out there and kick some goals!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some fun soccer drills for kids?

There are many enjoyable soccer drills for kids, like passing in pairs, dribbling through cones, and playing games like Sharks and Minnows.

How can I help my child improve their soccer skills?

Encourage regular practice with fun drills, focus on basic skills like passing and dribbling, and ensure they play with friends.

What equipment do I need for youth soccer drills?

Basic equipment includes a soccer ball, cones for marking, and some pinnies or jerseys to distinguish teams.

How often should kids practice soccer drills?

It’s good for kids to practice at least two to three times a week, mixing drills with fun games to keep them engaged.

What age is best to start soccer training?

Kids can start soccer training as early as 4 or 5 years old, focusing on fun and basic skills.

Are there drills to improve teamwork in soccer?

Yes, drills like possession games and small-sided matches help kids learn teamwork while having fun.