Four Corner Fitness Drill

Published 11/21/2009 10:44:27 AM

The Four-Corner Fitness Drill is a great soccer fitness drill designed to improve lateral speed and agility required in soccer. Setup: Set four cones in a grid that is 15X15 yards. Instructions: Start at cone 1 and sprint to cone 2. Shuffle to cone 3. Backpedal to cone 4. Shuffle back to cone 1. Shuffle across the grid to cone 3. Backpedal to cone 4. Then sprint past cone 2. Repeat 4 to 5 times with 1 to 2 minute rest between reps. Coaching Points: Low center of gravity when moving laterally and backwards. Focus on quick starts, fast change of direction and speed.

Indoor Shooting Drill

Indoor Soccer Shooting Drill, Indoor Shooting Drill,
Drill Objective:
This is a great indoor soccer shooting drill to use while practicing indoors. This indoor soccer shooting drill also touches on dribbling, passing, using the walls, and finally shooting on goal.

Drill Setup:
1. 2. 3. 4. Split the team into two even groups on opposite corners of the indoor soccer field. Everyone should have a ball. Place 2 goalkeepers in each of the goals. Set up 4 cones about 4-5 feet from the ball and about 5 yards apart along one side of the field stretching about of the length of the field. These cones will be used for wall passes. 5. On the opposite side of the field, set up 6-8 cones up for the players to dribble through. These cones will be used to dribble through.

Drill Instructions:
Wall Passes 1. The players on the side set up for wall passes will dribble towards the first cone, knock the ball off the wall around the cone, collect the ball on the run and proceed to the next cone. 2. This player continues until the last cone on their side is wall-passed around. 3. Once the final cone is reached the player should have one touch towards goal and then shoot on target. 4. Switch lines after the shot. Dribble Through Cones 1. The players on the side set up for dribbling through the cones should start at the same time the player on the wall passing line starts. This player dribbles in and out of the cones until they reach the end of the cones. 2. At this point, the player passes to the coach who plays the ball back to the player for a shot on goal. 3. After the shot they should switch lines and the pattern should continue.

Drill Coaching Points:

1. Focus on good control while dribbling through the cones. 2. Good pace on the ball off the wall on the wall-pass. 3. Quick touch and shot on target.

Drill Variations
If you only have half of the indoor soccer field, modify the drill to wall-pass on sides, and dribble through the cones across the middle of the field and finish with a shot.

Possession Game
pass, possession, passing possession, passing, soccer, drill
Published 7/6/2011 10:13:29 AM

Drill Objective:
This is a great passing drill that focuses on holding possession and completing a series of passes. This possession passing drill will work on awareness, speed of play, support, and movement to maintain possessino.

Drill Setup:
Create a grid approximately 40 yards x 30 yards. Split players into 2 even teams with two other players as neutral players. The neutral players are positioned at the endline on each end of the field.

Drill Instructions:
The two teams attempt to hold possession from each other within the grid. To score a goal, a team must make 5 or more consecutive passes to their teammates and then must make the 6th pass to either of the neutral players. If the ball is touched or won by the opposition, the pass count is reset. Once the neutral player receives a scoring pass they must pass the ball in one touch to the team that scored and their pass count is reset. Play to 10 and make the losing team do pushups or situps.

Drill Coaching Points:

Awareness - make sure players keep their heads up, and know where their teammates are at all time. This will allow the passer to play quicker and pass to the open player. Speed of play - make sure players are playing quickly. The speed of supporting players as well as the player on the ball will dictate the overall speed of play. Quality Support from Teammates - Teammates must support the player receiving the pass before the pass is received. The player with the ball needs at least 2 players giving him direct support and at least 1 player giving him indirect support by stretching the field and creating space. Movement - Players should continiously be make runs to create space and time when receiving passes. Evade defenders - Make quick change of direction, change of speed runs to escape defenders and create space to receive a pass.

Drill Variations

Restrict players touch to 2-touches or 1-touch. If a player exceeds the max number of touches they lose possession.

Combination Shooting Rotation Drill

Soccer, Combination, Shooting, Rotation, Drill, Shooting Drills
Drill Objective:
This soccer shooting and finishing drill focuses on combination play and build-up before getting the shot off. It is a great shooting soccer drill to focus on burying the ball with a shot after a small combination play.

Drill Setup:

With two goals facing each other about 30 yards apart, place a goalkeeper in each goal. Set three flags at midfield on the left, center, and right sides of the field. On the left and right flags, place a cone 5 yards past the flags and set a player at each of these cones. Two players should start at the center flag, one player for each side of the drill. The remaining players should start along the endline with a ball each.

Drill Instructions:
Player 1 plays a ball into player 2. Player 2 checks to the ball and plays it back to player 1. Player 1 plays the ball into player 3. Player 3 lays off a ball to player 2. Player 2 has a timed run around the flag and shoots 1st time on goal. All players rotate forward one position (Player 1 becomes Player 2, Player 2 Becomes Player 3, Player 3 shags the ball).

Drill Coaching Points:

Good solid passes, play in 1 touch if possible. Good timed movement and runs (don't get there too early). Player prepping the touch for the shooter should simply lay the ball off for a good 1 time shot. Good shooting form leaning forward through the ball, and landing on the kicking foot.

Drill Variations
Limit all passes and touches to ONE-TOUCH.

4v2 Angle of Support

4v2, soccer, early, support, supporting players
Drill Objective:
This 4v2 soccer game will help perfect early support, movement without the ball, and good angle and distance of support.

Drill Setup:
Create two 18X18 grids with one common side. Split into 2 groups of 4 players (4 red and 4 yellow). Place 4 red and 2 yellow players in one grid

and the remaining 2 yellow players in the other grid. The 2 yellow players in the red grid will start as defenders.

Drill Instructions:
Play a 4v2 in the first grid, focus on early support, good angles, good distance, and giving the player with the ball at least 2 passing options at all times. The defender's objective is to gain possession and pass to a teammate in the other grid. If this happens, that 2 defenders join their team in the new grid. The person who caused the turnover along with one other teammate joins the new grid as defenders. Play 4v2 and repeat this pattern. This game should be very dynamic and players should be moving at all times. Even the players waiting in the opposite grid should be moving to put themselves in a good supporting role.

Drill Coaching Points:

Early support - start supporting before the ball is received. Good angle - support in undefended space where the pass cannot be intercepted by the defender. Move without the ball Support both sides of the attacker with the ball. Focus on a good first touch in space towards a supporting player. Use deception when playing.

Drill Variations

v1 Early Support
soccer, early, support, supporting players
Drill Objective:
This soccer drill focuses on supporting the player with the ball including early support, moving without the ball, and good angle and distance of support.

Drill Setup:
Create two 12X12 grids with one common side. Split into 2 groups of 3

players (3 red and 3 yellow). Place3 red and 1 yellow player in one grid and the remaining 2 yellow players in the other grid.The single yellow player in the red grid will start as defender.

Drill Instructions:
Play a 3v1 in the first grid, focus on early support, good angles, good distance, and giving the player with the ball two passing options. The defender's objective is to gain possession and pass to a player on their team in the other grid. If this happens, that defender joins his team in the grid and the person who caused the turnover also joins the grid and becomes defender. In the new grid play 3v1 again.

Drill Coaching Points:

1. Early support - start supporting before the ball is received. 2. Good angle - support in undefended space where the pass cannot be intercepted by

the defender. 3. Move without the ball 4. Support both sides of the attacker with the ball. 5. Focus on a good first touch in space towards a supporting player. 6. Use deception when playing.

Drill Variations

limit the number of touches

Passing to Beat the Defender

Passing to Beat the Defender
Drill Objective:
This game is to focus on passing to beat the defender. This 2v2 game works on passing and moving and finding open space between the two endline defenders to pass to the space behind the defenders.

Drill Setup:
Create a grid approximately 25X30 yards. Split the team into 2 teams of 4 players. 2 players from each team will

play in the middle of the grid while the other 2 players defend their assigned endline. The coach should have a large supply of soccer balls.

Drill Instructions:
The coach plays a ball into a team of who holds possession from the other team and plays 2v2. The remaining 2 players from each team defends their assigned endline. The endline players can move from side to side along the end line, however, they are not able to enter the grid. To score, the team in possession must make a pass no higher than knee high past the opponents defending the endline. Each time a team is scored on, the endmen rotate with attackers.

Drill Coaching Points:

Make sure players are actually passing the ball rather than just kicking. Passes must have good pace and played to space. Players must move in order to help the passing player keep possession. Make sure players are playing balls away from the endline defenders.

Drill Variations

Increase grid size and play 3v3 with 3 endline players. Require a certain number of passes prior to attacking the endline. Allow the defensive endline players to be passed to in order to keep possession.

Check-in Passing Warm-up

Check-in passing drill
Published 5/31/2011 6:24:58 PM

Drill Objective:
This passing warm-up drill is a great soccer drill to help with timing and striking a ball while checking in to a pass.

Drill Setup:

Create 3 lines 5 yards apart with the cones lined up between the 3 lines. Divide your team into groups of two with 1 ball per group. Players will start on each of the outside lines, one player is working and one player is playing into the working player.

Drill Instructions:
Both players start on the outside line. The non-working player passes the ball into the working player. The working player checks-in towards the middle cone, receives the ball just outside the middle cone, and plays the ball back into the non-working player. The working player then backpedals to the outside line where they began, and repeats this motion 10 times before switching partners. Change how the receiving touch is performed: 1. Have the receiving touch with inside of foot across the body and pass with the inside of the opposite foot 2. Have the receiving touch with the outside of the foot to the outside of the same foot and return the pass with the inside of the foot. 3. Play in 1-touch with the inside of the foot alternating right and left foot. 4. Play in 1-touch with the outside of the foot alternating right and left foot.

Drill Coaching Points:

Receive the ball with the proper surface of the foot. If receiving with the inside of the foot, the toe should be slightly lifted and the heel slightly down. When receiving with the inside of the foot make sure the tow is turned inwards towards the plant foot.

Diagonal Soccer Shooting Drill

diagonal soccer shooting drill, soccer shooting
Drill Objective:
This is a simple soccer shooting drill that is great for warm-up to a shooting practice or warm-up prior to a game.

Drill Setup:
Create a 10X10 grid just beyond on the edge of the 18 yard box. Divide the team info 2 lines on the far cones facing the goal. One player from each

line steps to the cone near the 18 (this player becomes the player that lays the ball off to the player on the cone farthest from the 18).

Drill Instructions:
Player 1 passes a diagonal ball to player 4, player 4 has a touch and lays the ball off into space for player 1 to run onto the ball and hit a first time strike on goal. The shooting player (player 1) takes the place of the player that set up his shot (player 4), and player 4 shags the shot and switches lines. Next, Player 2 passes a diagonal ball to player 3. Player 3 lays the ball off to player 2 who shoots first time on goal. Player 2 becomes the target player; the target player (player 3) shags the shot. Make sure the players switch lines so they shoot with both feet.

Drill Coaching Points:

Good controlled approach on the ball Plant foot in good spot next to the ball Shoot with the appropriate foot Hit the ball on target

Drill Variations
Have the target player pick up the balls and toss them in the air for the shooting player to volley or half-volley.

Shooting on the Turn

shooting on the turn, turn shot, quick turn and shot

Drill Objective:
This soccer shooting drill will focus on shooting on the turn. Players are forced to turn quickly and shoot on goal.

Drill Setup:

You will need a full size goal with a keeper in the goal. Set up two cones about 20 yards from goal about 10 yards apart. Split the team into two groups starting at each corner flag. Each player needs a ball.

Drill Instructions:
1. The first player from group 1 dribbles toward the cone on his side. 2. As he gets about 5 yards from the cone, he should pass the ball to the inside of the cone and run around the outside of the cone. 3. Without taking another touch, the player then has a shot on goal. 4. The 1st player in group 2 starts as soon as the shot is taken.

Drill Coaching Points:

Shoot with the correct foot. Good shooting form. Good soft touch around the cone. Follow the shot. Good keeper positioning.

Drill Variations

Have a competition and keep score of goals made. Switch sides so players shoot with both feet. Change the distance of the shot by moving the cone close or farther back.

Soccer Fitness - Improving Reaction and Acceleration

soccer fitness, improving reaction, improve acceleration, reaction and acceleration
Drill Objective:
This is a soccer fitness drill that focuses on improving reaction time and acceleration.

Drill Setup:

Create a grid that is 30 X 30 yards. Place a cone directly in the middle of the grid.

Split the teams up evenly on the 4 corners. No balls are required at the beginning, but will be used later in this drill.

Drill Instructions:
1. 2. 3. 4. Players 1 and 2 are the lead players where player 3 and 4 are the followers. Instruct players to return to their same line after each turn. Players 1 and 4 jog towards the middle cone. Player 1 makes a fake (or two) and sprints to cone 2 or 3. The goal is for the lead player (player 1) to make it to the cone before the following player (player 4). 5. If player 4 beats player 1 to the cone, player 1 does 10 pushups. 6. Now player 1 and 3 go and 2 is the leader and 3 is the follower.

Drill Coaching Points:

Leader fakes and quickly sprints to the cone Follower reacts quickly and accelerates to beat the leader

Drill Variations

Switch so that all players have a chance to lead and follow. Add balls and make players dribble, make a fake and beat the follower to the cone.

Sharks and Minnows

U6, u8,dribbling, sharks minnows,shielding, turning, youth soccer drill, fun soccer drill, free soccer drill, dribbling
Published 1/10/2006 10:21:45 PM

Drill Objective:
This drill focuses on the U6 and U8 player and their ability to dribble out of pressure. This drill can be used to focus on the player using their body to protect the ball by placing their body in between the ball and the defender.

Drill Setup:

Build a grid approximately 20X25 yards this field should be adjusted based based on the skill level and number of players participating. Each player should have a ball except for 2 sharks.

Drill Instructions:
The players with balls (the minnows) attempt to protect their ball from the two "Sharks". The Sharks attempt to gain possession and knock the minnows (ball) out of the grid. Once this happens, the minnow can run around the grid once and return to the game. Each minnow has two changes, and the last 2 minnows remaining become the sharks in the next round.

Drill Coaching Points:

o o

Keep the dribblers under control and not paniced once the sharks get near them. Inform players to keep the ball close within playing distance.

Drill Variations
o o o

Players only use left foot to dribble. Players use outside of feet to dribble. Players use sole of feet to dribble.

Four Corners Aggressiveness and Fitness Drill

soccer fitness drill, soccer aggressiveness, soccer fitness, winning 50/50 balls
Drill Objective:
This soccer drill focuses on aggressiveness in winning 50/50 balls and fitness. This drill will be more beneficial for players under 8 and older.

Drill Setup:
Create a grid that is 30x30 yards. Create 4 teams and have them stand at each of the four corner cones. The coach stands outside the grid near the middle of 2 side cones with a large supply of soccer balls.

Drill Instructions:

The coach plays a ball into the center of the grid and shouts out a command (such as GO) to begin play. The first player in each of the 4 lines must sprint after the ball in attempt to reach the ball first. Once the ball is won cleanly, the player must hold possession from the other players for 5 seconds before passing the ball back to the coach. If any player steals the ball from the person in possession, that player will then attempt to hold possession for 5 seconds. A team scores a point by successfully holding possession for 5 seconds and making a return pass to the coach. The first team to reach 5 points wins.

Drill Coaching Points:

o

Players should be taught to go after the ball aggressively with speed, determination and vigor.

Drill Variations
o

The coach can play different types of balls such as flighted balls, bouncing balls, rolling balls, balls with large amounts of top or back spin.

2v2 Challenge
2v2 challenge, soccer drills, soccer, attacking 2v2, defending 2v2, building attack
Drill Objective:
This soccer drill focuses on putting players in 2v2 situations while attacking the goal. The dynamics of the games works on transitioning and fitness and demands on the players can be intense at times.

Drill Setup:
Start the soccer drill by splitting the group into two teams with a keeper in goal. Place two cones approximately 20-25 yards from goal about 30 yards apart. Instruct one team to line up behind one cone and the other team line up behind the other team (don't worry about lines because the players will be involved very quickly). Create a 5 X 5 yard box about 10-15 yards past the two cones, and place all the balls in this box.

Drill Instructions:

Have 2 players from each team enter the playing area. Each team will play 2v2 to goal as normal. However, the dynamics of the game begin when you introduce the two rules. RULE 1: If a players shoots and the keeper saves it, or the shot misses the goal, the shooter must quickly run get their missed shot and dribble it back to the 5X5 box. That player will then goes to the end of their teams line and await their turn again. Once the shooting player dribbles back into the 5X5 box, his team can send in another man to even up the match at 2v2. In the mean time, the other team will sprint to the 5X5 box attempting to catch the team who just missed a shot in a man down situation. RULE 2: If a team scores a goal, they are awarded with a point, the opposing player closest to the ball will be out and must dig the ball out of the goal, and return the ball to the 5X5 box. In the mean time, the attacking team is sprinting to the 5X5 box attempting to tack advantage of a man down situation. First team to 10 wins.

Drill Coaching Points:

o o

Build 2v2 quick. Quick transition between defense and offense

Drill Variations Limit players touches. Keep track of Off Sides. Play with 3v3 or 4v4.

Combination Play - Improving 1-2 Combinations Part II

o o o o

soccer combination play, soccer 1-2, soccer drills, combination play

Drill Objective:
This soccer drill is very similar to drill Combination Play - Improving 1-2 Combinations as it too focuses on improving 1-2 combination play. This drill adds a slightly different pattern and encourages good movement off the ball.

o o

Drill Setup:
Set up a grid that is approximately 20 X 25 yards. Set one player on three of the corner cones and a small line on the 4th cone. It is the begining of this line that will start with the ball. Only 1 ball will be used in the begining, however, depending on the age and skill level of the players, you can start with 2 balls and 2 lines on opposite corners.

Drill Instructions:

The play starts by Player A playing a long ball into Player B and follows his pass. Player B lays the ball off back to player A and player B sprints around his conetowards player C. Player A plays a ball to player C who plays the ball into the run of player B and C sprints arount the cone. Player B plays a long ball to player D, player D plays a ball into the run of player C, and the movement continues.

o o

Drill Coaching Points:

* Accurate passing with good pace on the ball * Good communication * Good movement after the pass.

o o

Drill Variations
none

Attacking the End Line Crossing Game

Attacking the End Line, Crossing Drill, Crossing Game
Published 12/7/2005 12:00:00 AM

Drill Objective:
This drill focuses on attacking from the endline from the flanks and serving a ball in. This is a great crossing game to isolate the flank players and getting them to serve the ball in front of the goal.

Drill Setup:
Using half of a field, move the goal to the midfield line facing a goal on the end line. using 4-5 cones on each side, create a 10-yard wide channel along each touchline. Two teams of 4 will play in the middle. Each team has one player in the channel, and the goals should have a goalkeeper in both nets. One team will start with the ball, and the remaining balls should be placed behind the goal.

Drill Instructions:
Instruct the players to play 4v4 in the middle area and 1v1 on the flanks in either channel. The ball must be served from a channel to score a goal. When the ball is in the channel, the channel players should play 1v1 until one of the players breaks into the offensive end of the channel. At this point, the defender should allow the cross. The four middle players become near post, far post, trail and supporting runs. Play is continued.

Drill Coaching Points:

o o

Proper service of crosses from flanks. When to serve on the ground, when to knock back, and when to drive hard. Make sure attackers are making proper runs.

Drill Variations
o o o

Increase or decrease the number of players in the middle Use wall passes, takeovers or overlaps. Rotate channel players.

Speed of Play Warm-up

Soccer Speed of Play, Playing with speed, quick thinking
Drill Objective:
This soccer drill is a great warm-up to sessions relating to speed of play. Players must have a good grasp of basic passing and receiving skills to successfully execute this soccer drill.

Drill Setup:
Create a 30X40 grid. Divide the team into even groups of 6 players per group (each group in different color pennies). Number the players 1 through 6; the ball should start with players 1 and 4 to start the warm-up.

Drill Instructions:
Follow the progression below after working on a step for 5-7 minutes. You can spend more or less time on an area depending on the players and players might not be able to complete all

of the warm-up. With the players spread out inside the grid randomly and intermingled, perform the following progression: 1. Players should pass to the next highest number upon receiving the ball. So #1 passes to #2; #2 passes to #3; #3 passes to #4; finally #6 passes to #1 and the warm-up continues. 2. Next, reverse the pattern where #6 plays to #5, #5 passes to #4; etc. 3. Next, players play to odd players if they are odd numbers and even players play to even numbers. For Example, #1 passes to #3, #3 passes to #5, etc and #2 passes to #4, #4 passes to #6, etc 4. Decrease the number of touches to make the speed of play faster by demanding quicker thought process. 5. Limit the verbal communication by limiting the number of words the players can speak. For example, only let then say one word. So player #1 might ask for player #2 by saying TWO. 6. Lastly, only allow non-verbal communication such as hand clapping, pointing, eye contact, etc.

Drill Coaching Points:

Encourage players to think a step ahead and know who the ball is coming from and who the ball is going to at all times. Encourage proper passing and receiving skills. Movement without the ball is crucial as players attempt to get in triangular shapes.

Drill Variation

Small-Sided Shooting and Finishing Game

Small-Sided, Shooting, finishing, goal scoring, soccer, drill, game, practice, training
Drill Objective:
This small sided shooting and finishing game is a great shooting drill that focuses on shooting and finishing.

Drill Setup:
Create a small field approximately the size of the penalty area (18X44 yards) and mark the center point of the field with cones. Taper each of the sidelines towards the goals on each end of the penalty area. The field should be tapered to avoid bad shooting angles. Organize players in a 4v2 (4 defenders and 2 attackers) in each half of the field. Players are

restricted to the side of the grid they were originally placed. Spare soccer balls should be placed near each of the goals for quick retrieval and quick restarts.

Drill Instructions:
The defenders have to shoot from their own half of the field and the forwards should follow any shots from the defenders and finish any rebounds. If the ball is shot and the goalkeeper recovers the ball, they should quickly distribute the ball to their defensive players and the play should continue. If the ball is shot over the goal, a new ball should be retrieved from behind the goal and play should resume quickly. Players should be encouraged to take half chances and limit the number of touches before shooting. Forwards should follow any shot for rebounds.

Drill Coaching Points:

Players should be instructed to take shots. Forwards need to be reminded to follow any rebound and get in the keepers face. The number of touches should be limited to take quick shots.

Drill Variations
Place a restriction on the number of touches. Allow defenders to have 3-touch and forward's only 1-touch. This will encourage quick shots and more opportunities.

Fun Dribbling Warm-up

fun dribbling warm-up, dribbling warm-up game, soccer dribbling game
Published 4/15/2007 9:16:20 AM

Drill Objective:
This is a fun warm-up game that is a great ice-breaker at the beginning of the season or the beginning of a camp to get the kids warmed up with a light, fun dribbling game. These exercises might are a bit advanced for the beginner soccer player.

Drill Setup:

Create a grid that is approximately 20X20 yards. Organize the team into groups of two. Each group of two players needs one ball.

Drill Instructions:
One player will work while the other player rests. Roll through each of these 3 exercises. 1. While inside the grid, the player without the ball should stand with their legs spread apart. On the coachs command, the other player with the ball should dribble and play their ball through the legs of any of the players with their legs spread and run around the standing player and receive the ball on the other side. Each time the player successfully plays the ball between a set of legs that player gets a point. Have each player compare their score to their partners score. 2. Next, have the player without the ball lay on their side. Now the player must dribble up to the player laying on their side, stop the ball, and flick the ball OVER the player laying on their side and jump over that players legs. To avoid injury, instruct the players to ONLY approach the player from the backside. Again have the players count each time they successfully flick the ball over the human wall and compare their scores to their partners score. 3. Finally, instruct the players without the ball to stretch their calf muscel by crossing their legs and leaning forward touching their hands to the ground. Their position should almost be a pushup position with their hands and feet on the ground like a bridge. Now, have the players with the ball pass the ball underneath the player making the bridge (between their feet and hands), and jump over the feet part of the bridge. Again, have the players count the number of times they successfully knock the ball under the bridge and jump over their feet. Have them compare their scores to their partner

Drill Coaching Points:

* Keep the players moving * Head up and aware of whats going on around them * Keeping the ball close * Using all parts of the foot to perform the exercises. * Have fun!

Drill Variations
NONE