Soccer Drills and Moves

“Soccer Drills & Soccer Moves”

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COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

Copyright 2008 by Andre Botelho - www.SoccerDrillsTips.com

All rights reserved. This document may not be copied in part or full without express written permission from the publisher.

All violations will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

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Table of Contents Introduction ________________________________ _______________________________________ _______

3

How to kick a soccer ball _____________________________

7

Soccer juggling (how (how to juggle a soccer soccer ball) ______________ ______________

9

How to bounce, bend and curve a soccer soccer ball _____________

12

How to pass a soccer ball ___________________________ _____________________________ __

13

Soccer warm up drills ________________________________

14

Ball control control drills __________________________________ ____________________________________ __

20

Foot speed and quickness drills ________________________

22

Soccer dribbling drills ________________________________

25

1v1 soccer drills ____________________________________

30

Heading drills ____________________ ______________________________________ __________________

33

Shielding drills ____________________________________ _____________________________________ _

36

Soccer moves with 40 video clips _______________________

39

Passing and receiving soccer drills ______________________

60

Speed and running drills ______________________________

62

How to improve acceleration __________________________

63

Shooting and finishing soccer drills _____________________

65

Penalty kick drills _________________________________ ___________________________________ __

70

Bicycle kick drills ____________________________________ 73 Free kick drills ____________________________________ ______________________________________ __ 75 Corner Kick drills __________________________________ ____________________________________ __ 77 Crossing soccer drills ______________________________ ________________________________ __

79

Defensive soccer drills _______________________________

83

Soccer slide tackle drills ______________________________

84

Aggressiveness Aggressiveness soccer drills ___________________________

87

Soccer goalie drills ________________________________ __________________________________ __

90

Indoor soccer drills ___________________________ __________________________________ _______

95

Glossary ______________________________ __________________________________________ ____________

97

_____________ __________________ __________ __________ ___________ ___________ __________ __________ ______________ ____________ ____________ ____________ _________ ___ 2 _____________ www.SoccerDrillsTips.com © SoccerDrillsTips.com


_________________________________ _________________ _______________________________ ______________________________ _______________

Table of Contents Introduction ________________________________ _______________________________________ _______

3

How to kick a soccer ball _____________________________

7

Soccer juggling (how (how to juggle a soccer soccer ball) ______________ ______________

9

How to bounce, bend and curve a soccer soccer ball _____________

12

How to pass a soccer ball ___________________________ _____________________________ __

13

Soccer warm up drills ________________________________

14

Ball control control drills __________________________________ ____________________________________ __

20

Foot speed and quickness drills ________________________

22

Soccer dribbling drills ________________________________

25

1v1 soccer drills ____________________________________

30

Heading drills ____________________ ______________________________________ __________________

33

Shielding drills ____________________________________ _____________________________________ _

36

Soccer moves with 40 video clips _______________________

39

Passing and receiving soccer drills ______________________

60

Speed and running drills ______________________________

62

How to improve acceleration __________________________

63

Shooting and finishing soccer drills _____________________

65

Penalty kick drills _________________________________ ___________________________________ __

70

Bicycle kick drills ____________________________________ 73 Free kick drills ____________________________________ ______________________________________ __ 75 Corner Kick drills __________________________________ ____________________________________ __ 77 Crossing soccer drills ______________________________ ________________________________ __

79

Defensive soccer drills _______________________________

83

Soccer slide tackle drills ______________________________

84

Aggressiveness Aggressiveness soccer drills ___________________________

87

Soccer goalie drills ________________________________ __________________________________ __

90

Indoor soccer drills ___________________________ __________________________________ _______

95

Glossary ______________________________ __________________________________________ ____________

97



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Introduction

Soccer, otherwise known as football, is the most popular game in the world. While it is not as recognized recognized in the United States and Canada as it is in South America and Europe, Europe, the popularity of it is is growing.

Whether you are a seasoned soccer player or just learning how to play the game, it is i s always in your best interest to keep up with teaching techniques, drills, moves, and tricks so that your game will be top notch.

You also want to have fun while you are training or playing the game, right? Of course you do. Are you a coach who has trouble motivating your players? players? Are you a parent parent who sees your child child is not getting the full full benefit of the training? Of maybe you are a player, learning yet frustrated and bored at your training sessions.

This can be the worst of all, because if you are bored, you may give up. You may turn turn your back back on a game game that you love and in which you could be a star.

Why am I telling you this? How do I know about motivation and boredom boredom in training? I have have been there. When I first first began to play soccer, I had a tough time fitting in i n with the other kids who had already formed their own elite groups amongst themselves.



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On top of this, the coaches had no idea how to motivate us and make learning fun. fun. I wanted to play with with the ball, not run run boring drills the entire training session. session. It was was agonizing. agonizing. So much much so, that I took it upon myself to train every day and teach myself everything I needed to know about soccer.

I went from being the unknown kid in our soccer community to being the best on the street. Soon everyone was asking me to play on their teams.

I went on to have a successful successful professional soccer career. I have played on numerous professional teams and I have been the captain of every every one of those those teams. I have enjoyed enjoyed playing the the game of soccer for 15 years with the Portuguese Soccer Federation.

Now I want to pass on all I have learned to future generations of coaches, soccer soccer parents, and players. players. I want you to know know that learning how to play soccer well is something that can be fun and rewarding if it is done the proper way.

That is what this this book is about. about. Giving coaches coaches the tools tools they need to make training fun and effective (these are not mutually exclusive) and showing showing players that they can learn to master things in a fun and exciting way.



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For this reason, many of the “drills” in this book will seem more like games, and and they are. Players will will have a lot lot more fun putting putting their learning into practice from the beginning than standing around doing boring drills.

Another thing you will notice with these drills is that none of them involve any sort of punishment/reward system (such as sit-ups or push-ups) for those who come in last.

This type of training technique serves only to embarrass players and help them to feel poorly about themselves and it has them trying to get it right for the wrong reasons.

One last thing that needs to be said is that neither I, Andre Botelho, nor “SoccerDrillsTips.com” “SoccerDrillsTips.com” are responsible for any injury or other physical harm resulting from the implementation implementation or use of any of the drills, moves, or tricks that are described described in this book.

It is assumed that if you are taking it upon yourself to use these techniques for yourself or for you team, that you or they have the proper physical conditioning to do so.

We also do not guarantee that you will become a professional level soccer player or coach just by looking at this book and doing nothing. We are not responsible for your actions. Results are based on the individual.



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Take action and DO IT!

Now that this has been said, please read, enjoy, and go out there and have FUN!

Andre Botelho, President www.SoccerDrillsTips.com



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How to kick a soccer ball

The first thing to know about kicking a soccer ball is what not to do. Do not kick a soccer ball with your toes, unless you are poking the ball to steel it from an opponent.

There is not enough surface area on the toes to be able to aim the ball properly.

When kicking the ball the most powerful place to strike the ball with is the instep of your foot (the place where the shoelaces are). You will use this kicking technique most often.

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Your supporting foot should be in line with the ball and the leg should be slightly bent.

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Once you strike the ball, follow through with a sweeping motion.

The inside of the foot is also used to kick the ball.

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The supporting foot should be pointed at the target and in line with the ball.

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Swing your kicking foot through the ball using a sweeping motion.

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The ball should move smoothly along the ground.

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A more advanced kick is achieved by using the outside of the foot:

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The supporting foot should be angled at about 15º from the target.

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You need to be sure your foot is firmly locked before striking the ball.



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Soccer juggling (how to juggle a soccer ball)

Learning how to juggle a soccer ball can be very frustrating, especially for new players.

It takes time and can seem to be unlearned between practices. Be patient with yourself and others when learning this technique.

Points to remember when juggling:

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You should use the instep of the foot and the fleshy part of the thigh.

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Never use the knee itself, as it is too hard and can send the ball flying.

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Start with a dispensable and slightly under-inflated ball.

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Practice on pavement when beginning.

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At first just hold the ball in front of you and let it fall to the ground.

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After it bounces, touch the ball once with your foot, catching it in your hands again for bounce-touch-catch.

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Once you get the hang of this, you can start to vary it by adding an extra bounce and touch for bounce-touch.

You can keep developing this drill by adding more bounces and foot touches.



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When you are ready:

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Try just dropping the ball directly on your foot and then catching it.

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Try this and touch it with your foot, then let it bounce, touch it again, and catch it.

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Mix it up by using different variations on this bounce-foot-catch idea.

Once you feel comfortable with this, the next step is to bounce the ball, then touch with the foot twice in a row and then catch it. This is very difficult to transition to and it is the beginning of true juggling.

You can play with this for a while, adding bounces followed by two touches and see how long you can keep it going. You can even have a friendly competition with another person to see who can keep their ball going the longest.

When you feel you have mastered this, then try adding a third touch. Again, this is a very big transition. You can go back and forth between two touches and three touches, mastering control of the ball.

When you feel you are ready, you can drop the ball directly onto your foot and begin juggling. Go for two first, then three, and keep increasing it as you feel comfortable. ____________________________________________________________________________________ 10 www.SoccerDrillsTips.com © SoccerDrillsTips.com


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Juggling is tedious to learn, but you can shake it up by playing a game called “juggle-horse”. With two or more people, you can each take a turn giving a move to another person, who must perform the move or get a letter.

Remember to practice each exercise with both feet, first one side then the other. It is also important to know that if you need to go back and work on one-touch exercises after trying the two-touch exercises, that is fine.



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How to bounce, bend and curve a soccer ball

Bending and curving a soccer ball are incredible soccer techniques because they allow you to get the ball around defenders in order to maintain possession and take shots on goal that are concealed from the goalkeeper.

It is also useful for corner kicks and crosses into the box.

When bending the ball, you will either use the inside or outside of the foot, depending on which foot you are kicking with and which direction in which you want the ball to go.

If you are using your right foot, then to bend the ball to the left you want to use the inside of your foot to make contact with the right side of the ball. You can swivel slightly on your support foot to get a better kick.

If you want to curve the ball to the right, then you need to bring the outside of your foot in contact with the left side of the ball.



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How to pass a soccer ball

Passing is crucial to keeping possession of the ball during a game. While any kick that ends with the ball in the possession of a team-mate is passing, there are proper techniques to use to pass effectively and accurately.

Short passes are most effectively executed by using the inside of the foot because of the large surface available for accurately aiming the ball.

If you are passing long, then the instep is the most effective kick to use. If you need to pass behind, your heel is the used.

Passing involves communication between the passer and the receiver. For more information on passing, refer to the section “Passing and Receiving”.



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Soccer warm up drills

When asking a team to warm up on their own they will often do so with no real sense of purpose. Instead of having them aimlessly pass the ball back and forth up and down the field, use some specific warm up drills to get them focussed. What follows are some drills that you can use for an effective warm up session.

Warm-up 1: Boxes Warm-up



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Divide your team into 3 groups of 6; 6 blue, 6 red, and 6 yellow.

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Take a 50 by 35 yard area and divide it into 6 boxes of different dimensions.

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The basic drill has one player of each color in each of the boxes.

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The players will pass back and forth to each other at your direction. For example, you can call for blue to pass to red to pass to yellow or blue to red to yellow to red to blue.

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Mix it up. Variations can include rotating he players between boxes or having all 3 players in a box be of the same color.

This exercise is great for getting the players thinking about space and what the other players are doing around them.

Players off the ball must adapt to support according to what they know the moves will be. They also need to be conscious of communication, vision, and passing for possession technique.

Warm-up 2

This is a warm-up drill for 8-16 players and 9 balls. The balls are in the center of the field and the players are distributed equally around the corners of the playing area, which is a 25x25 grid.



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The drill begins when the first person in each line runs to the middle to get a ball.

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They dribble their balls back to the corner and then the second person runs out to get a ball.

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From this point on, players may take a ball from the center or from one of the corners.

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Shielding of the ball is not allowed.

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The drill or game is over when one of the teams have 3 balls in their corner.

A lot of communication goes on during this game as the players who are not running are telling the person who is running where the best place is to get the ball.

You can shake it up by placing restrictions on the players. These restrictions could include using their right foot only, using the inside of their foot only, or any other variation you can think of.

Warm-up 3

This is a warm-up drill that does not use balls. It may be a good one to use first, just to get the players moving then the balls can be used in later warm-ups.



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Have the players jog in a finite area of the field.

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Every so often, the coach will call out some instruction to be followed such as visual Simon Says, making a human pyramid, or calling out a type of clothing such as shorts and having the players find others with the same color of that clothing on.

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The players need to do what the coach asks.

Warm-up 4: Circle Drills

There are an endless number of variations you can use while having the players jog in a circle. Some examples include a variation on monkey-in-the-middle and pass and follow.

You can also have two circles, one inside the other going in opposite directions, and have the players do a number of passing drills and throw-ins or heading.

Warm-up 5: Three-Player Drills

Have your players separate into groups of three and rotate through the following exercises:



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a. The players form a triangle and then as each player passes the ball he runs between the other two players. b. In a smaller triangle, one player passes the ball across the body of the next player encouraging him to open his body up as he uses his outside foot to receive. c. Two players alternate throwing balls to the side of the third player who volleys the balls back. The balls start out low and increase in height and the player receiving the balls should be constantly moving.

Warm-up 6: German tunnel

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Have players separate into groups of 5 or 6.

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All the players except one make a tunnel by laying side-by-side and then putting their butts in the air.

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The single player rolls the ball through the tunnel and then runs to the other end, picks up the ball, rolls it back through, and then joins the end of the tunnel.

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The player at the other end of the tunnel repeats this and so on, causing the tunnel to slowly move down the field.

You can have it be a race between groups to see which tunnel can travel a certain distance the fastest.



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Warm-up 7: Tag

The players may move freely within and limited area and two players are “it” (they can hold pinnies).

Players who are “it” are only allowed to tag players who do not have a ball so you need to have a minimum of two balls in play and fewer balls than there are players.



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Ball control drills

Drill

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Using pylons, mark off an area that is 20 m by 30 m.

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Divide your players into two teams , A and B.

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If team A begins with the ball their aim is to play the ball right up to the feet of one of their corner players (A4 or A5) and make a pass.

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That player would then take the place of the player he just passed to.

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The B team tries to take possession and if they do they play the ball to the feet of one of their corner players (B4 or B5).

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If the ball goes out of bounds it is passed back in by the team that would normally get the advantage of the throw-in.



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In this drill players focus on opening up to receive the ball, on possession, and space. They need to be particularly aware that the first touch is the most important and that they need to get the ball away from the attackers so they can play the ball.



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Foot speed and quickness drills

ZigZag Speedwork

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Set up a series of five to seven cones, flags, or other objects as markers in a zigzag and mark the beginning and end of the course with two pylons at each end.

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There should be five yards between the beginning of the course and the first zigzag marker, between each of the zigzag markers, and between the final zigzag marker and the end of the course.

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Have two players run the course together.

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When they start, they sprint to the each marker and they must touch beside the marker with their near foot (the left foot for P1 and the right foot for P2).

You can change the angle of the turn the players make by widening out the markers, so you can have them practice turning at more acute angles.

The ability of a player to change directions quickly is fundamental to the game of soccer and this will help them learn to adjust their stride to compensate for foot placement and turning. In this drill, they need to see every marker as a ball.



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Footwork with Sticks

One very simple yet effective tool for improving footwork is sticks. Whether you purchase some, use kindling, or use fallen twigs (make sure they are straight) you can create a great training course with them.

Have sticks that are 4-5 feet long and 1x1 inch and lay them down so they look like the rungs of a ladder. You can then have the players do running, hopping, and ball work.

Running – running drills can includes stepping once or twice between each stick, shuffling sideways between them (they can change direction at each turn), or running between the sticks lengthwise.

Hopping – players can hop on one foot or two feet, they can hop forward and backward, they can hop sideways, they can alternate feet.

Ball Practice – dribbling around the sticks, passing the ball through and sprinting after it, shuffling between the sticks and pushing the ball from the end of one stick to the next stick (position balls at both ends of each stick for this one), passing exercise through the channels between the sticks.



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Goalkeeper Practice – goalkeepers can practice catching and saving balls while shuffling through channels or sprinting through them The possibilities are endless. You can use your imagination to come up with an infinite supply of drills and activities that will improve the player’s speed and precision with their footwork.

Set up two courses and have them race. Ask the players to come up with training ideas. Have fun with it!



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Soccer dribbling drills

Flag Dribbling

One of the most common drills for improving dribbling and speed of footwork is dribbling the ball around objects.

The key is to use something that sticks up out of the ground so that the players are not doing head-down dribbling, but can keep their heads up so they can see where they are going.

Flags are ideal for this because they stick up but can be put in the ground so they will not fall over the way pylons can.

Place six to ten flags in a straight line, two to three yards apart and have the players dribble around the flags.

This drill is ideal because you can use so many variations the players can really improve their footwork skills.



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Some examples are:

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Free dribbling

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Inside foot cut – when to the right of the flag use the right foot and vice versa

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Outside foot cut – the player moves well outside the ball and drags it between the pair and then the other foot drags it between the next pair.

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Using right or left foot only

Encourage the players to move as quickly as they can and keep their heads up.

Also, promote loose hips and bent knees. The possibilities are endless, so use your imagination and come up with your own ideas.

Dribbling Set-up

Have a line up with a maximum of four players, each with a ball, facing another line up of players.

Have the first player in each line up dribble the ball forward the opposite line up, then at the last moment, right before collision with the other players the player performs the move indicated by the coach. Example of this could be:



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Make an outside cut with right foot then move to the right .

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Make an inside chop with right foot then move to the left .

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Pass with the right (left) foot down the right (left) side, receive a pass from opposite line, and then pass it back to the next player in opposite line.

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Opposing players run at each other without the ball, turn and receive pass from their original line, turn in the direction indicated by the coach and pass to a second player while the next player is running to the center.

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Any of these moves can be altered to account for age level and ability.

Follow the Leader

This is a great game for 2 to 10 players.

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Each player has a ball and one player is selected to be the leader.

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The other players must mimic the leader, wherever he goes or whatever he does. Whether he changes speed or direction or performs certain moves, the others must do the same.

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Give each player the opportunity to be the leader for two minutes. You can make it into a game by awarding points to the leader every time he gets 5 yards or more away from the other players.



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Tag

This game takes place in an area of up to 18 yards.

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Pair the players up and give each of them a ball. One player is “it”.

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The players begin the game 2 yards away from each other.

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The “it” player tries to tag the other player.

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Each player must always be within 2 yards of his ball and the “it” player’s ball must be within one yard of him to tag the other player.

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Have the players switch roles once a player has been tagged.

This game and the previous game of Follow the Leader are both ideal for getting the players focused on changing speed and direction.

They will gain an understanding of how this works in a setting in which they are not being told what to do, but are simply following the direction of the game.

Stop the Dribbler

This drill is excellent for speed dribbling and keeping the ball under control. You will want to use a 40 yard field with a 5 yard buffer zone at each end.



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Have three players (defenders) at the back of the buffer zone. They do not have balls.

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The remaining players (attackers) each have a ball and are lined up along the end line, 5 yards in front of the three defenders.

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When the coach says to go the attackers dribble their balls to the opposite end of the field.

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The defenders try to stop the attackers by winning the ball, either by playing the ball or sending it over the end line.

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The attackers must be able to keep possession and make three touches on the ball in the opposite buffer zone in order to advance to the next round.

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If a player loses the ball he becomes a defender in the next round.

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The last player with a ball wins.

You can play this game again and again, giving each players the opportunity to begin as a defender and an attacker. This game is not only super for developing dribbling skills, it also works to develop shielding, change of speed and direction, and it is great for fitness. ____________________________________________________________________________________ 29 www.SoccerDrillsTips.com © SoccerDrillsTips.com


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1v1 soccer drills

Dribbling Drill

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Have your players pair up and give each pair a ball.

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The attacker has the ball and dribbles from one touch line to the other at 50% speed.

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The defender practices defensive footwork while the attacker practices their dribbling moves.

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The defender does not actually try to take the ball and the attacker does not actually try to get past the defender.

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Once they get to the touch line they switch roles and go back. Repeat this at 75% speed and then 100%.

The next step is to include a third player who acts as the second defensive player.

This player starts out behind the attacker and must move into position behind the first defender by sprinting around the attacker and first defender.



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Then the exercise carries on as before with D1 communicating with D2 and covering. They can repeat this at the different speeds with each player experiencing the different roles.

Then take the players up a notch and have the defenders actively try to take the ball while the attacker actively tries to get the ball past the defenders.

Perform this drill first with the touch lines and then with real goals. Then the players are ready to take what they have learned and implement it in a game setting.

1v1 Attacking

Although this drill is suitable for any number of players, here it is assumed there are 16 players. You will set up 8 fields that are 10 yards wide and 15 yards long. There will be no goals.



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Pair the players up and give them one ball.

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Have one player start on each end line.

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Player X passes the ball to player O.

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Player O dribbles the ball and tries to beat player X by reaching the end line player X is defending and stopping the ball on the line.

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If player X wins the ball, he then tries to score on player O.

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If the ball goes out of play, then whichever player it went off of starts with the ball on their own end line. When a goal is scored the players change directions and the person who scored begins by passing the ball to the other player.

Each game lasts for 90 seconds at which time the winner remains in the field they are in and the loser rotates to the next field on the left. If they tie then they go until someone scores. This is the winner.



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Heading drills

Heading Game

This game is a lot of fun.

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Have your players split into teams of five and give each team a ball.

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Have four players form a line and have one player stand five yards away from the player at the front of the line.

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Player 1 gently throws the ball to player 2 who heads the ball back to player 1.

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Player 2 goes to the back of the line and player 1 heads the ball to player 3 who heads it back to player 1 and goes to the back of the line.



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Have the players see how long they can continue heading the ball in a one- to two-minute period before it hits the ground. When the ball does touch the ground, another player replaces player 1.

Make it a competition to see which team can head the ball for the longest amount of time.

Bowling with Headers Game

Have your players divide into teams of five to seven players and form a line of all but one of the players.

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This player, the server, moves about ten feet from the front of the line and places three balls, one in each, of the “flat style” training cones.

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The server takes a fourth ball and serves it gently to the first person in line who heads the ball down in an attempt to knock one or more of the three balls off the cones. It is very unlikely that a player will hit more than one ball off in one try.

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Have them continue until all the balls have been knocked off the cones and make it a competition between the teams to see which team can knock all three balls off first.



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Animal Ball

This soccer game is great with anywhere between 8 and 18 players.

Create a field 30 yards wide and 44 yards long with a goal at each end.

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With a player in each goal have the ball served onto the playing field and have the teams try to gain possession of the ball from the air.

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They then need to head the ball and try to score as quickly as possible in either goal.

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The other team will try to take possession of the ball from the air and if they do gain possession then they are trying to score in either goal.

This game is great fun and you can make it such that if the ball hits the ground, another is served in its place.

This game focuses on heading, but it also focuses on communication, aggressiveness, winning balls in the air, possession and defensiveness, and finishing.



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Shielding drills

When shielding, the two most important points to get across to the players are that they need to keep their shoulder turned toward their opponent and they need to use their far foot (the foot that is the farthest from their opponent) to control the ball.

Their entire body needs to be between the ball and their opponent. When teaching the shielding techniques, it is very simple and effective to show them through example why certain positions do or do not work.

The key is not to have them all sitting down watching you demonstrate, but to have them paired up and doing it with you, especially if you are working with children as they need to learn by doing.

Demonstrate stance and proper arm positioning and have them do it.

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They should look like they are sitting in a chair with their arms held out from their bodies.

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As long as they do not push their opponents away this arm positioning is legal.

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Have them be aggressive with each other and try to encroach

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on each other’s space.



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Now you can bring the ball into play and have the opponent try to steal the ball. If you wish you can suspend the normal rules for a while and can allow the opponent to push and pull the shielder to try to gain possession of the ball.

This of course is not to become dangerous or to show them how to break the rules, but to instil some aggressiveness in them by thinking with a “the ball is mine” attitude.

This will progress to adding a support player to which the shielder can pass. You can then add another attacker and defender to the mix.

50/50 Drill

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Have the players pair up and give each pair a ball.

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With the partners standing shoulder-to-shoulder and the ball in front of them, the player on the left will gently tap the ball with the inside of his foot and then move for it.

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The player on the right steps across his partner and uses his inside leg to block his partner from the ball.

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The player on the right can also drop his shoulder and get low to move across on front of his partner and shield the ball, taking it back to the starting point.

A variation on this is to have the ball a few feet in front of the players and have them race to the ball. The first one there has to control their speed and cut in front of their partner to keep them from reaching the ball.



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Or the first person there can control the ball and turn it away. This situation can have different scenarios. Be creative.

Hand Shielding

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Have the players pair up and give each pair a ball.

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Each pair is in a 5x5 yard box.

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One player (attacker) begins with possession of the ball and has the ball on the outside of his right foot and his right hand on the ball.

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The other player (defender) begins by the left foot of the attacker.

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When the signal to start is given, the defender will try to win the ball with his hands.

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The attacker must shield the ball by keeping his body between the defender and the ball and must keep his hand in the ball at all times.

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After 10 seconds they switch roles.

By beginning with hand on the ball, the attacker is forced to stay low which is an ideal position for shielding. They do this drill performing in each role four times each.

After this, repeat the drill allowing regular play so that hand use is not allowed. The attacker works on shielding technique and both players learn what it is like to have the type of contact they will experience in a game situation.



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Soccer moves with 40 video clips

I. Warm-up Touches

1. “In-betweens with step-over 180º turn” To see a VIDEO CLIP* of me doing this move type the url below into your browser: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_w1.mpg

*You need to have Windows Media Player (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/) or Real Payer (http://uk.real.com/home/) installed to see the video clips)

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Player will do 15 in-betweens up, step-over, turn, and go back. This will be done twice.

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The player stands with feet shoulder-width apart and the ball between his feet.

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Touch the ball gently with the inside of the right foot so that it will reach the inside of the left foot and then tap it back to the right foot.

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The ball should move back and forth constantly and when you get the hang of it, you can begin to carry the ball forward like this.

Now for the step-over and the turn.

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To execute the step-over stand in the same positions as for the in-betweens.

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Lean onto your left foot and lift your right foot up and over the ball turning to the left in a counter-clockwise direction.



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Plant your right foot firmly on the ground beside the ball and pivot in a clockwise direction, bringing the left foot to rest on the other side of the ball.

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You can then begin the in-betweens with your left foot in the other direction.

This is incredibly effective if you can make the

step-over look like a shot or a pass and fake your opponent out. •

You can then take the ball in the other direction before your opponent realizes what is happening.

2. “Toe-touches moving forward” VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_w2.mpg

Do 15 toe-touches up and back twice, using the pullback turn.

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The ball should be slightly in front of your feet to begin.

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Bring up your right foot and gently touch the top of the ball with the underside of your toes.

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Set the right foot back on the ground and do the same thing with the left foot.

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Continue alternating and when you get the rhythm, you will keep this up continuously with little hops.

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You can then begin to move the ball forward. The key is to move the ball forward just the proper distance so that it is barely in front of the other foot. This way you can keep going forward smoothly.

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When you have gone bout 10 yards, perform a pullback turn and then do the toe touches back the other way.



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3. “Toe touches moving backward” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_w3.mpg

Again, do this 15 times up and back and repeat. Very similar to the toe touches moving forward, but you are moving backward and with each toe touch, you move the ball diagonally toward the opposite foot. Although this technique is more difficult, it really helps develop quick feet.

4. “Side hop rolls moving forward” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_w4.mpg

These are also known as drag rolls. You will go p and back 2-4 times with your right foot up and your left foot back.

An effective shielding and rolling move, you start by facing sideways to the right and you will move to the left down the field.

Place your right foot on the ball and roll the cleats across the top until your foot rests on the ground again.

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Then hop onto your left foot and repeat the roll.

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Go back to the right using the left foot.

This is a very effective way to move the ball while keeping a defender behind you and it is important to know how to move the ball in different directions while shielding it. ____________________________________________________________________________________ 41 www.SoccerDrillsTips.com © SoccerDrillsTips.com


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5. “Outside foot touches with fast feet between touches” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_w5.mpg

Practice this move up and back 2-4 times. Simply push the ball ahead with the outside of your foot and then take a couple of quick steps to keep up with the ball and touch it with the outside of the other foot. Make sure players learn this move when they are young.

6. “Speed changes with a sudden stop”

Also known as Hop-Stop, you can practice this move a few times up and back. Players dribble forward slowly or perform inbetweens and then out of nowhere they break into a run for about 4 steps and come to a turning stop. This will help them learn to accelerate when attempting a feint.

7. “Outside-to-inside: roll right foot across body and touch forward with left foot” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_w7.mpg

Perform this move 10 times up and back, then repeat.

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Begin with the ball between your feet.

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Lift your right foot and step down on the right side of the ball, ending in a small lean or lunge.

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You do not want your weight to go down on this foot, but shift your weight to the left foot and brush your cleats over the top



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of the ball moving it to the left. •

Once the ball has completely crossed in front of your body touch it forward with the inside of your left foot and then repeat this sequence starting with the left foot.

Once you get comfortable brushing the ball with your cleats you will be able to move the ball in any direction and fake your opponent.

8. “Inside-to-outside: roll right foot to the right side and touch forward with right foot” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_w8.mpg

Perform this move 10 times up and back then repeat. This move can follow the outside-to-inside roll.

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Begin with the ball between your feet and quickly bring your right foot up, stopping momentarily with you cleats resting on the top of the ball.

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It will appear as though you are passing the ball or moving it across to the left side of your body, but you will actually keep your weight on your left foot and brush the ball from the inside to the outside with your right foot taking it to your right side and a little behind you.

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You will then turn your hips to the right and touch the ball with the inside of your right foot to send it off diagonally away from you.



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Practice this with the right foot a few times and then practice with the left foot. This move is crucial to the fake-kick V feint.

9. “Skip touches” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_w9.mpg

This is a very simple move.

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You start by standing with your right foot just i n front of the left foot.

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The ball is just in front of the leading foot and you touch the ball forward with the right foot.

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You then place the right foot on the ground and skip or hop, bringing your left foot to the front and touch the ball forward with it.

Repeat this for a few yards. This skip will freeze your opponent and allow you to shift pace and direction easily.

10. “Run throughs”

In this drill you are running through an air ball.

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Toss the ball in the air in front of you and run forward through it, touching it forward with your head, chest, waist, thighs,



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shins, or feet. •

Touch with just enough force to start the ball moving away and then hit it again to push it down the field.

This is effective to teach young players how to handle a high ball.

II. Turning Fakes

1. “Pull backs (turn with or turn away)” To see the VIDEO CLIP 1: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_t1a.mpg To see the VIDEO CLIP 2: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_t1b.mpg

This goes with the outside and inside rolls discussed in the previous section. The difference is that the ball is brushed or scraped backward.

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Begin with the ball between your feet.

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Bring your right foot up as though you are going to kick the ball, but instead rest your foot on top of the ball and brush your cleats backward to move the ball behind you.

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Turn to face the ball.

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Using your right foot for the pull back, if you turn clockwise it is a turn-with pull back and if you turn counter clockwise it is a turn-away with pull back.

Practice both of them with both feet, although the turn-away pull back is the better choice because you will continue to face your opponent. ____________________________________________________________________________________ 45 www.SoccerDrillsTips.com © SoccerDrillsTips.com


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These moves are most beneficial in the deep offensive third of the field and should not be used in your penalty area or in the middle of the field if there is a defender that could steal it and breakaway.

2. “Fake kick into inside/outside cuts” To see the VIDEO CLIP 1: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_t2a.mpg To see the VIDEO CLIP 2: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_t2b.mpg

This move cuts the ball more sharply than usual and it cuts the ball backward, either to the inside or to the outside. This sets the ball up for a fake kick.

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Start out by dribbling the ball forward.

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Just touching the ball slightly in front of your feet, plant your left foot and bring your right foot up as though you are going to kick the ball with force.

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Instead of kicking the ball, you bring the right foot down in front of the ball and cut it sharply toward your left foot or your body.

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You can then follow through in the new direction and do it again.

This is the inside cut. The outside cut is similar except instead of cutting the ball backward, you use the outside of your right foot to sweep it away from the defender.



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This move shields the ball and is less aggressive. Cutting the ball needs to be done with a fake or the ball will end up between you and your opponent.

3. “Step-over 180º turns (using inside/outside of the foot)” To see the VIDEO CLIP 1: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_t3a.mpg To see the VIDEO CLIP 2: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_t3b.mpg

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Begin as though you were going to do in-betweens, with the ball between your feet.

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Put your weight on your left foot and bring your right foot up over the ball, turning counter clockwise and placing it on the ground to the left of the ball.

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Next, pivot on the right foot in a clockwise direction so you are facing the ball again and you can move in the other direction.

This step-over is a great move for fakes and feints. You could also fake the step-over and just ouch your right foot down before spinning back around and taking the ball with the outside of the right foot in a new direction.

The key with either of these is to make the step-over look like a shot, pass, or lunge



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4. “Shield turns (3/4 turns or spin turns)” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_t4.mpg

Begin by dribbling the ball to a mark that represents the defender and just shy of the mark begin a series of sharp inside cuts with the right foot.

These cuts will bring you around to face left, backward, and right and will open it up for you to make lateral or trial passes if the opportunity is available. Sometimes the attacker can lose the defender with this move.

You can vary this by cutting the ball with the outside of the foot instead of the inside of the foot. These moves work best when the dribbler is running full out.

5. “Cruyff turns” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_t5.mpg

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Dribble the ball forward and place the left foot beside the ball.

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Then bring your right foot back as if you are going to shoot or take a big kick, but instead bring the foot down and chop the ball backward underneath your left leg.

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You may have to hop to get out of the way of the ball.



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6. “Stop Hop” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_t6.mpg

Also known as the Half Garrincha, this move begins at a full run.

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While running, stop the ball by tapping it li ghtly on the top with your cleats of your right foot.

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Keep your momentum forward slightly and lift your right foot off the top of the ball, hopping onto the ground just in front of the ball.

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Next, bring your left foot up, set it on top of the ball, and turn to the side.

The player has now gone from a full out run to a change in direction and is ready for the next move.

III. Fakes to Beat the Opponent

When practicing these fakes, dribble for about 10-20 yards and then back again, doing 10 fakes each way, alternating feet.



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1. “Lunges” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_o1.mpg

You can do this move while standing still or when running.

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Begin to dribble the ball forward and then unexpectedly lunge forward with your left foot and to the left of the ball.

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Your left foot should come down hard as you take the ball back toward the right on the diagonal with the outside of the right foot.

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Then you accelerate and take the ball in the new direction.

This is a move that is crucial to feints.

2. “Double Lunges” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_o2.mpg

This catches opponents off guard when they have caught on to the lunge described above. It is virtually the same move except that you lunge with the right foot after lunging with the left foot and then you take the ball to the left with the outside of the left foot.



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3. “Fake kick (pull Vs, alternating feet)” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_o3.mpg

The ball should be between your feet.

Start with quick movement of your right foot bringing it to the top of the ball and stopping briefly there. It will look like you are going to pass the ball or are going to take it to your left side across your body.

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What you will actually do is keep your weight on your left foot and use your right foot to brush the ball from the inside to the outside.

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The ball will roll back to the right and you will turn your hips to the right (with the ball) and touch the ball with the inside of the right foot to send it to the right on the diagonal.

Practice this with both feet.

4. “Fake kick (pull Ls, alternating feet)” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_o4.mpg

This move is similar to the V move described above. It begins the same way as the V move, but when you have your right foot on top of the ball you then brush or scrape the ball from the inside to the outside with the right foot, placing the ball slightly behind you.

You can then tap it behind your left leg to your left side and turn to the left to dribble the ball in that direction. ____________________________________________________________________________________ 51 www.SoccerDrillsTips.com © SoccerDrillsTips.com


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5. “Scissors” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_o5.mpg

Begin by dribbling the ball between your feet. Place your right foot to the right of the ball and swing your left leg in a counter clockwise direction from the inside of the ball to the outside of the ball. This is an inside-to-outside step-over with the left foot.

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From here you will move the ball back to the right with the outside of the right foot and accelerate in this direction.

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You can perform this move to the front of the ball, front side scissors, or from the back with the step-over mostly behind the ball, back side scissors.

The key is to make your opponent believe the step-over is truly a move to the left.

6. “Double Scissors” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_o6.mpg

When you think your opponent will not be fooled by the scissors move, you can change things around by performing a double scissors move in which you do step-overs in both directions, with the left and then with the right, before moving off with the ball to the left. ____________________________________________________________________________________ 52 www.SoccerDrillsTips.com © SoccerDrillsTips.com


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7. “Fake kick and push outside” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_o7.mpg

In this lunge type move you are going to fake a kick to the left using your right foot. Just prior to putting your right foot back on the ground you push off with your left foot and quickly take the ball to the right using the outside of the right foot. Then you accelerate.

8. “Fake kick and cut inside” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_o8.mpg

Same as the previous move except you cut to the inside instead of pushing to the outside. This sends the ball to the left.

9. “Rivolino (step-over-push outside)” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_o9.mpg

With this move, you step-over like in the scissors, but you go in the opposite direction.

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Place your left foot behind and to the left of the ball and swing your right foot around the ball in a counter clockwise direction, going form the outside right to the inside left.

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You will then push off of your left foot and move the ball to the right with the outside of your right foot.

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You can do this move either facing toward or away from your opponent.



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10. “Matthews” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_o10.mpg

Also known as Touch and Go or Inside Out Move, this move creates a slight movement of the ball in the wrong direction to help fool your opponent.

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Begin by dribbling the ball forward and then touch it lightly with the inside of the right foot as if you are going to kick it.

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Hop slightly on your left foot to move it over and then, pushing off your left foot, take the ball back to the right using the outside of the right foot.

11. “Fake Matthews” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_o11.mpg

Like the Matthews, you take the ball to the inside with the right foot and hop. However, you then step past the ball to the right with your right foot in a small lunge motion and move the ball with the outside of the left foot.

12. “Reverse Matthews” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_o12.mpg

Here the ball is not pushed to the inside, but it is pushed to the outside with the hop and then it is quickly pushed back to the inside with a sharp cut from the inside of the right foot. ____________________________________________________________________________________ 54 www.SoccerDrillsTips.com © SoccerDrillsTips.com


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13. “Half Preki” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_o13.mpg

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Fake a lean or lunge to the right, placing your right foot lightly to the right of the ball, but put your weight on your left foot.

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Brush the cleats of your right foot over the bal, moving to the left across your body.

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Then, touch the ball lightly with the inside of your left foot to take it around your opponent and accelerate.

14. “Preki” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_o14.mpg

This is the same as the Half Preki except you will step-over with the left foot after you roll the ball, stepping down with the right foot and pushing the ball with the outside of the left foot.

15. “Garrincha and Maradona” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_o15.mpg

This is a spinning move.



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Dribble the ball forward and then stop it by placing your right foot on top of the ball.

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Then you hop the right foot over to the other side of the immobile ball then spin counter clockwise and have your left foot brush the ball pulling it with you.

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You will ultimately end up facing the original direction in which you were travelling.

As you master this move you will be able to have both feet leave the ground for an instant during the hop-turn part of the move. It is not necessary to end up in the same direction as you were originally going. Use your discretion to utilize open space or pass the ball.

16. “Stop and go” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_o16.mpg

Start with your right foot on top of the ball and brush the ball to the left to begin moving the ball in that direction. Then you will stop the ball momentarily with your left foot and then brush it again to the left.



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17. “Scotch Moves” To see the VIDEO CLIP 1: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_o17a.mpg To see the VIDEO CLIP 2: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_o17b.mpg To see the VIDEO CLIP 3: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_o17c.mpg

Variations on this move redirect the ball underneath your leg.

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The basics start as you step over the ball with your left foot and place it down.

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Then touch the ball with the inside of your right foot, moving it underneath your left leg and off to the left side at an angle.

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You can then easily turn to the left and take the ball with your left foot.

A variation on this has the left foot stopping the ball briefly, then step past the ball with the left foot and use the inside of the right foot to cut the ball under the left leg.

Yet another variation has the ball being dragged with the right foot on top of the ball, when the left foot becomes planted beyond the ball, and then the right foot pushes it under the left leg.



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18. “Drag Swerve” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_o18.mpg

Using the cleats of the right foot, roll the ball to the left and then push the ball back to the right with the outside of the right foot just before it touches the ground. The left leg can then push off in the new direction.

19. “Drag Scissors” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_o19.mpg

Use the cleats of the right foot to roll the ball as above. Instead of pushing the ball back to the right you perform a scissors move stepping over and moving the right foot around the front of the ball. You can then push the al away with the left foot.

20. “Outside-Inside Swerve”

Also known as the “Reverse Drag Swerve” or the “Ronaldo”.

Begin with a swerve of the ball to the outside and then back to the inside.

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The left foot remains planted on the ground and you push the ball with the outside of the right foot.

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While keeping contact with the ball you switch your right foot around so that it cuts the ball to the left with the inside of the foot.

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You can accelerate in this new direction.



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21. “Inside-Inside Swerve” To see the VIDEO CLIP: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com/downloads/mov_o21.mpg

Cut the ball sharply to the inside with the inside of the right foot and then instantaneously cut the ball the other way with the inside of the left foot and rush past your opponent. There are no steps between the cuts so it is fast and effective.



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Passing and receiving soccer drills Passing and receiving a soccer ball is more than just kicking it back and forth. These are skills that involve communication, organization, and vision. What follows are some simple, yet effective drills you can use to have your team practice the skills of passing and receiving.

Pass and Run

This is a drill that accommodates 6 or more players. Using 12 players in the following example, note how there are 4 players set up in each corner of the field.

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The first player 1 passes to the front player 4 and then runs to the back of line 4.

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Then the first player 4 passes to the front player 1 and follows up by running to the end of the number 1 line.



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They continue in this pattern and meanwhile the same exchange is happening between lines 2 and 3.

Passing Drill

This passing drill effectively works on passing technique and combines this with training on receiving, fitness, and movement.

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Create a rectangle 4 yards by 10 yards with a pylon at each corner.

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Have one player stand behind each pylon.

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The drill begins when player one passes to player 2 and then player 1 switches places with player 4. Player 2 passes to player 4 and then switches places with player 3.

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They then repeat this drill on the other side.

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Then it passing takes place between players 3 and 4.

One great variation is to have two balls going at once so that while player 1 is passing to player 2, player 4 is passing to player 3, then they switch and pass the ball back and switch again. Use your imagination to come up with other ways to vary this game.



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Speed and Running Drills Sprint and Tag

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Have the players divide into teams of three and place two pylons, 30 yards apart for each team.

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Put two players at one pylon and one player at the other pylon.

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Have the first player from the two-person pylon sprint to the second pylon and tag the second player’s hands.

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Then player two sprints to the first pylon and tags the third player’s hands.

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Then the third player sprints to the second pylon and tags the first players hands.

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You will find each player gets about a seven-second rest between sprints.

Continue this drill for 5, 10, 15, or 20 minutes depending on the condition of the players.

Sprint Relay

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Have the players form two lines and start jogging across the field.

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When they are halfway across the field the first two players will sprint to the touch line, turn, and sprint to the other touch line (passing their team-mates along the way), and then turn and sprint to the back of the lines.

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When they reach the back of the lines, the players at the front of the lines will repeat this. Have the players do this for up to 20 minutes depending on

their conditioning. This is a great drill as the players can socialize while they jog and won’t get bored. ____________________________________________________________________________________ 62 www.SoccerDrillsTips.com © SoccerDrillsTips.com


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How to improve acceleration

Acceleration is how quickly a player can build up to maximum speed. The player must move his feet quickly to begin with and gradually increase his stride length to build up to maximum speed.

First Step Drill

This drill focuses on explosiveness from a stationary position. The first step out is the key in this drill, as in any acceleration. You will need one line (two lines if you want to run two players at the same time) of a minimum of 8 cones set up in a zigzag pattern and set about 2 ½ yards apart.

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Player begins at one end of the cones about 2 ½ to 3 yards from the first cone.

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Player sprints to the first cone with an over-exaggerated first step.

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If the cone is to the right, the right leg is the lead leg and vice versa.

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Player decelerates as he approaches the first cone, turns, and sprints to the next cone.

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Weave in and out through all the pylons and jog back the beginning.

In this drill, you want to focus on the first step. Make sure it is powerful. Also focus on pivoting and turning, arm movement, and leaning forward. ____________________________________________________________________________________ 63 www.SoccerDrillsTips.com © SoccerDrillsTips.com


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Speed Starts

This drill does not involve the use of cones. Using a sprinter’s starting position:

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Use a two-point stance and explode forward.

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Use a three-point stance and explode forward.

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Use a four-point stance and explode forward.

This drill helps improve the preliminary movement toward the ball.



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Shooting and finishing soccer drills

Down the Grid

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Set up two grids on an angle and extending out from the 18 yard box.

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Divide your players into four groups.

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Have two groups designated attackers (A) and two groups designated defenders (D).

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The attackers will each line up at the top of one of the grids and the defenders will line up at the bottom of each of the grids.

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You will also need a goal keeper.

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The first attacker in one of the lines dribbles the ball down the grid and tries to beat the defender and cross the 18 yard line.

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If the attacker gets across the 18 yard line he takes a shot. If the defender stops the attacker, the play is over and the next attacker and defender take a turn.



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Once the play is over the attacker from the other grid should be moving. The plays should happen quickly and players should rotate through all 4 lineups.

Serving 1v1

Divide players into two groups and have a goal keeper. Have the groups form two lines: line A are the players and line B are the servers.



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The first player in line A, A1, sprints out to the server (B) who plays the ball to A1.

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As soon as A1 is two steps into his sprint, A2 sprints out and becomes the defender.

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A1 tries to get the shot and A2 tries to slow or stop the lay.

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Once the play is over, A2 becomes the attacker (line A) and A1 joins the serving line (B). B becomes the defender (A2).

Opening up for the Shot

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The area will include the goal out 30 yards.

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Have the goal keeper and three players A, B, and C.



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Player A takes the ball and plays it to player B, who is working to create space to receive the ball and turn to make a shot.

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Player C defends and tries to prevent player B from turning and shooting.

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If player B can shoot he does and if not he pays the ball back to player A to start over. However the goal is to have player B create that space to get the shot away.

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A second defender, player D, can be added to the mix to support the first defender.

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Player A can try to throw the defense off once he plays the ball to player B.



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You can continue to add attackers and defenders. However the focus of this drill remains getting the shot off quickly and taking chances on goal.



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Penalty kick drills

Penalty kicks are an important skill to master because they can win or lose the game. If they are well executed, they are almost impossible for the goal keeper to stop.

There are two types of penalty kicks: placers and blasters. Placers use the instep, the power, to kick the ball and blasters use the inside of the foot, the accuracy.

It is also important to consider the psychological aspect of the penalty kick. It is crucial that the player not allow the goalkeeper to be a distraction, who will try anything to throw you off and ruin your kick. Taking a deep breath before the kick may help.

There are a few basic concepts to know when it comes to penalty kicks:



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Once you decide where you are going to shoot the ball , do not change your mind after you have started;

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Shoot as low to the ground as possible – you can kick the ball over the goal, but you can’t kick it under;

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Aim for one of the two bottom corners and practice with the same run-up every time.

Kwik Drill

A great way to practice the penalty shot is to place a small goal such as a Kwik Goal on the goal line in the center of the goal. Take shots and only the goals that go into the large goal count.

Rope Drill



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Tie two ropes at the left and right sides of the goal. You will only consider a goal when the ball goes between the ropes and the nearest posts. If they score in the middle do not consider it as goals. Check witch players have the better stats. Those are probably the ones that should be taking the penalty kicks during the games.



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Bicycle kick drills

The bicycle kick is a sensational kick and very impressive when you learn to do it effectively. It is an incredibly useful kick as you can send the ball in the opposite direction to that which you are facing, yet you will not much movement or energy to do so.

A bicycle kick is executed when you catch an air ball that has come to you and the kick should follow form the catch in one swift motion. Always have a target when you perform a bicycle kick, otherwise it will result in a scramble for the ball and a possible loss of possession.

Children are not ready to begin learning the bicycle kick until they are at least U10 level. Have them start by trying to kick the ball into the goal. To do it, you need to keep your back to the target and your eyes on the ball.

Have them practice by themselves or with a partner. When the ball comes to them, they can attempt the kick. To execute the kick:

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Raise the knee of the non- kicking leg to your chest and then immediately bring the kicking leg up the same way.

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Your non-kicking leg should push down while you extend your kicking leg to make contact with the ball.

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Pull your toes back to make a right angle with your foot and leg so you can catch the ball and kick through it.

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Have your palms facing down and continue to look at the knee of your kicking leg so that you will not hit your head when you fall.



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Bicycle Goal

If you are working with older children or adults, you can use this drill.

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Have 4-5 players line up in front of the goal.

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The coach stands to the beside the line of players and throws the ball to the first player who attempts to bicycle kick the ball into the goal.

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After the kick the player runs to the end of the line and the coach throws a ball to the next player.

The bicycle kick can be a time saver and it is an effective way to score a goal. However, caution needs to be used as people can get hurt if the kick is poorly timed and there are a lot of people in the path of the ball. Make sure your players know how to assess the situation and are able to tell if and when to use the bicycle kick.



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Free kick drills

Free kicks are taken by a player who has been fouled but is not inside the penalty box. There are two types of free kicks: direct kicks and indirect kicks.

Both can be scoring opportunities, especially around the penalty area. The direct kick does not have to touch another player before scoring. The indirect kick must touch at least one other player before scoring.

Here are some important points regarding free ki cks:

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It is best to have as few touches on the ball as possible before taking a shot .

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Aim for a direct shot (when possible) or only one pass before the shot to allow less time for the defence to get organized.

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A team can also run decoys or late runs into the penalty area, or try to disrupt the wall and be available for a pass.

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If the ball is being played from the midfield, it is a great opportunity to build an attack.



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Past the Wall

This drill mimics the live game situation.

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Have your players for a wall of 3 to 4 people across and about 10 yards away from the ball, between the ball and the goal.

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This will teach young players to become comfortable with the ball while it gives the players the opportunity to practice taking shots.

You can vary this drill by having the players taking the shot receive a pass from another player and then shooting quickly.

Try different scenarios. Make sure to rotate the players so that each of them gets an opportunity to shoot, receive a pass, and defend.



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Corner kick drills

Players often have a difficult time executing a proper corner technique. While this is often the result of the corner arc being too small, there are ways to kick the ball effectively.

A right-footed player should approach the ball from the goal line side of the flag when he is to the left of the goal and from the touch line side of the flag when he is to the right of the goal.

Corner kicks should be aimed just outside the 6 yard box, not inside it. Ideally the ball is sent to the near or far corner, although other targets create great shooting opportunities.

Corner Kick Game

This game is simple yet effective.

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Use a half field to play the game with two goals and two goalkeepers. There are two teams of eight players and they are each split into groups of four.

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Play is four-on-four with the other four players from each team waiting at the corners of their attacking goal.

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Each game lasts four minutes at which time the corner players switch with the field players.



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When the ball goes out of play the team who last had possession of the ball is allowed to take a corner kick. One of the corner players sprints in to the penalty area and takes a corner kick as quickly as possible.

If the goalkeeper gains possession of the ball, it is to be given away as soon as possible in the hopes a breakaway may take place.



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Crossing soccer drills

Channel Crossing

This game is great for teaching proper crossing techniques as well as attacking and defensive heading, and timing of runs into the box.

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Create two channels, one down each side of the field. One player from each team is permitted to go into the channel and play the ball.

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The player in the channel who has the ball is allowed to dribble undefended and to serve the ball into the box.

Three-Player Crossing Game

In this drill, there are three attackers and a goal keeper.

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A2 receives the ball and dribbles a few yards before passing to A1 who has come down the wing.

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A1 then has the option of passing to A2 at the near post or A3 at the far post.

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The goal keeper is confined to the 6 yard box.



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Variations include allowing the goal keeper to have free reign and using up to 3 defenders.

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You can add additional attackers in the box and have A1 dribble to them while A2 offers support.

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If defenders cut of the chance to get into the box, A1 can seek support from A2.

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A1 and A2 must communicate well.



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Free Reign Crossing Drill

This drill helps the players get organize and analyze the plays themselves to see where they went wrong and what would have been a better move.

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Have four players, A, B, C, and D, begin at midfield and have a server about ten yards back from them.

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Give the server a few balls and have one ball served at a time.

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The server may serve the ball to any one of the four players.

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The players must execute three passes in moving the ball to the end line, making the appropriate runs to get in place for



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receiving passes. passes. There will be be no structure structure or pattern to this drill. Instead players players are free to make decisions decisions about what plays to make. They will will learn by doing.

The four diagrams below show the basic setup and three different examples of plays that can result from this drill.

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Defensive soccer drills

A team is on defence as soon as they lose possession of the ball. Defence is all all about anticipating anticipating your opponent’s opponent’s next next move and countering that move to prevent a goal and regain possession of the ball.

The slide tackle is something to be taught to older players, at least U10 and up. up. The improper improper application of of the slide tackle can result in a serious foul and injury to either or both players.

Players need to be sure they are able to execute this move properly before before they attempt attempt it. Following are some drills that are helpful for training defensively.



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Soccer slide tackle drills

The slide tackle is an effective means of taking possession possession of the ball from your opponent when you are coming in from the side. It is important to practice these drills on a soft surface to avoid injury. in jury.

Players younger than U12 are not ready to learn the Slide Tackle. Players need to be taught taught when to use this move and and when not to. They need to be proficient proficient in executing executing the move because because it is easy for them and the attacker to be injured if the move performed improperly.

It is also likely to be considered a serious serious foul.

Slide Tackle Drill #1

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Have your players pair up and give each pair a ball.

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One player dribbles the ball while the other is the defender and runs along side.

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The defender slides in from the side at some point in order to take the ball away from the attacker.

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The defender makes the tackle by landing on his back and sliding in to kick the ball away from the attacker with his outstretched leg.



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Slide Tackle Drill

In this drill each players has a cone and a ball. The drill is split into phases and it requires a small space. The ground should be soft, either with long grass or wet or snowy.

Phase 1:

The purpose of this phase is to teach the players how to transition from a run to a slide.

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Do not jump in the air; instead slide onto one of your hips.

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Tuck in your lower leg so that it is at a 90º bend.

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Do not catch either of your feet on the ground as you slide.

Phase 2

Once the players are able to slide comfortably, without hesitation they will work with the cones. The cone becomes the target to get the players used to hooking the ball rather than just poking it away.

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Have the players come at their cones from about 20 feet away. They will practice sliding in from either side to hook the cone and pull it back the way you have come from.

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Players will learn to time it so they are horizontal as their foot reaches the one and they will roll onto their stomachs as they



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They will also learn to get back up immediately, facing the direction they came from, in order to maintain possession of the ball.

Phase 3

Now the players will work with the ball. First they practice the same way they did with the cone, then they are paired up and they begin to practice the moving slide tackle. Remind the players that they are helping each other learn and they want the tackler to be successful.

One payer dribbles the ball while the other player runs along side at the same pace.

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Tackler needs to commit, follow through, and get back on his feet immediately.

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They need to work on timing, spacing, hooking the ball, positioning their foot and leg properly, and getting back on their feet.

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Have them switch roles.



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Aggressiveness soccer drills

Being aggressive on the soccer field means having the attitude that “the ball is mine” and doing whatever it takes within the rules of the game to achieve and maintain possession of that ball.

It is important to remember that these are aggressiveness drills and they can become very physical. When teaming players up, try to put more aggressive players with less aggressive players and match them in size and weight.

Who Can Score?

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Split the team in half and have each group umber off.

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Set up 10 pylons in a square, 4 larger ones along opposite sides and two smaller ones on each of the open sides as goals.

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Have each group on opposite sides of the square and call a number. The players with that number must run around the pylons and enter through on of the goals with the aim of scoring through the goal opposite them.

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The coach throws the ball into the middle of the square when the players are just a few steps away from entering the goals so that they cannot locate the ball too soon.

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There will be a serious battle for the ball.



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Taking the Ball

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Split the team in half and have them line up.

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The first to players should face each other and the coach will throw the ball into the air between the players.

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They then have to fight each other to gain possession of the ball.

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You can also serve the ball to them on the ground so they must run diagonally to get to the ball.

Protecting the Ball

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Have the players partner up which each other.

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One player, the attacker, is in possession of the ball and stands next to it feet shoulder width apart.

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The other player begins by standing on the outside shoulder of the attacker and is required to try to get his foot on the ball any feasible way.

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The attacker must maintain balance and protect the ball against full-on aggressiveness by the defender.

Closer to the Ball

This drill is set up the same as the drill “Protecting the Ball”. This time the defender is required to place his body between the attacker and the ball suing any means necessary.



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Fight for the Ball

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Pair the players up again and have them hold onto the shoulders of each other’s jerseys.

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They are facing each other and are in a strong pl ace to fight for the ball.

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The coach stands about 10 yards away with the ball and the players must make their way to the coach to obtain possession of the ball.

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They have to try to hold each other back while trying to reach the ball first.

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The coach can always encourage aggressiveness by moving further away or placing the ball in a position that favors one player over the other.



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Soccer goalie drills

It is important for the goalkeeper to have fast and strong hands because he stops the shots with his hands. It is important for the goalkeeper to practice catching the ball.

In a game, the priority is to stop the ball at all costs, but if the goalkeeper hits the ball away, the opposing team may gain possession and score. If the goalkeeper catches the ball, he has possession.

There are a number of exercises that are ideal to train a goalkeeper to develop strong hands. These exercises are good for speed as well and it becomes quickly obvious when hand speed is lacking.

The other major thing a goalkeeper has to be aware of is the angles. In other words, the goalkeeper must gain a solid knowledge of how all the angles work so that he can reduce the target area as much as possible.

The goalkeeper must be able to assess the shot in relation to his position in the goal and he must also be able to move outside the goal quickly and effectively to stop the shot.



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Situps

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The goalkeeper does sit-ups with ball, bringing it forward each time.

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As the ball is brought forward, the coach kicks it.

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This helps reinforce the goalkeepers hand position on the ball.

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If the goalkeeper drops the ball, he must recover immediately and do another sit-up.

Service 1

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The coach stands about 2 yards from the goalkeeper and serves the ball.

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The goalkeeper catches the ball and sends it back to the coach who then punches the return pass immediately back to the goalkeeper.

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This pattern of catch and return is continuous with the coach punching the ball in various directions.

Service 2

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The goalkeeper stands in the mouth of the goal.

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The coach serves the ball as high as the goalkeeper can reach.

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The goalkeeper must jump, catch, and throw the ball back to the coach before his feet touch the ground.

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The coach serves the ball as soon as he catches it, using the cross bar as a locater.

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Try doing two to three sets of 10 jumps with a rest in between.



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Service 3

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The coach serves the ball and the goalkeeper performs a diving catch.

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When the ball is caught and planted, the coach must kick the ball.

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This reinforces the hand positioning.

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The coach will adjust the power of the kick based on the goalkeeper’s level of ability, with the intent being to improve the goalkeeper’s ability and confidence level.

The Triangle Goal

You will need 3 pylons and one ball. Divide your payers into two teams, each with their own goalkeeper. The pylons will be used to set up a triangular goal in the center of a 50 yard by 50 yard grid.



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Have the goal in the center of a 20 yard diameter circle.

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Both teams try to score by shooting through any of the sides of the triangle.

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Only the keepers are allowed in the triangle.

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If a goalkeeper catches the ball, his team must take the ball outside of the 50x50 grid before they may shoot again.

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The goalkeeper of the team with possession may become an attacking player as well.

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To make it really exciting you can use two balls.

The Goalkeeper Dive

You will need four players, one of which is the goalkeeper, three balls, and three pylons. Place the cones in a triangle about 12 feet apart.



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The keeper stands inside the triangle at pylon D.

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Player A rolls the ball to pylon E, not with the intention of scoring.

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The goalkeeper dives and stops the ball, returning it to player A immediately.

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The goalkeeper then moves into position at pylon E and player B rolls the ball to pylon F.

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This is repeated and you can switch the goalkeepers every 90 seconds or when they get tired.

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This is a great way to look at their diving technique.



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Indoor Soccer Drills

Many soccer players live in areas where winter is a reality and they do not have the luxury of an outdoor soccer field all year round. This is when indoor soccer training techniques become important.

Following is a few suggestions for the types of drills you can do with your players indoors. They all teach the same techniques you want to get across during regular outdoor practices while using what you have available in the gym.

Dribbling and Faking: Players can use the lines on the gym floor as dribbling courses with different colors for different dribbling techniques. You can use any of the equipment in the gym to create and obstacle course. Have players work one-on-one to practice keeping possession and shielding the ball, staying between the ball and their opponent and using foot techniques to keep possession.

Passing and Shooting: You can use walls and benches as passing stations and you can use various pieces of gym equipment as goals.

Soft mats are ideal to teach some of the kicks such as bicycle

kick. You can also hold shooting competitions with large boxes as targets.

Ball Control: Again, use the walls and benches as passing stations and allow the players to kick (either on the ground or in the air) and throw the ball into the bench or wall in order to help them ____________________________________________________________________________________ 95 www.SoccerDrillsTips.com © SoccerDrillsTips.com


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learn to control the ball.

Heading: the gym equipment can be used as a heading obstacle course and you can have a heading shootout on the basketball court.

The hard and soft mats are ideal for practicing

heading techniques.



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Glossary

Midfield line: Line that divides the field into equal halves.

Touch Line: The line that defines the outer edge of the l onger sides of the field.

When the ball goes out of bounds over the touch line, a throw in occurs. Also called the sideline.

Goal lines: Lines that mark out of bounds at either end of the field. When the ball goes out of bounds over the goal line, either a goal kick or corner kick occurs, depending on which team last touched the ball. Also called end lines.

Penalty area: Arguably the most important portion of the field, because a foul inside the penalty area results in a penalty kick. Also called the penalty box.

Goal area: Goal kicks are taken from the corners of this box.

Goal: Points are scored when the ball passes through the 8-foot tall goal.



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Center circle: Opposing players must stand outside the circle until the ball is kicked to initiate the game in a kickoff.

Center spot: A mark at the center of the halfway line where the ball is placed during kickoffs.

Corner kick quarter-circles: Area where ball is placed on corner kicks. A flag at least five feet high stands at all four corners.

Corner kick: When the ball crosses the goal line after last touching a defender, a member of the offense restarts play from the closest corner.

Cross: A pass sent from near the sidelines to the front of the goal to create a scoring opportunity. Also called centering.

Direct kick: A unguarded kick awarded following severe fouls, such as kicking, tripping, jumping at, charging, striking, pushing, holding or spitting at an opponent. When tackling an opponent, the player must first make contact with the ball or a direct kick results. Additionally called for hand ball. A goal can be scored directly from the kick; it does not need to touch an additional player after the kick.

Dribble: Keeping control of the ball while running by tapping, dragging, or rolling it in front of the body.



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Drop kick: When a goalkeeper who is holding the ball drops it and kicks it after it bounces.

Free kick: A kick from the spot of the foul, awarded to the team that was fouled, in which the opposing players must stand at least 10 yards away until the ball is kicked. A free kick is either a direct kick or an indirect kick, depending on the type of foul.

Goal kick: When the offense sends the ball over the goal line, the defense kicks the ball from within the goal area. Opposing players may not enter the penalty area until the ball has been kicked.

Hand ball: The illegal action of touching the ball with an arm or hand.

Header: Using the head to pass, shoot, block, or otherwise control the ball.

Indirect kick: An unguarded kick following minor fouls, such as offsides, dangerous play (e.g. high kick), impeding the progress of an opponent, or preventing the goalie from releasing the ball. The ball must touch at least one player after the kick before a goal can be scored.



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Juggling: Performing a series of touches while keeping the ball from hitting the ground.

Kickoff : The ball is put into play from the center circle at the start of each half and after a goal.

Marking: Guarding an opponent.

Man on: Players yell “man on” to inform a teammate that a defender is nearby.

Nutmeg: A pass that goes between an opponent’s legs.

Offsides: Foul frequently enforced during a game to prevent unfair fast-break goals. Called when a player is closer to the opposition’s goal line than both the ball and two defenders (the goalie and one additional defender).

Penalty kick: When a foul is called inside the penalty box, the offense is awarded a direct kick from the penalty spot. Only the goalkeeper can stop this shot attempt.

Penalty-kick tiebreaker: In case of a tie, five players from each team alternate penalty shots. The team that scores the most goals is the winner. If the teams remain tied after five shots, they alternate penalty shots until one team misses and the other scores. Also called a shoot-off. ____________________________________________________________________________________ 100 www.SoccerDrillsTips.com © SoccerDrillsTips.com


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Punt: A long distance kick by the goalie, who drops and kicks the ball before it hits the ground.

Save: When a player, usually the goalie, blocks a shot from going into the goal.

Scrimmage: A practice game. Also called a friendly.

Strike: Legal contact (kick, header, etc.) with the ball; hands and arms are not permitted.

Tackle: To steal the ball from a player. Stealing the ball by sliding in front of a player is called a slide tackle.

Throw-in: A two-handed, overhead pass, taken from the sideline when the opposing team knocks the ball out of bounds.

Touch: Contact that a player has with the ball while it is in his possession (e.g. “one-touch,” “two-touch,” etc.).

Trapping: Stopping the ball to gain control before advancing.

Volley: Kicking the ball while it is in midair.


Soccer Drills and Moves

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