Free Soccer Drills for Coaches

Setup

Create a 6x6 yard square. Four attackers on the outside, one defender inside.

Instructions

1. Attackers keep the ball moving with one or two touches maximum.
2. Defender tries to intercept or force the ball out of the square.
3. If the defender wins the ball, swap with the player who lost it.
4. Count consecutive passes and challenge the group to beat their record.

Coaching points

• Open the body to see both the ball and the next pass.
• Play the ball to the correct foot of the receiver.
• Move after passing — don't stand still.

Setup

Set up four cones in a diamond shape, roughly 10 yards apart. Place one player at each cone.

Instructions

1. Player at cone A passes to cone B, then follows the pass.
2. Player at B one-touches to cone C, follows.
3. Continue around the diamond in both directions.
4. Progress to a give-and-go pattern after 5 minutes.

Coaching points

• Weight of pass — firm but receivable.
• Communicate before receiving the ball.
• First touch away from pressure.

Setup

One goalkeeper, a server 25 yards out with balls, and two lines of players — one attacker, one defender.

Instructions

1. Server plays a ball into the attacker who checks toward it.
2. Defender starts one yard behind and closes down.
3. Attacker turns and tries to score within 6 seconds.
4. Rotate roles every rep.

Coaching points

• Take a positive first touch away from the defender.
• Pick your spot early — near post low is highest percentage.
• Follow up shots for rebounds.

Setup

Line up 6 cones, 1.5 yards apart. Each player has a ball.

Instructions

1. Dribble through the cones using the inside of the foot.
2. Return with the outside of the foot.
3. Progress to sole rolls, then step-overs.
4. Time each player to add competition.

Coaching points

• Small touches — keep the ball close.
• Head up between touches to scan.
• Use both feet equally.

Setup

Pairs in a 10x10 grid. Attacker has the ball at walking pace.

Instructions

1. Defender mirrors the attacker without tackling.
2. Stay side-on, low center of gravity, weight on toes.
3. After 60 seconds, swap roles.
4. Progress to allowing tackles once shape is consistent.

Coaching points

• Show the attacker to their weaker foot.
• Don't dive in — stay patient.
• Close the space, then slow down.

Setup

Cones at 5, 10, 15, and 20 yards.

Instructions

1. Sprint to 5 and back, 10 and back, 15 and back, 20 and back.
2. Rest 45 seconds. Repeat 4-6 sets.
3. Add a ball for older groups.

Coaching points

• Plant the outside foot when changing direction.
• Stay low through the turn.
• Full recovery between sets for quality.

Setup

Goalkeeper in the goal, server 10 yards out with a supply of balls.

Instructions

1. Server throws or volleys balls at varying heights.
2. Keeper catches, resets, and rolls the ball back.
3. Progress to diving saves left and right.

Coaching points

• Hands form a W behind the ball for high catches.
• Body behind the ball as a second barrier.
• Eyes on the ball all the way in.

Setup

20x20 yard grid. Two teams of three. Two neutral players on the outside as helpers.

Instructions

1. Team in possession must complete 6 passes to score a point.
2. Neutral players play for whichever team has the ball, two touches max.
3. Rotate neutrals every 3 minutes.

Coaching points

• Angle of support — always give two passing options.
• Play forward when it's on, back to go forward when it isn't.
• Press as a unit when possession is lost.

Setup

Full-size goal, keeper, wingers on both flanks with a supply of balls, two strikers on the edge of the box.

Instructions

1. Winger dribbles and delivers a cross.
2. Strikers make near-post and back-post runs.
3. Alternate flanks and rotate positions every 5 minutes.

Coaching points

• Cross before the byline for near-post runners.
• Attackers: late, curved runs beat static defenders.
• First-time finishes when possible.

Setup

20x20 grid, one ball per pair.

Instructions

1. Pair A passes to B, then jogs to a new space.
2. B controls, finds A with a pass, and repeats.
3. Progress to one-touch passing after 3 minutes.

Coaching points

• Call for the ball before it arrives.
• First touch out of the feet.
• Never pass and stand still.

Setup

30x20 yard pitch, small goals, no goalkeepers.

Instructions

1. Regular play, throw-ins from the sideline.
2. Every player must touch the ball before a goal counts.
3. Rotate teams every 4 minutes.

Coaching points

• Spread out when you have the ball.
• Compact when you lose it.
• Look up before receiving.

Setup

5x15 yard channel with a small goal at one end.

Instructions

1. Attacker starts with the ball at the far end and tries to score.
2. Defender starts on the goal line and steps out to engage.
3. Reset after each attempt, rotate roles.

Coaching points

• Close space quickly, then slow to jockey.
• Force the attacker to their weaker foot or the sideline.
• Time the tackle — don't lunge.