In the pursuit of the dream to become a professional footballer, hard work, perseverance, and training are paramount. Football is more than just a game; it’s a path to be enjoyed, irrespective of the ultimate goal achieved. I present basic soccer drills divided into four categories to help players and coaches develop mastery in passing, shooting, defending, and dribbling.
Dribbling and Ball Control
Top 9 Exercises for Dribbling and Ball Control
Dribbling: One on One
Neymar Jr.’s exceptional ball handling can be emulated through one-on-one basic soccer drills. Set up a small, delimited goal, and let two players engage in competitive, fun, and skill-enhancing dribbling sessions.
Exercise level: Easy
Fun rating: 4/5
Number of players needed: 2 or more
Equipment needed: Ball and markers
Simple Exercise with Cones
Improving individual ball handling is essential for all positions. Utilize cones in an enclosed space to enhance dribbling skills. We provide a helpful video for various dribbling techniques.
Exercise level: Easy
Fun rating: 2/5
Number of players needed: 1
Equipment needed: Ball and cones
Advanced Exercise with Cones
Take the cones exercise to the next level with Become Elite’s dynamic basic soccer drills. These exercises not only enhance dribbling skills but also work on physical toning and endurance, adding complexity to the training routine.
Exercise level: Medium
Fun rating: 3/5
Number of players needed: 1
Equipment needed: Ball and cones
Cone Circle
Individual ball control exercises within a circular pattern provide a realistic playing situation. OnlineSoccerTraining showcases how players of any age can benefit from this type of dribbling drill.
Exercise level: Easy
Fun rating: 3/5
Number of players needed: 1
Equipment needed: Ball and cones
El Recorte
Andrés Iniesta introduces “El Recorte,” a Spanish dribbling movement involving changes of foot and rhythm. Adapt this exercise individually by replacing opponents with cones and practicing this effective cutback.
Exercise level: Easy
Fun rating: 3.5/5
Number of players needed: 1
Equipment needed: Ball and cones
More Dribbling Drills
Explore various dribbling basic soccer drills, including cone drills, suicide dribbling, 1v1 controlled scoring, and testing dribble speed. These exercises aim to enhance ball control, touch, and overall dribbling skills.
Recommended equipment: Ball, cones
Number of players required: Varies
Set-up: Differ based on the specific drill
Shooting and Finishing
Top 9 Shooting and Finishing Drills
Shot After Pass
Fundamental ball striking can be practiced through the shot after pass exercise. Teammates pass the ball to each other, emphasizing control, preparation, and a subsequent goal-directed shot.
Exercise level: Easy
Fun rating: 3.5/5
Number of players needed: 2 or more, including a goalkeeper
Equipment needed: Ball and goal
One-Touch Shooting
Modern football dynamics often demand quick, one-touch shots. Learn the art of first-touch shots with Reading FC Academy’s video on training this essential skill.
Exercise level: Easy
Fun rating: 3/5
Number of players needed: 1 player and one goalkeeper
Equipment needed: Ball and goal
Three-Goal Drill
Chelsea academies popularize the three-goal drill, combining dribbling and one-touch shooting. This exercise involves setting up small goals with defenders and a goalkeeper in a dynamic scenario.
Exercise level: Medium
Fun rating: 4/5
Number of players needed: 4 outfield players and a goalkeeper
Equipment needed: Ball, goals, and mini goals
Shifting, Turning, and Chest Control
Create a dynamic exercise with three players and a goalkeeper, focusing on shifting, turning, and chest control. This versatile drill can simulate real-game scenarios and improve adaptability.
Exercise level: Easy
Fun rating: 3.5/5
Number of players needed: 3 or more, plus goalkeeper
Equipment needed: Several balls and a goal
Headers
Heading is a crucial aspect of football, and this fun exercise by Víctor Sánchez del Amo involves a team competition. Players receive passes from teammates, scoring goals without goalkeepers.
Exercise level: Medium
Fun rating: 5/5
Number of players needed: 6 or more, divided into two teams
Equipment needed: Ball and goals
More Shooting Drills
Explore additional shooting drills like pass and shoot, agility and shooting, turn and shoot, and goalkeeper lob. These basic soccer drills improve shooting accuracy, agility, and foot speed.
Recommended equipment: Ball, goal, cones, training ladder (optional)
Number of players required: Varies
Set-up: Customize based on the specific drill
Passing and Control
Top 9 Passing and Control Drills
Basic Short Passes
Start with a classic three-player exercise to enhance passing accuracy and intensity. Focus on control and short passes to both sides, utilizing various foot surfaces.
Exercise level: Easy
Fun rating: 3/5
Number of players needed: 3
Equipment needed: Ball
More Passing and Control Drills
Delve into other passing and control exercises to further develop your skills. The emphasis is on improving accuracy, touch, and overall ball control.
Recommended equipment: Ball
Number of players required: Varies
Set-up: Customize based on the specific drill
Conclusion
These basic soccer drills cover essential aspects of the game, providing a comprehensive training regimen for players and coaches. Whether focusing on dribbling, shooting, or passing, incorporating these drills into your routine will contribute to your overall mastery of football. Enjoy the journey of improvement, savoring every moment of hard work and dedication on the path to realizing your football dreams.