To improve your performance in soccer, it is important to undergo physical training, particularly soccer drills, as the beautiful game demands it.
Dedication and perseverance are crucial to advancing your game and overcoming obstacles. As an aspiring soccer player, mastering the game requires undergoing specific drills and training regimens.
One of the effective drills that a soccer player must focus on is dribbling. Most soccer stars are renowned for their strategic skills and impeccable dribbling abilities, which can only be achieved through consistent training and engagement with drills.
Therefore, to improve your soccer skills, it is necessary to devote time and effort to training and mastering these drills.
In this article, we have come up with the 10 most effective soccer drills for high school players that are sure to keep players entertained, inspired, engaged, and improve their abilities.
Before we proceed, many drills help groom high school players for the game of soccer. The major parts of soccer are covered when these drills are carried out. They are:
- Passing Drills: This drill is done to warm up players for the other drills. This drill involves passing the ball from player to player in a shaped pattern e.g triangle, square, etc.
- Shooting Drills: As the name implies, shooting drills focus on shooting but with precision and target. You have to be deliberate and accurate when you pass a ball, it has to hit the net. An example of this is a free kick.
- Dribbling Drills: Dribbling drills are exercises that focus on tackling, controlling, and repossession of the ball. Such exercise is practiced by dribbling the ball through cones.
- Defending Drills: Defending drills are exercises to help players position themselves to defend and tackle the ball against the opposing team.
- Training Drills: Training drills are exercises targeting the pace, speed, and swiftness of players. They include cycling and running that target the heart, circulatory system, and blood vessels.
Soccer Drills: One-On-One or Toe-To-Toe Dribbling
Level: Easy
Players: 2
What Is Needed: Ball, the net, and demarcation
This drill involves facing off against another player, so it’s time to get competitive.
The objective is for you to dribble the ball from left to right foot while the defender attempts to repossess the ball. It’s like a game of keep-away, but with more legwork.
To perform this drill perfectly, you must maintain your ground and keep the ball close to your body. It’s like carrying a precious egg on your feet.
And don’t forget to keep your head up while dribbling to assess your opponent’s movements and anticipate their next move. It’s as though you’re playing chess, but with your feet.
You should also use different types of dribbling moves, such as crossovers, between-the-legs, and behind-the-back, to create separation from the defender.
As for the defenders, it’s time to show off your defensive skills.
Maintain a balanced stance, stay on your toes, and try to anticipate your opponent’s next moves to cut off their dribbling path. And use your body to control their movements.
This drill is an excellent way to develop both offensive and defensive skills in players.
It requires quick reflexes, coordination, and agility. It also encourages a competitive spirit in players, encouraging them to improve their skills and work harder.
One player who has mastered this drill is Neymar Jr. He’s a soccer showboating master on the field, using his quick footwork, explosive speed, and excellent ball control to leave his opponents in the dust.
Channel your inner Neymar Jr. and show off your One-on-One or Toe-to-Toe dribbling skills on the field.
Soccer Drills: Cone Exercise
Level: Easy
Player: 1
What Is Needed: Cones and ball
The cone drill is an effective training drill that you don’t want to miss.
It aims to improve your precision and control over the ball, so you can confidently handle the ball, even when facing opposition from multiple directions.
All you need to do is mark out a straight path with cones, usually around 10 or more cones, or sometimes in a circular pattern.
Then, move the ball through the cones, dribbling left to right while maintaining control of the ball. Easy peasy, right?
But wait, there’s more.
This drill helps you develop critical skills such as ball handling, dribbling, maneuvering, and quick change of direction, which are essential for success in soccer.
Plus, you get to show off your footwork while you’re at it.
To achieve the best results, make sure to place the cones at different distances and angles to create more complex patterns, forcing you to maneuver through them with agility and speed.
You might just become the next Lionel Messi, the soccer player with exceptional cone control, acceleration, and quick change of direction.
Soccer Drills: Pass and Shoot
Level: Easy
Players: 2, and 1 goalkeeper
What Is Needed: Ball
Want to improve your shooting skills and teamwork? Then, pass and shoot drill is perfect for you.
This game involves two players and a goalkeeper, all trying to score a goal. Yeah, it’s as simple as it sounds, just pass the ball to your partner and shoot it toward the goal.
However, this drill requires precision, accuracy, and good communication between teammates.
But, don’t worry, you’ll get there with practice.
The first player passes the ball to the second player, who then controls the ball and takes a shot at the goal, while the goalkeeper tries to save the ball from entering the goal.
Just repeat the drill multiple times, with the players alternating roles as the shooter and passer.
This game is not only fun and competitive, but it will also help you develop your shooting skills, teamwork, and communication on the field. And proper execution of the drill might just give you more scoring opportunities during games.
Focus on bringing the pass-and-shoot drill home by practicing and perfecting your shooting techniques.
What are you waiting for? Pass the ball and shoot.
Soccer Drills: One touch, One shot
Level: Easy
Player: 1, and 1 goalkeeper
What Is Needed: Ball
Are you tired of scoring the same old boring goals from up close? It’s time to spice up your game with some long-range shots! Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of nailing a goal from a distance.
And the one-touch, one-shot drill is just what you need to master this skill. It’s like a speed-dating version of shooting – one touch and you’re off to the races.
The drill requires you to aim for the net with just one shot, demanding precision, accuracy, and quick decision-making skills. It’s as though you’re trying to hit a bullseye with a single arrow – no pressure, right?
During the one-touch, one-shot drill, you’ll take turns attempting to hit the net with just one shot. It’s like a game of hot potato, but with a ball and a goalpost.
This drill is essential for any soccer player looking to up their game, as it helps you develop your shooting skills, improve your accuracy and speed, and build your confidence in taking on long-range shots.
Soccer trainers or coaches can use this drill to evaluate their players’ skills and provide feedback to help them improve their technique.
With practice and the right technique, you can become a master of long-range shots.
Just look at Cristiano Ronaldo – CR7 can score from 40 meters away like it’s nobody’s business. He is an excellent role model for high school players looking to improve their long-range shooting abilities.
Soccer Drills: Headshot
Level: Medium
Players: 7 or more in 2 teams
What Is Needed: Ball
If you want to improve your heading abilities, the headshot drill is the way to go. No, not the kind that involves shooting someone in the head – we’re talking soccer here.
To nail a successful headshot, you’ll need to hone your timing, coordination, and technique. Think of it like threading a needle, but with your forehead and a ball flying towards you at high speeds.
Proper technique is key – make sure you’re hitting the ball with the central area of your forehead for a firm and accurate shot toward the goal.
And don’t forget about your posture! Keep your eyes open, head straight, and use your arms to balance. It’s like you’re striking a pose for a perfect photoshoot, but with more sweat.
Jumping and timing are also crucial for a perfect headshot.
You’ll need to jump at the right moment and position yourself for maximum force and accuracy. It’s like trying to catch a firefly, but with your head and a lot more pressure.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out Sergio Ramos. The Spaniard knows how to head a ball like a boss. His skills have helped him score goals for both his club and country.
Practice regularly, fine-tune your skills, and maybe one day you’ll be making headlines with your incredible heading abilities.
Soccer Drills: Short Passes
Level: Easy
Players: 3
What Is Needed: Ball
If you’re looking to improve your passing abilities and teamwork on the soccer field, the short pass drill is a fundamental exercise that can help you achieve those goals.
To get started, form a group of three players and position yourselves with one player on the left, one on the right, and the third player in the middle.
The player in the middle will make short passes to the player on the right, then immediately pass the ball to the player on the left. This drill emphasizes quick thinking, control, and accuracy in passing the ball between teammates.
By practicing the short pass drill regularly, you’ll develop your ability to control and handle the ball in short passes. This will help you become more effective in playing one-two pass during game situations.
Furthermore, this drill can build teamwork and communication skills among players, as it helps you understand the importance of ball control and maintaining possession of the ball.
To take your skills to the next level, you can modify the drill by increasing the speed or accuracy required for each pass, or by changing the distance between the players.
By consistently practicing the short pass drill, you can improve your passing abilities, develop stronger teamwork with your fellow players, and become a more effective and confident player on the soccer field.
Soccer Drills: Rondos
Level: Medium
Players: 7 or more
What Is Needed: Ball
If you want to improve your ball control, possession, and quick thinking skills in a fun and challenging way, Rondos is the perfect drill for you.
The drill involves a group of seven to ten players passing the ball to each other in a circle while one player defends the circle’s center.
Your goal as the defender is to intercept the ball from the other players while avoiding being dribbled past.
This drill emphasizes quick thinking, communication, and ball control skills as you try to keep possession of the ball and avoid losing it to the defender.
By implementing Rondos regularly, you can improve your confidence, ball control, and quick thinking skills, making you better equipped to handle real game situations.
Also, your understanding of how to position yourself on the field, create space, and maintain possession of the ball will also improve.
Soccer coaches or trainers can also modify the drill to increase the level of difficulty. They can adjust the size of the circle, change the number of players in the circle, or add extra rules to make the drill more challenging.
Rondos are enjoyable and effective ways for high school soccer players to develop crucial skills such as dribbling, passing, and communication, and become top-class soccer players with consistent practice and effort.
Soccer Drills: Long Passes
Level: Medium
Players: 2
What Is Needed: Ball
As a soccer player, mastering the skill of long passes can be a game-changer for your team’s success.
The long pass drill is one of the most effective soccer drills for training players to control the ball when receiving it from a long distance on the field.
To perform this drill, you will need a partner. One of you will pass the ball from a long distance, while the other receives the ball and takes control of it.
The player passing the ball needs to focus on precision and accuracy, while the receiving player needs to be quick to anticipate and position themselves correctly to control the ball.
To make a successful long pass, you as the passer needs to focus on your body positioning and the technique used to strike the ball.
Lock your ankle and swing your leg forward to hit the ball with the inside of your foot. The ball should be struck with enough power to reach the intended target, but not too much that it goes beyond their reach.
As the receiver, you need to be aware of your surroundings and have good spatial awareness to position yourself well to receive the ball.
You should be ready to take control of the ball with your chest, foot, or thigh, and then quickly move it to another player or take a shot at the goalpost.
Xabi Alonso is a famous soccer player who is renowned for his expert long passes. His ability to send accurate, long passes across the field was a major factor in his success as a midfielder for both Real Madrid and the Spanish national team.
By consistently practicing and focusing on your technique, you too can develop this effective skill and elevate your performance on the field.
Keep practicing, focus on your body positioning, and use the inside of your foot to strike the ball accurately. With dedication and effort, you can master long passes and become a valuable asset to your team.
Soccer Drills: Tackling
If you want to shine on the field and be the hero of the day, then mastering the art of tackling is essential.
Today’s drill is going to teach you how to gain control of the ball from the opposing team and protect your position like a boss.
So, let’s get to it.
You’ll be facing off against another player, and it’s time to show off your skills. One of you will have the ball, and the other will try to tackle and gain possession.
As the defender, you need to be ready to pounce and make a slide tackle if needed.
But don’t get too aggressive and make contact with their legs or body. That’s a foul, my friend, and you do not want to be directed out of the pitch with a red card.
Timing is key here.
Your mission is to make contact with the ball, not the opposing player.
This technique called a clean tackle, is highly effective when done correctly. You’ll be a force to be reckoned with and a headache for the other team.
Speaking of headaches, have you heard of Alessandro Nesta?
This Italian soccer player was a defensive maestro with exceptional skills and an unparalleled ability to read the game. By studying his technique, you can learn a lot and apply it to your own game.
With regular practice and dedication, you can confidently make clean and effective tackles that will make the other team regret messing with you.
Just remember, focus on your timing, and approach, and aim for the ball.
Soccer Drills: Control and Pass
Level: Easy
Players: 1, plus a passer
What Is Needed: Ball and cones
The control and pass drill is a fundamental training exercise for high school soccer players to develop their ball-handling skills.
This drill emphasizes the importance of proper ball control, which is the foundation for successful passes and effective teamwork.
You will start by receiving the ball and using your quick footwork to control it. Afterward, you will proceed to make several controlled passes to yourself while maneuvering around the field.
The next step involves passing the ball to a teammate with accuracy and precision, ensuring that it reaches the intended target.
This requires not only good ball control but also a keen sense of spatial awareness and timing.
Players who can control and pass the ball flawlessly are highly valued on the field and can make a significant impact on the game.
Examples of soccer players who have mastered this skill include Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Busquets, Johan Cruyff, and many others.
These players are known for their ability to manipulate the ball with ease, maintain possession under pressure, and deliver precise passes to their teammates.
Benefits Of Soccer Drills
Soccer drills are aimed at bringing out the best in players. The benefits are:
- To help develop tactics and strategies to play the game
- Players learn to control, handle, and manipulate the ball
- It is fun yet a lot is to be learned
- It aims to strengthen teamwork
- It prepares the players for the game
- Drills help to point out where a player is lacking
- Improves combination with the ball
- It improves swiftness and pace
- It helps to develop leadership skills
Wrapping It Up
Soccer involves passing, shooting, dribbling, tackling defending, and teamwork, no wonder it is a game loved by everyone.
But don’t worry, if you want to be a star on the field, you have to train like a champ. And for high school players like yourself, there are some mighty effective soccer drills to whip you into shape.
These drills will have you sweating and panting like a pack of dogs, but they’ll also prepare you for the real deal – those intense competitions that’ll have you questioning your life choices.
