Agile athletes can move quickly and change direction while keeping balance and control. Agility is especially important to soccer players, who not only use their feet and legs for agility, but also for controlling the ball. Soccer players who work on agility drills with a ball develop confidence in their ability to move quickly while still maintaining possession.
Individual
Dribbling around cones is a good warm-up that helps players gain a feel for the ball at their feet. Stress control at first. Once a player becomes comfortable, pick up the pace to develop agility. Challenge players by replacing the cones with other players as passive defenders. As the dribbler approaches, the defender offers light resistance. This forces the dribbler to maintain control under increased pressure. Gradually increase the pressure as control improves.
Pairs
Working in pairs blends agility with teamwork. Have two players stand 5 to 6 yards apart, passing the ball quickly back and forth. On a signal have them move in one direction so that one player is backpedaling while the other moves forward. On another signal they change roles. In another drill, a player dribbling the ball follows his teammate. The dribbler tries to maintain control while staying within reach of the other player.
Small Groups
Groups of three or four players force players to deal with more obstacles. Put the players in a small space, each with a ball. Players must maintain possession of their own ball while trying to kick another player's ball out of the area. This develops a player's ability to adjust to tacklers while honing his own tackling skills. Make sure the dribblers are challenging themselves to move as quickly as possible while still keeping possession.
Large Groups
Working in large groups will begin to tie in all the aspects of agility that come into play during a game. Play a game of seven vs. seven across the field. Each player is required to beat a defender before they can pass the ball. This will develop footwork and ball skills. Also, play a full field scrimmage in which players are limited to three touches. This will help them to think quickly.
Goalkeepers
There are specific agility requirements for goalkeepers. An article in Keeper Skool notes that goalkeepers should have solid ball skills, but agility drills for goalies focus on developing footwork. Start the goalie in a sitting position with two shooters in different locations. The goalie has to scramble to his feet and regain his footwork as one shot is struck. Once the save is made the other player shoots, forcing the goalie to readjust again.
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