Skills for soccer, also known as football in some parts of the world, should be taught progressively, beginning without defensive pressure and with a focus on developing correct techniques. Defensive pressure should be introduced incrementally, building up to the skill being practiced in game conditions.
Wall Pass
This drill focuses on passing the ball and quickly receiving a return pass from a teammate. This drill allows a soccer coach to teach the correct technique of passing and also emphasizes the need to move into space after giving a pass to a teammate. Begin in a 20 yard box with four players on the inside with a soccer ball, and four players spread evenly round the outside without a ball. On the coach's command, players on the inside begin the drill, passing to a soccer player on the outside and communicating for a pass back. Time the drill for one minute and award a point for every successful wall pass. A point is scored when a player receives the return pass. Develop the drill by adding defensive pressure--have four players on the outside of the box and a two-on-one attacking situation inside the box. Award one point for a give and go to the players on the outside, and two points for a give and go with the teammate on the inside. Improve the drill by making it two attackers against two defenders on the inside.
Shoot to Score
The shoot to score drill develops shooting on goal from 10 to 15 yards. Have two lines of three soccer players a couple of yards outside the goal post and on the 18 yard line. Place one player on the penalty spot. If you have a large group, try and set up multiple goals rather than have long lines and players standing around waiting. The player at the start of the left hand line passes to the server, and after receiving the return ball, touches and shoots to the far corner of the goal. After one repetition, the shooter joins the back of the line on the right. The two lines alternate shots. Increase the difficulty of the drill by having the server provide defensive pressure after passing.
Defend to Win
This drill develops tackling ability and encourages an aggressive mentality when defending. Have 10 players with a ball each dribbling in a 20 yard box and two defensive players. On the coach's command, the two defensive players aim to tackle as many players as possible within one minute. The defensive player scores one point for every ball that goes out of bounds. This encourages the defender to fully win possession and clear after winning a tackle. The two defenders are competing against each other with the most points winning.
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