Fundamental Soccer Drills

Fundamental soccer drills are used by coaches to help their players develop basic skills by performing the same movement repetitiously. The best drills for teaching soccer fundamentals are not overly complex but still manage to mirror what might occur in a competitive game. It always is good to work on fundamentals, but it is vital for younger children who are just learning the game.

Numbers

The numbers drill helps players develop skills related to both ball control and defense. This drill uses a field with an empty goal on each side. Divide your team into two groups and assign a number to each player, giving each team the same set of numbers. Throw a ball onto the field and call out a number. The two players with the number called must sprint to the ball and play a game of one-on-one until a player scores on the empty goal or the ball is forced out of bounds. As players develop their skills, the drill can be adapted to include more players at once.

Two-Sided Goal

This drill helps players work on their defensive game. It is performed as a continuous two-versus-two game that continues for three minutes. A goal is set up near the center of the field and players are able to score from either side of the goal. The purpose of the drill is to teach defenders to not only defend against opposing players, but also help defend the goal. To make the drill more competitive, the game can be played king of the hill style, with the team scoring the most points staying on the field to take on the next team.

Two-Touch

The two-touch drill is one of the most basic passing drills, allowing the players to focus on the fundamentals. Split your team into groups of two. Each group will need a ball and two cones, set up in any form you wish. The first player passes the ball to the second player. The player receiving the ball should use only two touches to receive the ball and send it back to the first player. After the ball has been passed, the passing player runs to the area between the cones and awaits the ball, which must be received with her lead foot and returned in only two touches. Continue the drill for two to three continuous minutes before rearranging the teams. Rearranging the teams frequently allows for players to get used to the subtle differences that come with each player's passing style.

Volcano

The volcano drill is used to help players learn how to change direction while retaining possession of the ball. To perform the drill you will need a ball and any type of marker for each player. Section off a 20-by-20-yard section of the field and have the players stand wherever they wish and drop their marker. These markers will be the volcanoes. On the whistle, the players must dribble the ball throughout the partitioned field, changing directions any time they come across a marker. If a ball touches the marker, that player must sit out until the next drill begins.