Soccer Training Exercises

As more and more people become interested in the game of soccer, players of all ages are increasing their skill levels. As with other sports, practicing good techniques can mean the difference between winning and losing. Soccer training exercises can help, but only if they are repeated on a regular basis. Even the pros continue to practice basic soccer skills.

Stop and Go

This exercise is played in a square that is about six adult steps in width and height. The players start with a ball on one side of the square. They race as quickly as possible to the other side while maintaining control of the ball and stop at the opposite side, stopping the ball with them. Different sides of the square are then selected to practice short stop and go skills.

Passing Cones

A player is in a stopped position with the ball while a teammate races ahead to a cone. Once at the cone, the teammate breaks to the left or right. The player with the ball passes to the teammate, kicking the ball far enough ahead of the teammate so that the teammate doesn't have to slow down to retrieve the ball.

Dribbling Cones

With cones laid out in a straight line about five feet apart, players can practice their dribbling skills while running ahead, weaving in and out of the cones while maintaining control of the ball. This drill can be timed to allow players to compete to see who can run through the cones while maintaining control of the ball the fastest.

Tapping Drill

In this exercise, a soccer ball is placed on top of the foot and the player taps the ball up into the air a few inches. As the ball descends, the player taps the ball upward again. The tapping of the ball up into air continues until the ball strikes the ground. A game can be played in which the winner has the most taps. This exercise will help players develop their coordination and control of the ball.

Keep Away

In this exercise, a player is determined to be "it." The player takes the ball and runs anywhere on the field while others try to take the ball away. In another exercise, two players are "it" and can pass the ball to each other and also dribble away from opponents while the opponents try to take the ball away.