Best Soccer Drills for kids

Soccer drills for kids are an exciting and effective way to develop their skills, improve their understanding of the game, and foster a love for soccer. These drills are designed to be engaging, age-appropriate, and focused on fundamental aspects such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and teamwork. Whether your young players are beginners or have some experience on the field, these drills provide structured activities that promote physical fitness, coordination, and important soccer techniques. With a combination of fun and learning, these soccer drills create an environment where kids can enhance their soccer abilities while enjoying the beautiful game.

Dribbling Through Cones

Set up a series of cones or markers in a straight line. Have the kids dribble the ball through the cones using different parts of their feet while maintaining control.

Dribbling Through Cones Soccer Drills
Dribbling Through Cones Soccer Drills

Pass and Follow

Divide the kids into pairs. One player passes the ball to their partner and immediately follows the pass, creating a continuous passing sequence. Encourage accurate and crisp passes.

Pass and Follow Soccer Drills for kids
Pass and Follow Soccer Drills for kids

Shooting Practice

Set up a goal or target and have the kids take turns shooting at it from different distances. Emphasize proper technique, such as striking the ball with the laces and following through.

Shooting Practice
Shooting Practice

Learn about Different Football Sizes Used in the Game


1v1 Mini Battles

Set up small playing areas and divide the kids into pairs. Each pair engages in a 1v1 battle, trying to score goals or maintain possession. Encourage good sportsmanship and fair play.

1v1 Mini Battles
1v1 Mini Battles

Relay Races

Divide the kids into teams and set up a relay race course with cones. Each player dribbles the ball through the course, passes it to the next player, and so on until the team completes the relay. Time each team and encourage speed and control.

Relay Races
Relay Races

Cone Knockdown

Set up cones in a line or formation and have the kids take turns shooting the ball to knock down as many cones as possible within a time limit. This drill helps improve shooting accuracy.

Cone Knockdown
Cone Knockdown

Four Corners Passing

Set up four cones in a square shape. Divide the kids into pairs, with one pair positioned at each corner. Players pass the ball diagonally to the next corner and follow their pass, creating a continuous passing sequence.

Four Corners Passing
Four Corners Passing

Agility Ladder Drills

Use an agility ladder or create one with cones. Have the kids perform various footwork exercises, such as quick feet, side shuffles, and high knees, while moving through the ladder.

Keep Away Soccer Drills for kids

Divide the kids into two teams, with one team trying to maintain possession of the ball while the other team tries to win it back. Encourage quick passes, movement, and teamwork.

Keep Away Soccer Drills for kids
Keep Away Soccer Drills for kids

Juggling Challenge

Encourage the kids to practice juggling the ball with different parts of their body, such as feet, thighs, and head. Set goals for the number of consecutive juggles they can achieve.

Duck Tails Soccer Drills for kids

Keep an eye on your tail! This dribbling activity teaches players to stay aware and burst out of risky situations.

Duck Tails Soccer Drills for kids
Duck Tails Soccer Drills for kids

Knockout Soccer Drills for kids

Players learn ball protection and strategic tackling as they aim to eliminate opponents’ balls in an epic game of knockout.

Knockout Soccer Drills for kids
Knockout Soccer Drills for kids

Half-Court Soccer

Inspired by basketball, this small-sided game hones team attacking and defending skills in a condensed playing space.

Half-Court Soccer
Half-Court Soccer

Red Light, Green Light

Channel your inner Lightning McQueen! This dribbling activity builds muscle memory by alternating between quick stops and explosive bursts of speed.

Red Light, Green Light
Red Light, Green Light

Snake Soccer Drills for kids

Enhance teamwork, ball control, agility, and coordination as players communicate and move together like a snake.

Snake Soccer Drills for kids

Triangle Goal Game

Double the fun! Improve passing accuracy, communication, and off-the-ball movement in this game focused on triangle-shaped goals.

Triangle Goal Game
Triangle Goal Game

Rondo 5 v. 2 Soccer Drills for Kids

This activity has it all! The rondo improves passing, dribbling, and shielding skills while teaching support in possession and recovery situations.

Rondo 5 v. 2 Soccer Drills for Kids
Rondo 5 v. 2 Soccer Drills for Kids

Gates Dribbling

Develop ball mastery skills, including dribbling and turning, through this game that emphasizes maneuvering through gates.

Gates Passing Soccer Drills for kids

Keep it moving! Enhance passing, receiving, teamwork, and communication in this activity centered around passing the ball through gates.