Individual Soccer Training Drills

Although soccer is a team sport, players can improve their skills by performing drills alone. Individual drills allow you to place training emphasis on your particular weaknesses. It is important for you to drill in order to constantly improve.

  1. Wall Kicks

    • Kicking the ball against a wall is a great way for you to practice kicks as well as control stopping the ball on the rebound. Alternate between the left and right foot. Be sure to use the inside and outside of each foot as well as the instep to kick the ball. To practice accuracy, you can place masking tape on the wall and try to hit the mark.

    Stair Steppers

    • Stand with the kicking foot on top of the ball. Jump up and switch feet so that the kicking foot is on the ground and the opposite foot is on the ball. Switch back and forth. The ball should not move backward during this drill.

    Machine Guns

    • Stands with your feet close together and the ball between your feet. As quickly as possible, pass the ball back and forth from foot to foot by kicking the side of the ball.

    Juggling

    • Juggling the ball takes a lot of control. You should learn to juggle with both feet, and also with other parts of the body. More advanced drills include flipping the ball up and juggling using the thighs. You can also practice flipping the ball up to your head, then guide it back down to your feet.

    Crossbar Kicks

    • Standing at half field, kick the ball and attempt to hit the crossbar. Jog to retrieve the ball and return to half field. You should alternate feet with each kick.

    Kick the Ball High

    • Kick the ball as high as you can straight up and stops it with the instep of your foot. After catching the ball with the instep, try to steer it to the left or right.

    Dribbling Drills

    • Select a distance and dribble the ball as fast as possible. To practice greater control, dribble around cones or other objects to improve agility.