The offensive drills presented here can be adapted for all ages. It is a good practice to demonstrate the drills for your players before allowing them to participate.By doing this, your players will know how to perform the soccer drills and you will be able to step aside and observe them in peace. Now, let’s check out the drills…
Tight Space Dribbling
Purpose
This drill is very efficient at developing both fitness and touch on the ball. The drill may be performed at the beginning of the session and in conjunction with various warm-up exercises.
This drill has various purposes. Besides warming up your players, you will also teach them to keep their head up while performing their moves.
Drill Set Up
Each player should have one ball. Create a 10 x 10 yard rectangle by using cones or similar.
Performing the Drill
The players should be running around the field changing direction randomly and constantly. This session should take at least five minutes to perform. Make sure that your players also try tricks, faints and turns. You should have a 1 minute break between the session’s intervals.
Variations
You may vary this drill on several ways. One option is to restrict your players to only play the ball on the ground. It is always easier to hit the goal when the ball is played on the ground.
However, once your players become more familiar with this drill you should also allow your players to cross the ball.
Equipment Needed
Equipment needed: One ball per player, Cones or similar.
Summary
Many amateur players tend to focus too much on the ball. They rarely look up to check where the other players are; instead, they keep on dribbling until they lose the ball.
This is one of the most fundamental things in soccer and tight space dribbling drill is great for this purpose.
Three Versus Three
Purpose
The purpose of the drill is to practice on wall passes while trying to keep the possession of the ball.
The focus should not be on scoring, instead, the team should try to keep the possession of the ball as long as possible.
Drill Set Up
In this drill players should be in groups of eights. Six players will face each other in a 20 x 20 rectangle (3 players per team) with goals. The others 2 players should stand at each side of the rectangle.
Performing the Drill
The team that is in the possession of the ball is allowed to use the both side players. However, the side players are restricted to only touch the ball once. They are not allowed to score either.
Variations
You may vary this drill in several ways. One option is to restrict your players to only play the ball on the ground. It is always easier to hit the goal when the ball is played on the ground.
However, once your players become more familiar with this drill you should also allow your players to cross the ball.
Equipment Needed
Equipment needed: 8 bibs (3 different color), balls, and cones.
Summary
This drill also enhances your player’s ball control, dribbling skills and fast turn and touch action response.
Crosses With Finish at Goal
Purpose
In the following drill your players will be practicing on improving their finishing skills in front of the goal. The main objective of this drill is not to score a goal. It is actually more important to hit the goal.
Drill Set Up
To set up the drill you should have 2-3 players placed at each side of the field (see the image). Have one line with players standing 5-10 yards in front of the penalty box.
Performing the Drill
The first standing player in the middle line passes the ball either to the left or right. The player in the side line starts his run.
The middle standing player performs a V-run by running around the cone. He should approach the goal slightly and then perform a fast run towards the ball once the side player passes it.
Variations
You may vary this drill in several ways. One option is to restrict your players to only play the ball on the ground. It is always easier to hit the goal when the ball is played on the ground.
However, once your players become more familiar with this drill you should also allow your players to cross the ball.
Equipment Needed
Cones, balls, one goal.
Summary
I know from experience that many amateur players usually focus too much on getting the ball past the goalkeeper which often results in missing the whole goal.
Final Words
The offensive drills presented in this article must be performed with maximum effort. It is therefore crucial to always encourage your players to perform their very best because hard work is the only way to success.
Yes, you will have players that won’t want to put in the max effort needed to really bring these skills to life. Pull them aside and remind them that they need to work with the rest of the team, giving all of these drills their undivided attention and effort.
If they aren’t willing to do that, they will not be on the team very long. You are the coach, and it’s at your discretion who stays and who goes – a player that doesn’t have their heart in it will poison the entire batch!
