7 Best Soccer Drills for Kids: The Ultimate Coaching Guide (2025)

Coaching youth soccer is about more than just winning games—it’s about developing love for the sport and building fundamental skills. But finding the right soccer drills for kids that balance fun with technical development can be a challenge.

Whether you are coaching U6 beginners or U12 competitive players, this guide breaks down the 7 most effective drills to improve dribbling, passing, shooting, and game intelligence.

Why These Drills Work

Before diving in, it is important to understand that youth players develop best when they are active. Long lines and lectures kill engagement. These drills are designed to maximize ball touches and decision-making.

1. Dribbling Through Cones (The Slalom)

Skill Focus: Ball Control, Agility, Close Dribbling

This is a staple drill for a reason. It forces young players to use both feet and keeps the ball close to their center of gravity, which is essential for match situations.

• Setup: Place 6-8 cones in a straight line, spaced 1 yard apart.

• Action: Players must dribble through the “gate” of cones using small, controlled touches.

• Coaching Points:

  • Encourage using the laces and inside/outside of the foot.

  • Keep the head up as much as possible.

  • “Messi touches” (small steps) vs. “Ronaldo touches” (speed).

Read More: Soccer Drills with Cones: Enhancing Coordination and Dribbling Skills

2. The Passing Accuracy Challenge

Skill Focus: Passing Technique, Weight of Pass, First Touch

Passing is the lifeline of soccer. This drill gamifies the technical aspect of passing to keep kids engaged while they build muscle memory.

• Setup: Pair players up and place them 10 yards apart. Place a small “gate” (two cones) in the middle of them.

• Action: Players must pass the ball through the gate to their partner. Count how many successful passes they can make in 60 seconds.

• Coaching Points:

  • Plant the non-kicking foot next to the ball (pointing to the target).

  • Strike the middle of the ball with the inside of the foot.

  • Lock the ankle for a firm pass.

Read More: 7 Youth Football Drills: Passing, Control & Space Awareness.

3. Precision Shooting on Goal

Skill Focus: Finishing, Striking Technique, Confidence

Scoring goals is the most exciting part of the game. This drill moves beyond “just kicking it hard” and teaches placement and technique.

• Setup: Place a goal (or two cones) and mark shooting spots at different angles around the penalty box.

• Action: Players receive a pass from the coach or a teammate and must take a touch before shooting for specific zones (e.g., bottom corners).

• Coaching Points:

  • “Laces for power, inside for placement.”

  • Keep the head steady and over the ball to keep the shot low.

  • Follow through towards the target.

Read More: 7 Best Passing and Finishing Soccer Drills

4. Small-Sided Games (3v3 or 4v4)

Skill Focus: Game Intelligence, Teamwork, Spacing

If you want to rank for soccer drills for kids, you must advocate for Small-Sided Games (SSGs). They provide up to 300% more ball contact than full-field scrimmages.

• Setup: Create a small field (20×30 yards) with two small goals.

• Action: Play a standard game but with modified rules (e.g., “3 passes before shooting” or “everyone must touch the ball”).

• Coaching Points:

  • Create triangles to support the teammate with the ball.

  • Communicate loudly (names, “time”, “man on”).

Read More: Fun Soccer Games for Kids

5. Agility Ladder Drills

Skill Focus: Coordination, Speed, Footwork

Soccer is played with the feet, so foot coordination is vital. This drill wakes up the nervous system and improves a player’s ability to change direction quickly.

• Setup: Lay an agility ladder flat on the ground.

• Action: Run various patterns: ‘One foot in each hole’, ‘Ickey Shuffle’, or ‘Lateral Quick Steps’.

• Coaching Points:

  • Stay on the balls of the feet (heels shouldn’t touch the ground).

  • Pump arms to generate rhythm and balance.

  • Quality over speed at first; speed comes later.

Read more here: Speed, Agility & Quickness Trainings in Soccer for U7-U13

6. One-on-One Defending (1v1)

Skill Focus: Defending, shielding, 1v1 attacking

This drill simulates the most common situation in soccer: the duel. It teaches defenders patience and attackers creativity.

• Setup: Create a 10×10 yard grid. One player starts with the ball (Attacker) and one without (Defender).

• Action: The attacker tries to dribble across the opposite line. The defender must win the ball or kick it out.

• Coaching Points:

  • Defenders: Approach fast, arrive slow. Don’t dive in!

  • Attackers: Use body feints to unbalance the defender.

7. The Possession Game (Keep Away)

Skill Focus: Spacial Awareness, Composure, Passing

Often called “Rondo,” this is used by top academies worldwide. It teaches kids to value the ball and not panic under pressure.

• Setup: Create a square. 4 attackers stand on the outside lines, 1 or 2 defenders go in the middle.

• Action: Attackers must keep the ball away from defenders using passes. If a defender touches the ball, they swap places with the attacker who lost it.

• Coaching Points:

  • Always be moving to offer a passing angle.

  • Receive the ball across the body (open hips) to see the whole field.

Read More: 12-Week Youth Soccer Practice Plan (U8-U12 Soccer Drills), or Soccer Coaching Tips: Enhancing Your Youth Coaching Skills.

(FAQ)

Q: What are the best soccer drills for 5-year-olds? A: Simple drills like “Red Light, Green Light” and “Dribbling Through Cones” are best because they focus on fun and basic coordination without complex rules.

Q: How long should a soccer drill last? A: For kids under 10, keep drills between 8-12 minutes. If it drags on too long, they lose focus.