Welcome to SoccerXpert
The ultimate soccer coaching resource for coaches of all levels.
SoccerXpert is a free soccer coaching resource for coaches of all levels. We provide hundreds of age-appropriate soccer drills, practice plans, and training sessions to help you coach your team to success. SoccerXpert is the ultimate soccer coaching resource for coaches of all levels.
Proven Youth Soccer Drills
Hey Coach! I'm glad you are here. SoccerXpert is here to help you dominate your soccer season with hundreds of proven soccer drills! Whether you're a novice or advanced soccer coach, SoccerXpert is an invaluable soccer coaching resource. We continue to add new games and exercises to allow for variety in your training sessions. Planning your youth soccer practice is now easier than ever with the help of SoccerXpert Premium. Don't worry. We don't require a subscription to browse our free soccer drills.
Extensive Drill Library
Hundreds of age-appropriate soccer drills categorized by skill focus categorized by skill focus, age group, and format ( 1v1, 2v2, passing, defending, etc.).
Practice Planning Tool
Coaches can build and organize custom training sessions, saving time while keeping training effective and structured.
Search and Filter by Age & Skill
Easy-to-use search/filter tools help coaches find drills based on player age, number of players, or desired skill development.
Drill Format Designed for Coaches
Each drill includes clear objectives, setup, instructions, coaching points, and variations, written with coaching clarity in mind.
Video Demonstrations
Drill videos and skill demonstrations bring each drill to life for visual learners and newer coaches.
Mobile-Friendly Interface
Optimized for on-field use; coaches can pull up drills and plans directly from their phone during practice.
Printable Drill Sheets
Print-friendly formats allow coaches to bring hard copies to practice or training sessions.
Soccer Coaching Curriculum
Structured training plans and seasonal curriculums guide coaches week-by-week, especially helpful for volunteers or new coaches.
Latest Soccer Drills
Free Dribble
This drill builds fundamental ball mastery and comfort on the ball through unlimited touches and creative exploration. Players develop a natural feel for the ball by using all surfaces of their feet without the pressure of structured patterns or defenders. The confined space forces close control and quick adjustments that translate directly to tight game situations. By encouraging experimentation with different moves and feints, players discover what works for their style and build confidence to try skills in actual games. Keeping their heads up while dribbling teaches awareness that helps players see teammates and opponents during matches. The freestyle environment removes fear of mistakes and lets players push their limits, which is where real skill development happens. This drill is perfect for warming up because it gets lots of touches on the ball while allowing players to express themselves and have fun.
4v4 Square with Four Mini Goals
This drill develops players' vision and awareness by forcing them to constantly scan and recognize which goals are open for attack. The requirement to pass through the center poles before scoring teaches patience in possession and rewards teams that can control the ball and pick the right moment to penetrate. Players learn to open up their body position to see the entire field, including teammates making backside runs away from pressure. The four goals create constant decision-making about which direction to attack based on where defenders are positioned. Quick transitions become essential because once a team completes the pass through the center, they must immediately identify and attack an open goal before defenders can recover. This setup mimics games in which teams must recognize when to keep possession and when to strike quickly, and it rewards players who can switch the point of attack rapidly.
3v2 Passing Pyramid
This drill teaches players how to build attacks from the back in an organized way that mirrors real game structure. The pyramid shape represents how teams naturally position themselves with defenders deep, midfielders in the middle, and forwards high. Players learn to connect passes through different lines of the team while maintaining proper spacing and support angles. The progression from back to front develops patience in possession and helps players understand their role in the build up phase. When opponents enter to apply pressure, players must make quicker decisions while staying calm and trusting their teammates. Using the full width of the area teaches players not to bunch up in the middle where defending is easier. This drill builds the foundation for how your team will play out from the back in actual games.
2v1 Possession in Small Areas
This drill sharpens players' ability to keep the ball when space is limited and pressure is immediate. Two attackers work together against one defender, forcing quick decisions and accurate passing in tight quarters. Players learn to use first time passes when appropriate and develop the vision to see their teammate's movement before receiving the ball. The confined area means there's no room for heavy touches or slow decisions. Attackers build chemistry by reading each other's body language and creating passing angles through constant movement. The defender learns to apply smart pressure that forces mistakes without getting beaten by a simple pass. This situation mirrors game moments when players receive in crowded areas and must quickly combine with a teammate to maintain possession and build play forward.
1v1 Escape Pressure from Behind
This drill teaches players how to handle pressure when receiving with their back to goal, a situation that happens constantly in games. Players learn to position their body between the opponent and the ball to protect possession. They develop the feel for where the defender is without looking and make smart decisions about when to turn, when to shield, and when to play quickly. Reading the pressure is the key skill here. If the defender is tight, players need patience and technique to spin away. If the defender gives space, players should recognize it instantly and turn to attack. The competitive race element builds urgency and simulates the real game pressure of winning a fifty-fifty ball. Scoring on small goals adds consequence and forces players to execute their escape move with a purpose.
5v3 Switching Rondo
This drill trains players to recognize when possession is lost and react instantly by switching fields of play. The attacking team learns to keep the ball under pressure in tight spaces while the defending team works on winning possession and immediately playing forward. The switching element teaches players to read the game and anticipate transitions. Players must communicate who stays and who goes when the switch happens, building decision making skills under pressure. The numerical advantage for attackers creates confidence in possession while defenders learn to press intelligently when outnumbered. Moving between grids forces players to stay mentally engaged even when they're not directly involved in the current action. This back and forth rhythm mirrors real games where play shifts from one area of the field to another.
6v1 Overload Add Defenders Drill
This drill builds players' ability to think quickly and adapt as defensive pressure increases. Starting easy with six attackers against one defender, the drill gets harder each time a new defender enters. Players learn to recognize space, make faster decisions, and adjust their positioning as numbers change. The attacking team develops creativity and problem solving skills as they figure out how to keep possession against growing pressure. Defenders work on coordination and learn to press as a unit. The transition element is huge because when the ball changes hands, players must instantly switch their mindset from attack to defense or defense to attack. This mirrors real game situations where numerical advantages shift and players need to respond immediately.
3v1 Rondo
This drill builds the foundation of possession soccer by teaching players how to keep the ball in tight spaces. Players learn to create good angles of support, move intelligently without the ball, and position their bodies correctly when receiving. The small grid forces quick decisions and sharp passing. Attackers practice opening their hips to see the whole field and using their back foot to receive passes smoothly. The drill teaches deception through body feints and eye contact that mislead the defender. Players develop the speed and accuracy needed to move the ball before pressure arrives. The consequence of becoming the defender when you make a mistake keeps everyone focused and accountable. This simple but effective drill appears in training sessions from youth levels all the way up to professional teams.
11v5 Positional Rondo
This drill teaches your full team to keep possession while maintaining positions on the field. Players learn where they should be in your formation and how to support teammates from their specific spot. The positional constraint forces players to understand spacing, passing lanes, and how their role fits into the team shape. The five defenders work hard in a numbers down situation, building fitness and pressing coordination. The attacking team of eleven develops patience in possession and learns to move the ball through different lines of the formation. Adding goals for the defenders creates real consequence for losing the ball, making players focus on smart decisions under pressure. This drill bridges the gap between basic possession work and full game situations.
5v3v1 Rondo Possession Drill
This drill sharpens possession skills while teaching players to quickly switch between attacking and defending roles. Players learn to recognize when they win or lose the ball and immediately adjust their positioning and mindset. The team of three works on keeping possession against one defender, then must quickly transition to defense when they lose it. The single player learns to pressure and transition to attack when winning the ball. Outside players develop awareness of when to support and how to maintain possession in tight spaces. This constant switching builds mental quickness and helps players stay focused during the transitions that occur in real games.
4v4+2 Endzone Possession Game
This drill develops players' ability to keep possession under pressure while moving the ball quickly and effectively. Players learn to scan the field, find open teammates in different zones, and make smart decisions about when to pass and when to dribble. The endzone players teach awareness of supporting options behind the defense. Neutral players on the sides create overloads that mirror real game situations. Players work on their first touch, receiving skills, and passing accuracy while constantly moving to create passing lanes. The progression from simple possession to scoring through the endzones builds complexity as players improve.
Breaking Ball Combination Drill
This drill teaches players how to play accurate breaking balls into space and make well-timed runs to receive them. Players will work on combination play through quick 1-2 passes, then focus on the weight and timing of through balls. The receiving player learns when to make their run and how to time it with the pass. This drill builds the connection between passer and runner that's crucial in breaking down defenses during games.