Under 5 Soccer Drills, Games, and Exercises

Quality age-appropriate soccer drills for kids in the U5, Under 5, 5 and Under age group.

Under 5 Soccer Drills Games and Exercises

Soccer drills for kids ages 5 and under focus on building fundamental skills through fun and engaging activities. This page offers age-appropriate drills that enhance coordination, basic ball control, and teamwork in an encouraging environment.

Age-Specific Drills

The Numbers Game MEDIUM

The Numbers Game

The Numbers Game soccer drill focuses on the 1v1 situational play for younger players. This  1v1 drill works on all dynamics of this game such as dribbling, shooting, shielding, turning and beating an opponent.

4-14 yrs. 8+ players 20 mins. 15X20 yds. GK: no
HItters and Dodgers EASY

HItters and Dodgers

The hitters and dodgers soccer drill is a great warm-up and exercise for younger players under 5 through under 9. This soccer drill is excellent for teaching players to dribble and then getting their heads up to make a pass. This soccer drill is so much fun, and the younger players love this game.

4-10 yrs. 4+ players 10 mins. 15X15 yds. GK: no
4.06 266,635 Chris Johnson
Shadow Dribbling EASY

Shadow Dribbling

This shadow soccer dribbling drill uses partners who do not attempt to gain possession of the ball but adds extra pressure as they follow the dribbler around and tries to imitate the lead dribblers every move.

4-8 yrs. 6+ players 10 mins. 20X20 yds. GK: no
4.05 84,915 Chris Johnson
Down and Back Dribbling Game EASY

Down and Back Dribbling Game

This drill is most effective with young players just learning to dribble. This drill teaches players to dribble in high traffic, high-pressure situations while staying in control. It's a great warm-up to focus on controlling the ball with all parts of the foot.

4-10 yrs. 6+ players 10 mins. 20X20 yds. GK: no
4.04 253,869 Chris Johnson
Dribbling Warm-up Drill EASY

Dribbling Warm-up Drill

This soccer dribbling exercise is an excellent dribbling warm-up drill that will get players many touches on the ball in a short time.

4+ yrs. 4+ players 10 mins. 10X20 yds. GK: no
4.04 199,883 Chris Johnson
1v1 to Multiple Goals (Dribbling) MEDIUM

1v1 to Multiple Goals (Dribbling)

This 1v1 soccer drill is an excellent drill for focusing on teaching players attacking skills such as taking on their opponent or learning to attack space. Defensively it will teach players the responsibility of man-marking.

4+ yrs. 6+ players 15 mins. 30X30 yds. GK: no
4.04 124,562 Chris Johnson
Traffic Jam Dribbling Game MEDIUM

Traffic Jam Dribbling Game

This game is just out right fun! The kids will have a blast playing this game. This drill is ideal for kids who know how to dribble but just need to learn to get their heads up and dribble under the pressures of mere congestion.

4-12 yrs. 8+ players 15 mins. 30X30 yds. GK: no
4.02 204,246 Chris Johnson
The Passing Name Game Warm-up EASY

The Passing Name Game Warm-up

The objective of this soccer drill is to help young players improve the speed of play by thinking a step-ahead of the play.

4-12 yrs. 6+ players 15 mins. 20X20 yds. GK: no
4.02 139,331 Chris Johnson
Red Light, Green Light Soccer Drill EASY

Red Light, Green Light Soccer Drill

This soccer dribbling drill, designed for U4, U6, and U8 players, combines fun with skill-building by incorporating a familiar childhood game. It emphasizes close ball control and quick stopping, helping players refine their dribbling precision and responsiveness.

4-8 yrs. 5+ players 10 mins. 20X20 yds. GK: no
4.01 249,644 Chris Johnson
Free Dribble EASY

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 demands close control and quick adjustments, which translate directly into 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 fosters awareness, helping players see teammates and opponents during matches. The freestyle environment removes the fear of mistakes and lets players push their limits, where real skill development happens. This drill is perfect for warming up because it gives players plenty of touches on the ball while allowing them to express themselves and have fun.

4-14 yrs. 4+ players 10 mins. 20X20 yds. GK: no
4 428 Chris Johnson
The Greeting Game EASY

The Greeting Game

This soccer drill is specifically designed for younger players (U-6 and U-8). This drill will get the players moving, greeting each other, and a building block to introduce dribbling. Good for Camp activities for the younger players.

4-8 yrs. 5+ players 10 mins. 15X20 yds. GK: no
3.94 169,429 Chris Johnson