Home > Drills > Age > Under 5 Soccer Drills

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.

UNDER 5 SOCCER DRILLS, GAMES, AND EXERCISES

1v1 Reaction Gate Challenge

1v1 Reaction Gate Challenge

This drill enhances 1v1 attacking and defending skills by training quick decision-making, reaction speed, and close ball control. Attackers learn to use deception, while defenders focus on anticipation and body positioning.


Age: 4+ Field: 10X10
Players: 6+ Focus: ATTACKING
Difficulty: MEDIUM Time: 20 MINS.
Goalkeeper: NO INDIVIDUAL
Rating: 5 / 5 Views: 20,125
Published: 2/13/2025 Author: Colton Roundtree
4v4 Soccer to a Small Gate

4v4 Soccer to a Small Gate

In Soccer, 4v4 is the smallest version of a full-sided game. While on the attack, to be successful in a four vs. four soccer match, players must penetrate via the pass, dribble, or shot; players must provide support to the player with the ball, and players need to create width to the field. On the defensive side, a player must pressure the ball to delay the attack, another player should cover for the player pressuring the ball, and the remaining two players balance the field of play. This 4v4 practice focuses on all aspects of the match, including attacking, defending, passing, receiving, supporting, penetrating, and spreading the field.


Age: 4+ Field: 25X35
Players: 8 Focus: Gamelike
Difficulty: Easy Time: 20 min.
Goalkeeper: No Team
Rating: 4.27 / 5 Views: 257,812
Published: 10/10/2005 Author: Chris Johnson
The Flag Game - Dribbling in Tight Spaces

The Flag Game - Dribbling in Tight Spaces

This soccer drill is designed to focus on young soccer players learning to dribble in tight spaces. This dribbling drill will help young players keep their eyes up and to become aware of their surroundings. This soccer drill also helps players keep close possession while dribbling.


Age: 4-8 Field: 10X25
Players: 6+ Focus: DRIBBLING
Difficulty: EASY Time: 10 mins.
Goalkeeper: NO INDIVIDUAL
Rating: 4.23 / 5 Views: 207,763
Published: 2/20/2008 Author: Chris Johnson
Sharks and Minnows Soccer Drill

Sharks and Minnows Soccer Drill

This soccer drill is designed for U6 and U8 players, emphasizing their ability to dribble effectively under pressure. It also teaches young players how to shield the ball by positioning their body between the ball and the defender, building essential dribbling and ball-protection skills.


Age: 4-8 Field: 20X25
Players: 5+ Focus: DRIBBLING
Difficulty: EASY Time: 10 mins.
Goalkeeper: NO INDIVIDUAL
Rating: 4.19 / 5 Views: 593,599
Published: 1/10/2006 Author: Chris Johnson
Ouch!

Ouch!

"Ouch!" is an exciting and engaging soccer drill designed for younger players (U6, U7, and U8). It introduces essential skills like dribbling, keeping their heads up, and accurately striking the ball at a target. Best of all, it's a fun and interactive game that both players and coaches will enjoy!


Age: 4-8 Field: 20X20
Players: 4+ Focus: FUN
Difficulty: EASY Time: 15 mins.
Goalkeeper: NO INDIVIDUAL
Rating: 4.16 / 5 Views: 707,684
Published: 12/29/2005 Author: Chris Johnson
1v1 50/50 to Goal Team Competition

1v1 50/50 to Goal Team Competition

This 1v1 soccer drill focuses on soccer fitness, scoring goals, shooting, goalkeeping, and winning 50-50 balls. This is a fun soccer drill for the younger soccer player.


Age: 4-12 Field: PENALTY AREA
Players: 6+ Focus: ATTACKING
Difficulty: MEDIUM Time: 10 mins.
Goalkeeper: YES Team
Rating: 4.16 / 5 Views: 506,090
Published: 6/11/2009 Author: Chris Johnson
Dribbling to Beat a Defender

Dribbling to Beat a Defender

The Dribbling to Beat a Defender soccer dribbling drill is wonderful when teaching young players when and where to dribble, and how to beat the defenders on the dribble. This dribbling drill is best for U8-U12 Soccer Players. The emphasis is on allowing the dribbling player to unbalance the defender while approaching unchallenged.


Age: 4-12 Field: 10X20
Players: 3+ Focus: DRIBBLING
Difficulty: EASY Time: 10 mins.
Goalkeeper: NO INDIVIDUAL
Rating: 4.14 / 5 Views: 105,175
Published: 7/11/2007 Author: Chris Johnson
Extreme Tag Soccer Game

Extreme Tag Soccer Game

The Extreme Tag soccer game is a fun soccer drill that focuses on young soccer players dribbling skills and aids in player awareness. It is a great drill that causes players to change directions quickly to find space to avoid being tagged. 


Age: 4-8 Field: 20X20
Players: 4+ Focus: DRIBBLING
Difficulty: EASY Time: 10 mins.
Goalkeeper: NO INDIVIDUAL
Rating: 4.14 / 5 Views: 152,693
Published: 1/10/2008 Author: Chris Johnson
Soccer Ball Smash

Soccer Ball Smash

The Soccer Ball Smash soccer passing drill will focus on the player who is just learning to pass, as this drill will focus on passing accuracy.


Age: 4-8 Field: HALF FIELD
Players: 4+ Focus: PASSING
Difficulty: EASY Time: 10 mins.
Goalkeeper: NO INDIVIDUAL
Rating: 4.11 / 5 Views: 158,987
Published: 1/10/2008 Author: Chris Johnson
The Numbers Game

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.


Age: 4-14 Field: 15X20
Players: 8+ Focus: Game-like
Difficulty: MEDIUM Time: 20 mins.
Goalkeeper: NO Team
Rating: 4.1 / 5 Views: 626,135
Published: 1/10/2006 Author: Chris Johnson
Four Corners Aggressiveness and Fitness Drill

Four Corners Aggressiveness and Fitness Drill

This soccer drill focuses on aggressiveness in winning 50/50 balls and fitness. This drill will be more beneficial for players under 8 and older.


Age: 4+ Field: 20X20
Players: 8+ Focus: RECEIVING
Difficulty: EASY Time: 15 mins.
Goalkeeper: NO INDIVIDUAL
Rating: 4.08 / 5 Views: 441,134
Published: 9/29/2006 Author: Chris Johnson
HItters and Dodgers

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.


Age: 4-10 Field: 15X15
Players: 4+ Focus: PASSING
Difficulty: EASY Time: 10 mins.
Goalkeeper: NO INDIVIDUAL
Rating: 4.06 / 5 Views: 262,428
Published: 1/20/2007 Author: Chris Johnson

SoccerXpert Newsletter

Subscribe to the SoccerXpert newletter for hand-picked soccer drills, tips, and videos delivered straight to your inbox.