Under 8 Soccer Drills, Games, and Exercises

1v1 Speed and Reaction Game

This 1v1 Speed and Reaction Game is a fun addition to any practice that focuses on quick reaction and speed, ending with a 1v1 to small goals.

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.

Passing Warm-up Drill

This is a passing warm-up drill that is a great start to every practice and before a game. Players will get a lot of touches on the ball and can focus on receiving and passing while getting in a good warm-up.

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.

Pirates of the Pugg

This soccer dribbling drill is a great soccer drill using a Pugg Goal that can be tweaked to focus on many aspects of the game. For younger players ages 8-11, the primary focus should be on proper dribbling technique in traffic which requires vision and awareness. The coach can also focus on the transition from offense to defense if the ball is lost, or recovering from a tackle and finding safety. Defensively, this allows defenders to steal the ball from attackers and play to a particular goal or target.

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.

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.

1v1 Transition Game

That is a fast paced 1v1 transition game mean to focus on beating the defender and getting it into your teammate, or quickly transition to defense if the ball is lost.

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!

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.

Trapping with Passive Opposition

This soccer trapping drill focus on trapping and control with the addition of a passive defender. The defender causes the receiving player to be more aware of their surroundings.

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.