Under 9 Soccer Drills, Games, and Exercises

Dribbling Through Gates Competition

Develop players' dribbling skills by challenging them to navigate through multiple gates within a 1-minute timeframe. This drill emphasizes quick decision-making and ball control under pressure. The goal is to enhance agility and precision while maintaining speed during dribbling.

4v4 Scrimmage to Mini-Goals

The objective of a 4v4 soccer scrimmage to mini-goals is to replicate the dynamics of a full-sided game in a smaller, more controlled environment. This format encourages players to focus on quick decision-making, positioning, and maintaining possession under pressure, as well as improving their ability to transition between attacking and defending. The mini-goals emphasize accuracy and composure in front of the goal, helping players develop finishing skills without the presence of a goalkeeper.

Three-Cone Passing Drill

The three-cone passing drill focuses on passing, awareness, and movement after the pass. This is a great warmup to focus on passing technique and movement after the pass.

4v2 Rondo

The 4v2 Rondo is a great soccer possession game to work on passing, angles of support, and movement off the ball to maintain possession.

3v3, 4-Goal Small-Sided Game Funino

This drill encourages players to recognize attacking opportunities by creating space, making quick decisions, and choosing the best option between two goals. Defensively, players learn to cover space effectively and transition quickly.

4v4+1 Corner Support Rondo

This drill improves quick passing, spatial awareness, and teamwork by encouraging players to use both central and corner support players to maintain possession. Players develop composure under pressure and transition awareness.

1v1 Elimination Challenge

This drill sharpens 1v1 attacking, defending, and finishing under pressure. Players must react quickly after scoring, transition between attack and defense, and stay composed in high-pressure situations.

Dribble Speed Tag

This drill enhances dribbling under pressure, quick changes of direction, and spatial awareness. Players learn to protect the ball while navigating through a crowded area at speed.

1v1 with 4 Small Goals Funino

This drill improves 1v1 attacking skills, defensive positioning, and finishing under pressure. Players learn to recognize attacking opportunities while also being responsible for defending their assigned goals.

2v2 with 4 Small Goals Funino

This drill enhances small-group play by developing combination play, defensive communication, and finishing under pressure. Players work on quick transitions between attack and defense in a game-like setting.

Dribbling with Pressure on the Back

This drill improves a player's ability to protect the ball while dribbling under pressure. It teaches awareness, quick reactions, and body positioning to maintain possession against a defender.

Dribbling and Turning with Pressure on the Back

This drill teaches players how to turn effectively when under defensive pressure. It improves awareness, body positioning, and ball protection while developing confidence in 1v1 situations.