Soccer skills
Skills & drills
The skills that separate players, how we coach them, and drills to practice between sessions.
Ball control
First touch
A good first touch buys time. It sets up the next pass, shot or dribble and is the skill coaches notice first at tryouts.
Two-footed play
Weak foot
Players who use both feet are harder to defend and see more of the field. A weak foot improves fastest with lots of short, simple reps.
Dribbling
Dribbling & 1v1 moves
Dribbling is close control plus the courage to take players on. A few well-practiced moves, and the change of pace after them, win most 1v1s.
Shooting
Finishing & shooting
Finishing is technique plus calm decisions. Most youth goals come from inside the box, from placed shots and first-time finishes.
Passing
Passing & vision
Accurate, well-weighted passing keeps possession. Vision means seeing the pass before you receive the ball.
Game intelligence
Scanning & decision-making
Scanning is checking your surroundings before the ball arrives. Players who scan more often make faster, better decisions under pressure.
Athleticism
Speed, agility & plyometrics
Soccer speed means acceleration, changes of direction and repeat sprints. Age-appropriate plyometrics build power and help protect against injury.
Aerial play
Heading & aerial duels
Good heading technique is about timing and body position. U.S. Soccer guidelines restrict heading for young players, so technique is introduced gradually and with care.