10 Best Individual Soccer Training Drills to Learn in 2021
If you’re looking for football training drills to do on your own whilst at home, the following article is just for you.
It isn’t always necessary to have someone else to practice with and these ten individual drills will outline how you can develop your skills all by yourself.
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Toe Taps
This is a really simple drill that anyone can do no matter your ability. It is very straightforward so serves as a good introduction for novices or as a warm-up for more accomplished players.
In order to perform toe taps, start with the sole of your stronger foot on the ball before transitioning to the other foot. Keeping your balance is important as you swap feet.
Gradually speed up as you gain confidence. When this becomes second nature, you can try advancing with the ball or dragging it backward with each touch.
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Cone Dribbling
The great drill for improving ball control and strengthening your weaker foot. This drill is perfect for in-match situations.
Using both feet, dribble around a set of cones. Use both the inside and outside of either foot when most appropriate to help you navigate your way through the cones.
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Cone Dribble and Pass
Building on the previous drill, you can incorporate an additional level of difficulty by including a pass.
After dribbling around the cones, finish off each set with a pass. The pass doesn’t need to be to a person and can be to a wall if you have one available, in which case you can receive the ball and continue with the drill in the opposite direction.
If you don’t have a wall, you can also set up a target cone, and aim your pass in this direction, slowly moving the cone backward each time you successfully hit it. This is a great way to increase your accuracy.
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Cone Dribble and Shoot
In a similar vein to the last exercise, this drill ends with a shooting exercise rather than a passing one. Instead of passing it in a certain direction, kick the ball with more power, and aim for a goal if you have one. Then collect the ball and repeat.
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L-Turn
This is a useful drill that will fine-tune this skill ready to use on the pitch. The L-Turn is great for making space, getting away from an opponent, or simply changing direction.
Drag the ball back using the sole of your foot. In one fluid motion, tap the ball with your instep to knock it behind your standing leg.
The more you practice this, the quicker and easier it will be to perform.
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Inside Cut
This is another great skill that you can use when dribbling in a game. You do not need to practice this with another person and it is probably a good idea to get accustomed to it without someone else.
Approach a cone with the ball, tapping it with your instep to take it beyond the cone. Follow the ball’s path and into space. A drop of the shoulder will add a further element of skill to the drill. Eventually, you can try out this drill with a defender and in a game scenario.
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Step Over
Another useful skill that is best practiced on your own before taking anyone on with it. The stepover requires nothing more than a ball.
Throw your foot over the ball and around it in a circular motion and repeat whilst alternating feet. Get faster as you get more comfortable.
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Shuffle
This is another simple drill that has practical implications once you have mastered it on your own.
With the ball between your legs, push the ball with the instep of one foot onto the other then breakaway in the direction of the foot receiving the ball.
Alternate which foot passes the ball and which direction you run in. This is great for beating an opponent from a standing position.
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Drag Back
This is a simple and straightforward individual drill that can be used as part of a warm-up for more advanced players.
Simply place your foot on the ball and drag the ball behind you. As you do this, turn direction to face the ball.
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One-twos
This is a passing drill that does not require another person to return the ball. If you have a wall available to you, pass the ball into the wall, receive it and pass it back.
As you get more confident try using just one touch or focus on using your weaker foot.
Conclusion
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FAQs About Individual Soccer Training Drills:
What soccer drills can you do by yourself?
The above article lists and explains ten great drills you can do by yourself.
How do you plan an individual soccer training session?
Pick out a selection of drills that work on areas of your game that you are perhaps weakest at and focus on these. You can throw in some of your favourite drills to keep things interesting and fun.
How can I increase my speed for soccer?
Practice makes perfect. The more you do these drills, the quicker you will be able to perform them.
How can I practice soccer without a ball?
There are lots of great ways to improve your football ability without a ball. From fitness exercises to agility and jumping, there are lots you can do.
How can I practice football at home?
The above article is filled with drills that are perfectly accessible at home.
Individual soccer skills should start being taught at what age?
There’s no right age to start. As long as your child has expressed an interest in football, they are old enough to begin learning some fundamental skills.
How often should I work on individual skills?
As often as you like. The best footballers in the world work on their individual skills as much as possible so if you have some spare time, then go for it!
