Ready to take your soccer game to the next level this summer? Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been playing for years, there’s always something new to improve on. From sharpening your dribbling and passing skills to becoming faster and more confident with the ball, the summer is the perfect time to put in the extra practice and build skills that will make a difference when you step back onto the field next season. Keep reading for a list of soccer skills you should be focusing on this summer, and some drills that you can add to your next practice!
How quickly can you change direction on the field? Agility is an important part of soccer, whether you’re a forward trying to create space, a midfielder moving around opponents, or a defender reacting to an attacking player. Agility ladders, cone drills, and short sprints can all help you become quicker and more confident with your movements!
Good dribbling is about more than keeping the ball at your feet! It’s about being able to move quickly past defenders, create space, and push the ball forward while staying in control. Practicing close control and changing direction can help you feel more comfortable with the ball!
How accurate are your passes when you’re under pressure? Passing is one of the foundations of soccer and is essential for keeping possession and creating opportunities for your teammates. Practice both short and long passes and try to use both feet so you can become a stronger player.
Being able to control the ball as soon as it reaches you can make a huge difference during a game. Practice receiving the ball with your feet, legs, and chest, focusing on keeping it close and setting yourself up for your next move.
Can you beat your opponent to the ball? Speed is valuable in every position on the field, whether you’re making a run toward goal or racing back to defend. Sprint training, agility exercises, and drills that involve moving quickly with the ball can all help you improve your pace.
The only way to become better at scoring goals is to practice taking shots from different situations! Work on shooting with both feet, aiming for different areas of the goal, and taking shots while standing still and while moving to challenge yourself and set yourself up for pulling off real-life scenarios.
Can you quickly turn away without losing the ball? A good turn can give you the extra space and time you need to make your next move. You can develop this skill by practicing changing direction, shielding the ball, and performing quick turns.
Being able to use both feet can give you more options when passing, dribbling, and shooting. Try using your non-dominant foot during regular drills and practice keeping your ankle locked when striking the ball to help build control and power. With lots of practice, you should be comfortable using your weaker foot at any moment!
Set up five or six cones in a straight line and dribble the ball in and out of them as quickly as you can without hitting the cones. Repeat the drill five times and gradually work on increasing your speed. Once you feel comfortable, try keeping your eyes up instead of constantly looking down at the ball to practice your awareness. This drill will improve your dribbling skills!
Stand around five yards away from a teammate or a wall and use the inside of your foot to pass the ball back and forth. Focus on keeping the ball on the ground and controlling it as soon as it comes back to you. As you improve, try making your passes faster and spending less time holding onto the ball between touches. This drill will improve your passing skills!
Place the ball around 15 to 20 yards from a goal or a target on a wall. Take one or two steps toward the ball and strike it using the inside of your foot or your laces, aiming toward one of the corners. Focus on accuracy first before adding more power. Once you feel confident, try adding a running start or practicing with your weaker foot. This drill will improve your shooting skills!
Using an agility ladder, cones, or marked squares, practice moving quickly through each space by stepping, shuffling, and changing directions. Move forward, backward, and side-to-side while keeping your feet quick. This is a great drill to add to your warm-up and can help improve your footwork, agility, and speed skills!
Start by dropping the ball onto your foot and trying to keep it in the air for as many touches as possible. Once you’re comfortable, alternate between your left and right foot and then challenge yourself to use your knees. Keep track of your highest number of consecutive touches and try to beat your record over time. This drill will improve your ball control skills!
Whether you’re practicing alone in your backyard or training with a friend, consistency is one of the most important parts of improving your game! Try practicing 2 to 3 times a week for around 30 to 45 minutes and choosing drills from different skill areas so you can work on a bit of everything. With lots of practice, you should start to notice an improvement in your ball control, speed, and accuracy in just a few weeks. Let’s make this summer the season you take your soccer skills to the next level!
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