7 Best High School Soccer Drills: Mastering the Pitch!

Have a match coming up? Or are you looking for the best high school soccer drills to take your skills to another level?

Well, no matter the case, this blog can help you achieve your goals!

After all, high school soccer is not just a game. It is full of passion and emotions; it’s a journey filled with sweat, hard work, and, of course, the ultimate taste of victory. 

However, to experience all of these, you must master all the drills to make sure that your team is well-rounded and all-set to conquer the pitch.

Believe it or not, it is the only way to boost your performance and bring out the possible best version of the team. Talk about turning the tables!

And today, in this article, we are going to have a detailed discussion on the seven best high school success drills. 

7 Best High School Soccer Drills To Know!

From excelling in your passing game to fine-tuning your teamwork, each of these high school soccer drills is tested and is found to be pretty effective in improving a player’s overall ability on the field. 

In other words, they are like those secret weapons that help you to emerge victorious, no matter how tough it is.

Cannot wait to know about them? Well, take your time, my friend, as they are going to completely change your game going forward.

They are as follows:

 1. Speed of Play Drill 

First off, we have the speed of play drill. It is one of the greatest warm-up drills that comes with a whole lot of advantages. 

From improving the player’s passing ability to reaction times and ball control in the most rushed moments – they can entirely change a player’s game. 

In other words, this drill is all about making those split-second decisions and quick execution, the two most crucial skills for any soccer player. 

And for the record, this soccer drill is super fun, productive, and simple to learn and execute. No wonder they are so much loved and appreciated all over the globe by the players.

Requirements of The Drill

This drill is pretty simple and can be performed with little to no devices at all. However, some of the basic things may include:

• There needs to be multiple squares on the field. You can make them with cones, paint, or any other markers. 
• Soccer ball

Step-By-Step Walkthrough of the Drill

Step 1: Set Up

To get started, you must divide all the individuals into a group of four. Afterward, set up one square with a cone at every corner for each group consisting of four players. You can begin with a gap of 10 yards in between the cones.

Step 2: Position of the Player

Make sure to have one player at each square corner. That is, there will be 4 players for every square. 

Step 3: Beginning of the Drill

Time for players’ allotment!

Here, you will have to allocate one of the players in each group with the ball at their very feet to begin the game.

For instance, player 1 begins the ball passing by giving it to player 2 who is standing near the cone next to player 1. After having the ball, player 2 gives it to player 3, who then passes on player 4, who again passes it back to player 1.

That is, the ultimate goal is to make sure that the ball stays outside of the square through the entire drill, along with the players taking only two touches of the ball (one for controlling the ball and the other for passing it to the next one in sequence). The first team to pass it around the cone square 3 times will be the winner!

Step 4: Variations of the Drill Requirements

One of the specialties of this drill is certainly its multiple variations. As a result, you can use them effectively, based on the involved player’s ability or how challenging you want the drill to be.

Such as, you can alter the entire passing process by introducing one-touch passing and increasing the play speed. 

Or you can also allow more touches in case the players require more practice. Plus, you also have the full freedom to either increase or shorten the overall distance across the cones.

Key Takeaways 

With the help of this drill, the players get to warm up and recharge themselves in a fun way.

Besides, this warm-up helps to shape up the entire training session as the players receive fewer wounds and feel less exhausted if they have, of course, followed everything and practiced accordingly. 

From improving the passing ability of a player to enhancing ball control and reaction time, this drill works like magic. 

2. World Cup Drill 

The World Cup drill is one of the most entertaining and competitive exercises. They are perfect for fine-tuning a player’s shooting, passing, and building teamwork. 

And for the best part, the players get to experience the intensity and competitive atmosphere of a World Cup match. As a result, this greatly inspires the players to work harder and push to their potential limits.

Requirements of The Drill

Here is a list of the requirements that must be met for this World Cup drill to function at its best potential:

• A big grid on the field with the standard soccer goal at one end.
• Multi-colored training vests or pinnies as we will be dealing with numerous groups of players.
• Sufficient quantities of soccer balls.

Step-By-Step Walkthrough of the Drill

Step 1: Set Up

To begin the drill, you must divide the individuals into numerous groups or team members. For instance, say you have 20 players available, so you can easily split them up into 5 teams of 4 players.

And while assigning the names, you can either name them their favorite country name or let the players choose them. After all, the ultimate goal of this drill is to replicate the “World Cup, ” as the name goes by!

Step 2: Position of the Player

For positioning, you can place all the players in the labeled position with the goal at one end. And as per the game, make sure to assign a neutral goalkeeper.

Step 3: Beginning of the Drill

Here, the coach will be in charge of the ball into the playing zone, and the target is for all the team members to try and of course, score a goal. 

The coach must have a sufficient quantity of balls available, as whenever the ball goes out of the play, they can instantly deliver another ball into the zone. This ensures that the entire drill goes on smoothly without facing any kind of interruptions.

And, each time a team happens to score a goal, they will move on to the next phase along with stepping out of the current round. And for the game, it will continue with the remaining teams.

The last two teams failing to score will automatically be knocked out of the drill. For the two winning teams, the next round will begin with the rule that the team that happens to score two goals quickly will be considered the winner of the tournament. 

Step 4: Variations of the Drill Requirements

You can change this drill in several methods, for example, increasing the playing space or maybe using a different goal size. Opting for any of the options will automatically make the drill super challenging for the involved players.

Key Takeaways 

This drill helps the team become more coordinated with their passing. That is, one becomes a legit pro if they do everything properly!

As several teams are involved in this drill, normally, the competition level gets high, along with the space decreasing. This eventually makes the ball circulation tougher between the team members and the score. 

And the more challenging the passing becomes, the more difficult it becomes to score a goal. However, facing this level of difficulty comes a significant improvement. Thus, a player can learn how to master the art of using the ball effectively in front of the goal of the opposition. 

3. Circular Cone Drill

This drill doesn’t follow many protocols; instead comes with a set of cones organized in a circular pattern. It is pretty simple, but the outcomes are really one of a kind. With their help, a player gets to learn the art of dribbling and ball control while performing several footwork methods.

Requirements of The Drill

• As the name implies, you will need a lot of cones or discs based on how large the circle is.
• It is a solo drill, so each of the players can perform it alone.
• You will need a standard-sized soccer ball.

Step-By-Step Walkthrough of the Drill

Step 1: Set Up

At first, put off the training cones or discs in a circle. Afterward, then go with the circle size. The ideal one to go for is a 2-yard gap between the cones, along with a diameter of about 15 yards.

Step 2: Position of the Player

One player will be given the ball and thus will begin the game beside a cone placed anywhere on the circle.

Step 3: Beginning of the Drill

Upon instruction, the player will start dribbling in between the cones and then will complete the circle. You can want them to complete the circle right before another player starts or can go up to five times sequentially.

Step 4: Variations of the drill requirements

To make it tough for the player performing the drill, you can opt for several ways, such as, you can go for the circle enlargement and adding in more cones/discs. 

While starting, make sure to put the cones a bit distance apart. And, with the completion of each round of the circle, start by decreasing the distance among the cones to make it super tough for the player to control it using their feet.

Plus, you can also add a twist by introducing a 20 to 30-meter sprint or a jumping ladder after each round of the circle cone gets completed. As a result, it can be effectively used as a warm-up and dribbling practice session, all at the same time.

This may look simple, but it is pretty cool and productive as well!

Key Takeaways 

From helping to develop good ball composure to control and dribbling ability, this drill plays a great role in any high school soccer player’s game.

After all, along with learning how to defend, shoot, and attack, it is quite essential for a player to work on their footwork to become a well-rounded player. And with each round, the drill gets tougher while the learning phase increases.

And, if a player can stick with this kind of drill for a longer while and keeps practicing at full phase, then in a matter of time, they will see a drastic improvement in their overall performance. It will be especially in the tight areas in real-time match conditions. 

For the ball control, it will be instilled in their subconscious mind like a professional without them even knowing. 

Last but not least, they are an excellent method to warm up before moving on to more complicated training drills. The preferred one is to perform circular cone drills in light mode at the beginning of these training sessions. 

4.  Overlapping Runs Drill 

Overlapping run drills are really important for the development of a soccer player. From teaching them counterattacks to increasing the understanding among the team members, this drill is quite a handful. Here, the basic rule is to pass the ball to the player who has made the overlapping run.

Requirements of The Drill

Things that are needed for this drill are as follows:

• You will need a soccer field with goals at either end. You can go for a smaller space, don’t have to go for the standard bigger size.
• Soccer balls

Step-By-Step Walkthrough of the Drill

Step 1: Set Up

For this drill, you have to split your players into two teams and then arrange each of the teams in a 3-1-3 formation with a goalkeeper at the back position.

Step 2: Position of the Player

It begins with the goalkeeper playing the ball right from their position. When one team gets the ball, the opponent member tries to man-mark and make ball circulation quite challenging without stealing the ball.

Step 3: Beginning of the Drill

Here, the goalkeeper passes the ball to the lone midfielder, who then passes it along to the left-winger in the attacking position.

And once the winger gets hold of the ball, the corresponding full-back makes the overlapping run as they are man-marked. 

The winger tries to pass the ball to the rushing full-back so that they can take the ball in the forward position. This cycle continues on either flank till the field’s other end is reached. 

Step 4: Variations of the drill requirements

Once the team has practiced at both ends, it will be time for the other team now, as the first team will be man-marking the attacking side.

Apart from the 3-13 formation, you can also go for the 4-2-4 or 2-1-2, based on the number of participants available. Here, the main concept is to train up the players to make overlapping runs around the man-marked members while the holding midfield does the ball distribution.

Key Takeaways 

They are a great way to shake down literally any kind of defense.

And, with regular practice, each of the players will know about their positions along with improving the overall teamwork.

5. Soccer 6-Second Rule Drill

This soccer 6-second rule drill mainly focuses on fluent ball circulation, within the shortest possible time, throughout the team. From taking the ball to passing and repeating the process, this drill is all about making them perfect on the field.

Requirements of The Drill

Ball, a group of players, and a field.

[Make sure to mark an area so the drill can be carried out with complete discipline without the ball going outside the zone.]

Step-By-Step Walkthrough of the Drill

Step 1: Set Up And Drill Aiming

Split up the players into two teams. It is similar to the soccer game but with the exception of goals. The target is to win the ball back in six seconds right after losing it. 

Doing so will help you to develop your pressing and positional play skills. Just imagine, if the opponent team doesn’t get the chance to hold the ball, how will they even score? Simple math!

Step 2: Beginning of the Drill

Once a team loses the ball, the ultimate aim is to win it back within six seconds. And whoever manages to win it back within 6 seconds 5 times is the winner. 

Step 3: Variations of the drill requirements

To make things more intense for the high school students, you can either increase the play duration, decrease the marked area, or maybe increase the number of times to win the ball back. It totally depends!

Key Takeaways 

The motto is “Take the ball, Pass the ball.”

From helping to learn the positional play, each of the players also gets to learn the circular of the ball under a huge amount of pressure.

6. Dribble-Sprint-Dribble Soccer Drill 

This drill is one of the best exercises to help high school soccer player practice dribbling while enhancing their agility and speed. This might include a series of sprints and various dribbling exercises. 

Here, the players will have to change the direction extremely quickly along with learning how to maintain the ball control.

Requirements of The Drill

• Soccer balls.
• 3 cones/ Soccer field.

Step-By-Step Walkthrough of the Drill

Step 1: Put Players in the Right Position

The players begin the drill on the field sideline with the ball. If you can’t use the game field, any flat surface that is 50 yards wider will do. Using two cones, you can highlight the places that are 50 yards apart. Then follow it by placing one cone in the middle point.

Step 2: Running to the halfway point

Here, each of the players dribbles the ball as fast as they can towards the halfway point of the field. And then leave the ball and sprint as quickly as possible to the opposite touchline.

Step 3: Touch, Turn and Return

In the second sideline, the players must touch the floor with one hand. Afterward, they must turn around as fast as possible and then sprint back to the ball.

Step 4: Dribble back

As soon as the player gets back to the ball, they must dribble back right away to where they begin.

Step 5: Rest and Repeat

When they are back, let them catch their breath for like a minute before repeating the drill once again. You can continue this 5 times in a row or as many times as you think is appropriate, depending on the player’s fitness.

Key Takeaways 

This drill plays a great role in increasing the anaerobic fitness of the player. Plus, it also improves the overall performance of the player in every corner of the field.

7. The 7 vs. 7 Drill 

The 7 vs. 7 drill offers a real-time experience following all the standard rulings. That is, the ultimate goal is to stimulate a game situation where two teams consisting of seven players will be in a competition against one another.

Requirements of The Drill

Here, you will need the following things:

• Training vests or pinnies to make teams.
• A  standard soccer field with goals so that the high school students can learn to take on challenges that come with playing on this kind of field.
• A standard game-sized soccer ball.

Step-By-Step Walkthrough of the Drill

Step 1: Set Up

Split up the players into two teams respectively, with varying team members. It doesn’t always have to be a 7 vs. 7 match, however, the recommended way is to have 7 members in each team.

Step 2: Game Length

The duration of the game must be at least 20 minutes for each half. Keep in mind that we are holding this drill till the end of the training session hence it doesn’t have to be super intense.

Step 3: Use all the Standard Rulings

As we will be aiming for a realistic game experience, make sure to include all the standard rules of soccer, such as offside, penalties, free kicks, fouls, etc. The more, the better!

Key Takeaways 

Whether be it experiencing the ultimate joy and sense of competition in a real-time match or learning various techniques, like passing, defending, and attacking – this drill simply covers everything to turn a player into a pro!

Conclusion

There you have it – the seven best high school soccer drills!

Whether you are a high school soccer coach or a player, you very well know that winning is not just about having the right talent. Instead, it is a proper combination of talent, hard work, practice, and strategy. 

And with mastering these drills, you will be well on your way to becoming successful on the soccer field. So, what are you waiting for?

Time to assemble the team and get ready for all the challenges that come the way. Wishing you all the best!

FAQ‘s