One of the traits of a great ball handler is soccer is the ability to quickly change from dribbling laterally (side to side) to dribbling forward. This drill will help you practice this quick transition.
Begin by setting up 10 cones in the following pattern. (Don’t have cones? You can find them fairly inexpensively on most online soccer stores. Here’s a good example)
Drill 1 – Right Foot Only
The first variation of this drill is to dribble through all the cones with your right foot. Start by dribbling forward, then dribble sideways through the first gate with the outside of your right foot. Once you reach the second gate, dribble forward to the third gate. Dribble sideways through the third gate with the inside of your right foot. Once you reach the fourth gate, sprint hard until you reach the last cone. This sprint is where you develop your explosiveness.
Drill 2 – Left Foot Only
Follow the same pattern as before, only this time, dribble using your left foot the whole time.
Drill 3 – 2 Right, 2 Left
Dribble through the first two gates with your right foot. As soon as the ball goes through the second gate, switch feet and dribble the rest of the course with your left foot.
Drill 4 – Agility Builder
Leave your soccer ball on one end of the course. Start at the other end of the course. Run through the course by shuffling sideways on the lateral portions and sprinting forward on the forward/back portions. Once you reach the ball, turn around and dribble the ball back through the course. In addition to developing your dribbling skills, this drill helps you develop your agility as well.
Drill 5 – Freestyle
While following the same basic pattern, in this variation, practice creative ways of cutting and turning the ball when changing direction at the gates. You can incorporate behind the leg cuts, spins, or really any kind of turn you’d like. Use your imagination!
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If you’re looking for some great resources to get you started on your soccer training journey, check out our individual soccer drills page. These drills are all free and are intended to help you grow as a player.
For something a little more in-depth, check out our soccer training guides section.
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