If you watch Lionel Messi dribble, one of the things he is constantly doing is changing direction. He can move in any direction at any given time. This drill will help you develop that ability as well. Specifically, this drill helps you develop your quick side to side and forward and backward movement with the ball.

This is important because often in a game, the way that you’re going to beat defenders is either to take a quick sideways touch around them, or you’re going to use a quick stop from forward motion to make a defender jump the wrong way.

To do this soccer dribbling drill, set up 2 cones next to each other. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, set the cones up a little further apart from each other. With one foot, touch the ball forward past the cones, then pull the ball back to the side of the cones you’re standing on with the sole of your foot. With the inside of your foot, touch the ball across your body (to the other side of the two cones). With the inside of your other foot, push the ball forward past the cones, then pull it back with the sole of your foot and push it back across your body in the other direction.

This will create a “U” shaped motion with the ball. Continue in this motion for as many reps as you would like.
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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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