How to Improve Your Soccer Skills with Effective Drills

Kip Critchlow
May 30
3 min read

Improving at soccer doesn’t require expensive gear or a packed game schedule. What it does require is consistent, focused training—and that starts with effective drills.

At GL Soccer, we believe in keeping training simple and purposeful. Whether you’re a beginner working on ball control or an advanced player preparing for tryouts, your path to growth begins with the right drills.

In this post, we’ll walk through:

Why drills are essential
Key areas to focus on
Specific drills for each skill type
How to build a smart training routine
How GL Soccer can help you train more effectively

Why Drills Are the Foundation of Player Growth

Game time is valuable, but you don’t always get many touches on the ball in a scrimmage or match. That’s where drills come in.

Drills help you isolate and improve one skill at a time—like passing, shooting, or defending. This repetition builds muscle memory, improves coordination, and gives players the confidence they need to make decisions under pressure.

At GL Soccer, our sessions are built around game-relevant drills designed to help players get better—not just go through the motions.

5 Core Skill Areas Every Player Should Train

1. Ball Control & Dribbling

Ball control is your first touch—how well you receive, hold, and move the ball. Dribbling helps you navigate space, beat defenders, and create opportunities.

Try this drill:Set up 8–10 cones in a straight line about 1.5 feet apart. Dribble through them using small, controlled touches with both feet. Add a change of pace at the end. Try to beat your own time without losing control.

2. Passing & Receiving

Accurate passing and clean first touches make a team click. Players who master this stand out on the field.

Try this drill:Use a wall or rebounder. Pass the ball with one foot and trap it with the other. Do 10 passes per foot, then switch to one-touch passes. Challenge yourself to stay consistent.

3. Shooting & Finishing

Shooting practice builds confidence. You don’t need a full goal—just a target and some repetition.

Try this drill:Place a cone 15 yards from a target. Take 10 shots with each foot, focusing on low, driven finishes. Add a dribble or sprint to simulate real movement before shooting.

4. 1v1 Defending

Defense is about more than hustle—it’s about smart positioning and timing.

Try this drill:Pair up and mark off a 10x10 yard space. One player attacks, the other defends. The defender’s goal: delay, contain, and win the ball cleanly. Switch roles often.

5. Speed & Agility

Speed with the ball and quick decision-making give players a competitive edge.

Try this drill:Set up cones in a zigzag or ladder format. Do fast footwork, shuffles, and lateral movements. Mix in touches with the ball once your rhythm is consistent.