Multiple Soccer Players to Goal

Number of players: full team

Age range: 10-12

Description: Start out with one player dribbling at goal to take shot on the goalkeeper. The next person in line challenges the player who just took a shot and tries to score on that player, who has become the defender. Next, two players take on the two players who just finished playing and become the defenders. Then go back to one player going on goal and then the next player in line taking this player on and so on.

Vary the numbers of players challenging one another in this drill. The soccer coach calls out the next players in line who will play but should follow this rhythm of one player going solo on goal and then one versus one and then two versus one. The coach can adjust this this though, and say have player go one versus two or three versus two.

This is a good soccer drill since it keeps the players moving all the time and not standing in line too long, nor do they know exactly what is going to take place next. There’s an element of surprise in the drill too. Players also have to stay focused and turn and get back into the play after shooting.

If there’s anything to take away from this drill is that players should move on to the next play right away, and not get down when they miss a shot or get beat by an attacker. It’s always how can I redeem myself or improve upon what I’ve just done.

Equipment needed: Cones and practice vests.

Back to goal? No problem. Beat the defender and goalkeeper like Zlatan with this drill from Edu Rubio, MK Dons’ head of academy coaching