Whether conditioning for the upcoimg spring season or focusing on footwork for pickup games, incorporating at-home drills into soccer training is a key ingredient for success on the field. Working on techniques outside of regular practice time will help build stamina, balance, and muscle to make you a better athlete and improve your overall health. Below are three effective drills to try in the backyard. 

3 Drills to Try for Soccer Training at Home

1. Use the Machine Gun Drill to Improve Ball Control

Running and dodging players from the opposing team while keeping control of the ball can be difficult for even the most-skilled soccer players. Incorporate the machine gun drill into soccer training to improve ball control when moving at top speeds. From side to side, practice moving the ball with each foot. As you build stamina and improve balance, the ball should move between your feet without taking off in another direction. As you build skill, work using the ball touches to make increasingly sharp turns.

2. Juggle Against a Wall to Improve Reflexes

Juggling a soccer ball might look simple, but it takes a surprising amount of focus to keep the ball steady on the foot. To take control of the ball from an in-flight position or provide enough kick to create backspin, practice juggling against the side of the house or garage. Stand away from the wall about 4-5 yards. Over time, you will notice reflexes have improved and you can keep the ball in your possession longer. Set targets to increase the number of one-touch returns of the ball you can achieve without going closer than 2 yards. If ball does not come back that far – start over. Use some cones or similar objects to st out there you are trying to work in.

3. Jump On & Off the Ball to Build Stamina

Jumping off and on the ball with each foot  softly contacting the top of the ball (at the base of the toes) while it’s directly in front of you will build stamina and improve control.  

If you want experienced coaches to assist with your soccer training, reach out to Beachside Soccer Club in CT. Trust the team to provide the encouragement and teaching needed to improve your skills and make you a valuable player. To learn more about youth soccer programs and junior clinics in Fairfield County, call (203) 852-6969, or visit the club online for details.