Soccer Training Drills to Increase Practice Intensity

Keep Fit, Have Fun

A good soccer player must be agile, quick, and possess excellent athletic endurance. While some players are naturally more gifted athletes than others, players can develop their endurance by engaging in a number of soccer training drills for conditioning on a regular basis.

When selecting a series of soccer training drills for fitness and conditioning, look for drills that include a ball wherever possible or applicable. Even if the ball’s role is merely cursory in the drill, by its very inclusion the drill becomes more specific to the game of soccer, which will pay off on the field in the long run.

Dribble with Ease

First in this series of soccer training drills is this drill that focuses on dribbling in a tight space. Always perform this drill after warming up but before the other more challenging and demanding drills.

To begin, set up a 20 yard square using orange plastic cones. If there are fewer players than 15, decrease the size of the square accordingly. Give each player a ball, and have them run around the square dribbling a ball as expressively as possible. This includes turns, faints, and tricks with both feet, not just running around in a small circle.

After 60 seconds has elapsed, decrease the size of the square by approximately 5 feet. Let players rest for 30 seconds before repeating the drill. Continue for 6 intervals of 60 seconds, decreasing the size of the square each time.

2-on-2 plus 1

Next here’s a conditioning drill that is performed in groups of five, with two players serving as offense, two as defense and one as the spare who always acts as offense to help the team with possession of the ball. Each group of five is given a 15-yard square playing area marked off with orange plastic cones.

At the start of the drill, the offense players are given the ball. As they attempt to move the ball down field to score, the defenders must try to defend their territory and intercept the ball. If the ball is kicked outside of the playing area, it becomes possession of the defense team.

This drill should be performed in 2-minute intervals with 30 second rest periods in between each game. Make sure to rotate the person in the floater spot after each 2-minute game.

While it won’t win any popularity contests…

While this drill called "Step Jumps" may not be the most popular of conditioning drills, it is very effective for strengthening the muscles in the legs. It should only be performed after a thorough warm up and towards the beginning of the conditioning session since it requires quite a great deal of energy.

To begin, each player stands beside a small cone or stack of mats that can be easily cleared with a sideways jump. Bring both knees up to jump vertically and move laterally over the cone or stack of mats. After landing on both feet together, perform the jump again in the opposite direction.

The time spent on the ground throughout this drill should be kept to a minimum as the jumps should be quick and powerful. Perform the drill for a maximum of 30 seconds, and repeat 3 times, allowing at least 30 seconds of rest between each repetition.

Need More Soccer Training Drills?

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http://www.SoccerPracticePlans.com/

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