High school players are the most passionate ones. Because they’re at the early stage of making football their career, they are always searching for ways to improve their skill. And what’s more better skill then drills? Calling all aspiring soccer stars, dynamic athletes, and spirited competitors! It’s time to lace up your boots and step onto the field of boundless possibilities.
Whether you’re a seasoned striker, a tenacious defender, or a midfield maestro, the journey to greatness begins with the right training. Today, we unveil a treasure trove of electrifying soccer drills tailor-made for high school players, designed to sharpen skills, boost teamwork, and set your passion for the beautiful game ablaze. Get ready to embrace the game’s thrill and the champion that lies within.
10 Best Soccer Drills For High School Players
1. Heading Progression Drill
Start with the players practicing heading without any pressure, focusing on technique and accuracy. Gradually introduce more challenging elements, such as tossing the ball higher or adding defenders to contest the headers. This progressive drill helps players build confidence and adapt to different head-on situations.
2. Speed of Play Drill
To do this drill, all team members should create a lineup in two rows facing each other with enough distance to pass the ball back and forth. Once ready, one person passes the ball from one line to another using only reasonable moves or dribbles.
Meanwhile, a coach will continually call out more difficult instructions for passing as it reaches each row, such as Ground Passing, Turns Down Field with Ball, and Change Of Speed while Passing to increase intensity. The players must take action based on what they are told quickly and accurately without much time for settling decisions or treading cautiously.
3. Targeted Heading Drill
Place various targets around the field, such as cones or markers, at different heights and distances. Players have to navigate the field and attempt to head the ball into the designated targets. This drill enhances players’ accuracy, spatial awareness, and ability to adjust their headers based on the target’s location.
4. Heading in Combination Drill
To begin the drill, divide your players into two teams and have them line up across from each other. The first player in each line should have a ball. The coach should call out directions for the players to pass the ball to their team members using only their heads. For example, they could be instructed to pass the ball “forward” or “backward”. As the drill progresses, you can add more difficult instructions, such as passing to a specific teammate or passing in the opposite direction.
5. Overlapping Runs Drill
The drill can be performed with different intensity levels, making it suitable for every age group. Especially with high schoolers, it is important to put some pressure and intensity on them to get used to it as they advance in their development. The overlapping runs are a great drill when looking through my list of the best 10 Soccer Attacking Drills, as they help fine-tune various technical aspects of the game, such as first touch control, foot placement, and body balance. These qualities are essential for maximizing your attacking potential in a match situation, whether it’s tight spaces or long ball attempts at goal.
6. Shooting Accuracy Drill
To set up the Shooting Accuracy Drill, start by positioning your players in two groups of four, with one group positioned on each side of the goal. The first player in each group should have a ball. The coach should then call out instructions for the players to shoot at different targets around the goal, such as “Shoot top left corner”, “Shoot bottom right corner”, and so on.
7. World Cup Drill
The “World Cup” soccer drill is excellent for high school players to hone their shooting, passing, and teamwork skills. It’s competitive and can be enjoyed by all ages. The drill starts with two equal teams. Each team size should not exceed 4-5 players. Players line up in rows across the field, each with a soccer ball.
Teams pass the ball to each player on their side when signaled. Players improve their agility and movement skills by moving around while passing. After passing all the balls, teams take turns shooting at their opponents’ goals. Teamwork is essential for scoring goals, so discussing tactics in practice is important. The team that scores the most goals wins, but let’s focus on having fun and enjoying the game!
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8. Heading Endurance Drill
Heading endurance drills are great for high school soccer players looking to hone their skills and gain an edge over the competition. This drill makes players more confident in their ability to head the ball and helps with overall strength and conditioning. The drill involves having one player stand at the center of a semi-circle while the others stand around him.
The player at the center throws the ball high in the air while the other players try to head it back to him. The objective is to see how many successful headers each player can make in a given time. This drill should be done with caution and proper instruction from a coach or experienced player to ensure safety.
9. 1v1 Diamond Shooting Drill
To begin the drill, set up four cones in the shape of a diamond about 10 yards apart from each other. Have two players stand in the middle of the diamond and face each other. The coach should then pass a ball to one of the players, who must dribble around their opponent and shoot at the goal from any angle. The other player should attempt to defend or block shots. The drill can vary by having shots from different angles or distances.
10. Penalty Shootout Drill
The penalty shootout drill is a great way for high school soccer players to practice their penalty shots and gain confidence on the field. This drill can be done with any size group, encouraging players to practice shooting from various angles and distances.
To set up the drill, the coach should position four cones in a line five yards apart from each other, forming a shooting range. The coach then stands at the end of the line and passes the ball to each player in turn. The player receiving the ball must make a shot on goal from any angle or distance within the shooting range. If they score, they get one point; if not, they get zero. After all, players have taken their shots, the player with the most points wins.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1: What are the best soccer drills for high school players?
Answer: The best soccer drills for high school players are those that focus on improving their overall skills, including ball control, shooting, and agility. Some popular drills include cone drills, one-touch passing, and dribbling drills. These drills help enhance their technique and develop their physical fitness.
FAQ 2: How often should high school players practice these drills?
Answer: High school players should aim to practice these drills at least 2-3 times a week. Consistency is key to improving their soccer skills and staying competitive. However, they should also allow themselves enough rest and recovery time to avoid burnout or overtraining.
FAQ 3: Can these drills help improve weak foot skills?
Answer: Absolutely! Many of these drills are designed to improve ball control and overall footwork, directly improving weak foot skills. High school players can significantly enhance their overall game by practicing regularly and incorporating drills that focus on using the weak foot.
FAQ 4: Is it necessary to have a coach for these drills?
Answer: While having a coach can provide guidance and expertise, these drills can be done individually or with a teammate. However, it is essential to understand the correct technique and have a good sense of self-discipline to ensure proper execution of the drills.
FAQ 5: Can these drills be modified for a fun game setting?
Answer: Absolutely! Soccer drills can be modified to create fun and competitive games for high school players. For example, incorporating mini goals, friendly competition, or teamwork can add an element of enjoyment while still improving their skills. This also helps in building camaraderie and a sense of sportsmanship among the players.
Conclusion
Many soccer drills can help improve the skills of high school players. These drills should focus on developing ball control, shooting, and agility while incorporating fun and competitive elements. With regular practice and a good sense of discipline, these drills can help players become better at the game and stay ahead of their competition.
