Speed with the Soccer Ball

Often most of the speed work that coaches use involve working without the ball. It is just as important to do speed work with the ball. The most dangerous players are those that can move with extreme pace with a soccer ball at their feet.

You want these drills to be performed at full speed and intensity. Make sure that players have adequate rest periods before their turn. Add these to your arsenal and your team will increase its soccer dribbling speed.

Soccer Ball Speed Drill #1

Start at midfield with the ball. Line up two players against each other on the midfield line. It is a good idea to match up players with comparable speed.

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The server stands behind the players and sends the ball on towards the goal. The players sprint all out to the ball with the first player taking possession and heading to goal. The second player quickly picks up on the defensive side.

Soccer Ball Speed Drill #2

This drills simulates the type of movement that you often have to make on the soccer field. Sprint, control, dribble & sprint.

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Your five cones should be 30 yards apart. Start at marker 1 and sprint to marker 2. Dribble from 2 to 3. Sprint from 3 to 4. Dribble from 4 to 5. Walk back replacing the balls on markers 2 and 4.