League drills for training. Top 10 Little League Baseball Drills to Prepare Your Team for Success

How can you improve your little league team’s skills. What are the most effective drills for developing fundamental baseball abilities. Which practice exercises will elevate your players’ performance on the field.

Table of Contents

Essential Relay Throw Drills for Enhancing Decision Making

Relay throw drills are crucial for developing players’ decision-making abilities and field awareness. These exercises simulate real game scenarios, challenging players to quickly assess situations and make smart choices.

To set up this drill:

Position players at each defensive position on the field
Place a runner on one of the bases
Have the coach hit a ball into play

As the play unfolds, fielders must chase down the ball and communicate effectively to determine where to throw it. The catcher plays a key role, observing the runner’s movements and directing teammates on optimal throw locations to potentially get an out.

This drill offers numerous benefits:

Teaches proper use of cutoff men from the outfield
Improves on-field communication skills
Enhances situational awareness
Develops quick decision-making under pressure

By regularly incorporating relay throw drills into practice sessions, coaches can significantly improve their team’s ability to execute complex defensive plays during games.

Mastering Throwing Mechanics with the Unzip and Release Drill

Proper throwing mechanics are foundational to success in baseball. The Unzip and Release drill offers a simple yet effective method for teaching and reinforcing correct throwing form to young players.

How to Run the Unzip and Release Drill:

Have players pair up and line up across from each other
Partners toss a ball back and forth
At random intervals, the coach calls out “freeze”
When frozen, the coach assesses each player’s throwing position
Players mimic “unzipping” a jacket upward to simulate the throwing motion
They then complete the throw when their hand is overhead

This drill breaks down the throwing motion into easily understandable steps, allowing coaches to identify and correct issues with individual players’ techniques. By focusing on the “unzipping” motion, players develop a more natural and powerful throwing action.

Why is proper throwing mechanics so important in baseball? Correct form not only improves accuracy and power but also reduces the risk of arm injuries. By mastering these fundamentals early, players set themselves up for long-term success and enjoyment of the game.

Overcoming Fear and Improving Pop Fly Catching Skills

Catching pop flies can be intimidating for young players, but it’s a critical skill to master. The key is to help players overcome their fear of being hit by the ball while developing proper catching techniques.

Progressive Pop Fly Drill:

Start with soft balls like tennis balls
Use a tennis racket to hit high pop flies
As players become comfortable, gradually transition to baseballs
Increase the height and difficulty of pop flies over time

This progressive approach allows players to build confidence without the fear of injury. As they improve, coaches can introduce more challenging scenarios, such as running catches or pop flies in sun or wind.

What are some key techniques for catching pop flies effectively?

Keep your eye on the ball throughout its flight
Use two hands whenever possible
Move to get under the ball, rather than reaching for it
Communicate clearly with teammates to avoid collisions

By regularly practicing pop fly drills, players will develop the skills and confidence needed to make crucial catches during games, turning potential hits into outs and saving runs for their team.

Perfecting Grounder Fielding with the Bucket Drill

Fielding ground balls cleanly and consistently is a fundamental skill for any successful baseball team. The Bucket Drill offers an engaging and effective way to improve players’ abilities in this crucial area.

Setting Up the Bucket Drill:

Place a brightly colored bucket at second base
Form two lines of players extending towards the outfield on either side of second base
The coach hits ground balls towards second base
Players field the ball and attempt to toss it into the bucket
After fielding, players run to the end of the opposite line

This drill helps players develop several key skills:

Proper fielding stance and technique
Hand-eye coordination
Soft hands for clean ball pickup
Accuracy in transferring the ball from glove to throwing hand

To maximize the effectiveness of the Bucket Drill, coaches should vary the speed and placement of ground balls. This keeps players engaged and simulates the unpredictability of real game situations.

Why is mastering ground ball fielding so important? Consistently fielding grounders can dramatically reduce errors, prevent extra bases, and maintain defensive pressure on the opposing team. It’s a skill that can make the difference between winning and losing close games.

Enhancing Infield Defense with the Workup Drill

A strong infield defense is the backbone of any successful baseball team. The Workup Drill is an excellent way to improve players’ abilities to field balls in the infield and make accurate throws around the bases.

How to Run the Workup Drill:

Position players at each infield position
The coach hits ground balls to various infield locations
Fielders must cleanly field the ball and throw to first base
After each play, players rotate positions clockwise

This drill helps develop several crucial skills:

Quick reactions to different types of ground balls
Proper fielding techniques for various infield positions
Accurate throws to first base under time pressure
Familiarity with multiple infield positions

Why is versatility in infield positions beneficial? Players who can competently play multiple positions provide coaches with greater lineup flexibility and can step in when teammates are injured or unavailable. This versatility can be a significant asset as players progress in their baseball careers.

To increase the challenge of the Workup Drill, coaches can introduce additional elements such as base runners or double play scenarios. This adds complexity and helps players develop their situational awareness and decision-making skills.

Improving Hitting Accuracy with the Tire Drill

Consistent, accurate hitting is a cornerstone of offensive success in baseball. The Tire Drill offers an engaging way to improve players’ bat control and ability to hit to specific areas of the field.

Setting Up the Tire Drill:

Hang a tire from a sturdy structure (e.g., a tree or batting cage frame)
Position the tire at various heights and distances to simulate different pitch locations
Players take turns attempting to hit balls through the center of the tire

This drill helps develop several key hitting skills:

Improved hand-eye coordination
Better bat control and ability to hit to all fields
Enhanced focus and concentration at the plate
Ability to adjust to different pitch locations

Why is hitting accuracy so important in baseball? The ability to place hits strategically can help advance runners, exploit defensive weaknesses, and increase overall offensive productivity. Players who can consistently hit to all fields are more difficult for pitchers to defend against.

To add variety and challenge to the Tire Drill, coaches can:

Use different sized tires for varying levels of difficulty
Introduce a points system to create friendly competition
Combine the drill with soft toss or pitching machine practice

Regular practice with the Tire Drill can significantly improve a team’s collective hitting accuracy, leading to more productive at-bats and increased run production.

Enhancing Base Running Skills with the Stopwatch Drill

Effective base running can put significant pressure on the defense and create scoring opportunities. The Stopwatch Drill is an excellent way to improve players’ speed, technique, and decision-making on the basepaths.

Running the Stopwatch Drill:

Set up all four bases on the field
Equip coaches or team parents with stopwatches
Have players run from home to first, first to third, and home to home
Time each run and record the results
Repeat the drill regularly to track improvement

This drill helps develop several crucial base running skills:

Proper running form and technique
Quick acceleration out of the batter’s box
Efficient turns around the bases
Improved overall speed and endurance

Why is base running speed so important in baseball? Fast, smart base runners can turn singles into doubles, score from second on base hits, and put constant pressure on the defense. This can lead to defensive errors and increased scoring opportunities for the team.

To enhance the Stopwatch Drill, coaches can:

Incorporate sliding practice at each base
Add situational elements, such as tagging up on fly balls
Create a leaderboard to foster friendly competition

By regularly practicing and timing base running, players can significantly improve their speed and technique, becoming more valuable offensive assets to their team.

Developing Pitching Accuracy with the Strike Zone Challenge

Accurate pitching is fundamental to defensive success in baseball. The Strike Zone Challenge is an engaging drill that helps pitchers improve their control and ability to consistently throw strikes.

Setting Up the Strike Zone Challenge:

Create a target representing the strike zone (e.g., using a tarp with cutout zones or a specially designed pitching target)
Position the target at regulation distance from the pitching mound
Assign point values to different areas of the strike zone
Have pitchers throw a set number of pitches, aiming for high-value areas
Keep score and track improvement over time

This drill helps pitchers develop several key skills:

Improved control and accuracy
Better understanding of the strike zone
Enhanced ability to hit specific targets within the zone
Increased focus and concentration during pitching

Why is pitching accuracy so crucial in baseball? Accurate pitchers can more effectively get batters out, reduce walks, and control the pace of the game. This leads to shorter innings, less stress on the defense, and increased chances of winning.

To add variety and challenge to the Strike Zone Challenge, coaches can:

Introduce different pitch types (fastball, changeup, curveball)
Simulate game situations with pitch counts and baserunners
Create team competitions or pitching duels

Regular practice with the Strike Zone Challenge can significantly improve a team’s pitching accuracy, leading to fewer walks, more strikeouts, and overall better defensive performance.

Improving Outfield Skills with the Fence Drill

Outfielders play a crucial role in limiting extra-base hits and preventing runs. The Fence Drill is an effective way to improve players’ ability to track fly balls near the outfield fence and make difficult catches.

Running the Fence Drill:

Position players about 10-15 feet in front of the outfield fence
Have a coach or pitching machine send fly balls towards the fence
Players must track the ball, approach the fence, and make the catch
Gradually increase the difficulty by varying ball trajectory and speed

This drill helps outfielders develop several important skills:

Improved ability to judge fly ball distance and trajectory
Better awareness of field boundaries
Enhanced coordination when playing balls off the fence
Increased confidence in making difficult catches

Why are skilled outfielders so valuable to a baseball team? Outfielders who can consistently make difficult catches near the fence can prevent extra-base hits, save runs, and provide a significant boost to their team’s defensive performance.

To further challenge players in the Fence Drill, coaches can:

Introduce running catches starting from different positions
Add baserunning elements to practice throwing after the catch
Simulate sun or wind conditions to increase difficulty

Regular practice with the Fence Drill can dramatically improve outfielders’ ability to make game-changing plays, turning potential extra-base hits into outs and boosting the team’s overall defensive capabilities.

Enhancing Team Communication with the Silent Ball Drill

Effective communication is essential for any successful baseball team. The Silent Ball Drill is an innovative way to improve non-verbal communication skills and enhance players’ focus and awareness on the field.

How to Run the Silent Ball Drill:

Gather the team in a circle or spread them across the field
Explain that all verbal communication is prohibited during the drill
Players must throw the ball to each other using only eye contact and gestures
If a player drops the ball or makes a bad throw, they’re out
Continue until only one player remains

This drill helps develop several crucial team skills:

Improved non-verbal communication
Enhanced focus and concentration
Better anticipation of teammates’ actions
Increased awareness of field positioning

Why is effective team communication so important in baseball? Clear communication helps prevent errors, improves defensive coordination, and allows for smoother execution of complex plays. It’s a skill that can make the difference in high-pressure game situations.

To increase the challenge of the Silent Ball Drill, coaches can:

Introduce multiple balls to increase complexity
Require specific types of throws (e.g., grounders, pop-ups)
Add baserunning elements to simulate game situations

Regular practice with the Silent Ball Drill can significantly improve a team’s non-verbal communication skills, leading to better on-field coordination and fewer miscommunications during games.

By incorporating these top 10 Little League baseball drills into regular practice sessions, coaches can help their teams develop a strong foundation of fundamental skills. From improving fielding techniques and hitting accuracy to enhancing pitching control and team communication, these drills cover all aspects of the game. Consistent practice and gradual progression in difficulty will help young players build confidence, improve their performance, and ultimately enjoy greater success on the baseball field.

Little League® Tee Ball Curriculum

The Little League® Tee Ball Curriculum is a 10-week plan that features structured learning highlighted by one practice and one game per week. Over the course of the season, coaches and parents will engage in a series of lessons utilizing up to 40 activities that include skills, drills and plenty of physical activity. Below are drills that can help you implement a successful Tee Ball Program.

Run the Bases

Starting at home plate, everyone jogs to first, second, third, and home following the coach calling out the bases as they go.
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Team Throwing

Players are grouped into teams. On “go” the first player from each team begins by trying to throw their ball through or into the hoop.
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Left Field, Center Field, Right Field

Take players into the outfield to explain/demonstrate the game. Have a cone set in right, center, and left field.
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Fielding

Have players line up behind a cone. Demonstrate using two hands how to “scoop up” a ball.
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Offense & Defense – Progression 1 & 2

Spread the players out in the field. Designate one player that the rest of the team must get the ball to.
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Offense & Defense – Progression 3

Separate players into two groups. Send half out into the field behind a line of cones and the other half to home plate.
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Tee-Hitting

Break the players into 3 or 4 groups. Have them stand behind a tee and take turns swinging.
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Hit the Bucket

Have players create a giant circle. Go around the circle and have each player take a turn to throw their ball at a bucket.
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Beach Volleyball Circle

In each group make a circle. Hit the beach ball to a player who should try to hit it up in the air and keep it in the circle.
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Base Running & Ground-Balls

Have the players run around the bases one at a time calling out the bases as they go.
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Defensive Rotations

Rotating players during the inning on defense is a great way to keep them engaged.
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Top 10 Little League Baseball Drills That Will Help Your Team Prepare for the World Series

Top 10 Little League Baseball Drills

Your little leaguer might not be ready for the Major Leagues . . . yet. But the Little League World Series is a serious game.

This isn’t a sandlot game or a weekend city tournament. It’s a high-stakes environment of competition, sportsmanship, and fun.

Youth baseball is good for your child. Let’s get ’em ready to play their best, Coach.

Here are the top ten little league baseball drills to take your child’s team to the top.

1. Decision Making: Relay Throws

Some of the most useful baseball practice drills are relay throws.

Players fill each position on the field. A runner stands on a base then the coach hits a ball.

Fielders chase the ball and communicate where to throw the ball to bring it in. The catcher watches the runner and yells out where to send the ball to throw out the runner.

Your little leaguers learn how to use a cutoff man from the outfield. They also learn how to communicate and listen to each other during a game scenario.

2. Throwing Mechanics: Unzip and Release Drill

Throwing mechanics must start with the basics. In one of the simplest little league practice drills, kids line up across from each other.

Tossing a ball back and forth with a partner, the kids continue until the coach tells them to “freeze.” Each time they freeze, the coach walks the kids through where they are in the throw.

The kids mimic “unzipping” a jacket upward to wind the throw. Then they release the ball to their partner when their hand is overhead.

3. Catching: Pop Fly Drills

Getting hit with a baseball hurts. But kids can overcome this fear through little league practice drills.

Start with softer balls, like tennis balls hit with a racket. Lob them high in the air like a pop fly.

As the kids learn to field and catch these softer pop flies, a knock in the head from a tennis ball hurts less.

Once they get over their fear of being hit with a ball and develop some skill for catching pop flies, switch to baseballs and continue the drill.

4. Grounders: The Bucket Drill

Following a grounder into your glove takes patience and focus. This is a developed skill for young little leaguers.

One of the more fun baseball drills for kids uses a bright colored bucket. Place the bucket at second base and line your team up to the right and left of the bucket.

They should be in two lines stretching to the outfield.

Hit ground balls toward second base. As each player fields a ball, he tosses it in the bucket and runs to the end of the opposite line.

Mix up the placement of the grounders to keep them guessing.

5. Infield: Workup Drill for Defense

Keeping balls in the infield and throwing around the bases is essential.

Place players at every position except pitcher. You’ll also need baserunners with helmets on.

The coach hits balls in the infield. Create a variety of runner scenarios that force your infielders to field the ball and throw to different bases for outs.

6. Outfield: Drop Step Drill

One crucial outfield skill is not to backpedal to fly balls. Instead, teach players to turn and run to the baseball.

Field only outfield players. Put yourself at the edge of the infield.

For each round, tell your fielders which direction to start: right or left. Then hit a ball that direction.

The fielder will start running back in that direction by taking one step backward. Then he’ll turn his body and run.

Make sure and teach to continue watching the baseball over his shoulder as he runs to make the catch.

7. Hitting: Double Tee Drill

This is one of the best youth baseball hitting drills for teaching swing mechanics.

Set two baseball tees about one foot apart. The ball sits on the front tee. The goal for the hitter is to swing and hit the ball without hitting the tee behind it.

If he hits the back tee before striking the ball, his swing is coming underneath the ball. This launches a fly ball.

If he misses that back tee, he’ll strike the top or middle of the baseball. This swing hits a line drive.

8. Pitching: Towel Drill

Improving in pitching is often a matter of repetition and muscle memory, but too much throwing damages a good pitching arm.

Proper conditioning helps strengthen an arm while building throwing muscle memory. Performing a pitching motion while holding the end of a towel helps replicate the resistance of throwing a ball.

Have your young pitcher hold the end of a towel and wind up like he’s pitching a ball. Then he’ll follow through and toss the towel.

9. Baserunning: Square Stand Up/Sit Down Slide

Little league rules don’t allow head-first slides into a base. It’s critical to teach an alternate hands-free, feet-first slide for safety and to stay within the rules.

Have your players hold a bat or glove over their head. This helps the player remember to keep his hands up while sliding.

With hands up, the player will run toward a base and count to three. On “three” he’ll form a figure-four with his legs and sit down as he slides into the base.

10. Agility: Box Running Drills

Good baseball players are quick on their feet.

Grab four cones for these agility drills. Place the cones about 10-15 feet apart in a square.

Pick any pattern of running forward, laterally, and backward. Have each player run multiple reps through one pattern, then go to the end of the line while other players take their turns.

Repeat with another pattern and run another series for each player.

Make Little League Baseball Drills Fun

Teaching baseball skills and discipline helps kids learn critical life skills. But it’s important to make sure little league baseball drills are fun, too.

Use baseball pins as a reward for hard work. Trading pins with each other also builds relationships within the team.

At Baseball Trading Pins, we design custom pins for any team or occasion. Contact us to get a quote for your team’s pins.

20 Soccer Drills – For Players and Coaches

Skill rating: Easy
Fun Rating: 3/5
Number of players required: 2
Equipment required: Ball

2) Cone exercise

Dribbling through cones is a great way to learn how to control the ball in close quaters. The following exercise from BetterSoccerDrills explores different ways of controlling the ball with the inside and outside of both feet. This a great exercise that your players can practice on their own at home or at their local park.

Skill rating: Easy
Fun Rating: 3/5
Number of players required: 1
Equipment required: Ball and cones

Of course, if you are Lionel Messi, you can just use other professional players as cones. Watch how the multiple Golden Ball winner uses close control to keep possession of the ball in the following compilation. Check out this FC Barcelona summer soccer camp to learn how to play like La Masia way.

3) Advanced cone exercise

This drill from Become Elite takes the cone exercise to the next level by teaching players to control the ball at different speeds. Players can adapt these exercises to suit the space they have available and can use them to improve their cardio-vascular fitness.

Skill rating: Easy
Fun Rating: 3/5
Number of players required: 1
Equipment required: Ball and cones

Check out this goal scored by Ronaldo for Barcelona back in 1996. The goal prompted a standing ovation from the entire stadium.

4) Circle of cones

Of course, in real game situations, players don’t always dribble in straight lines. This simple drill from OnlineSoccerTraining uses cones in a circular formation to develop players’ dribbling skills and prepare them for more realistic game situations.

Players travel clockwise and counter-clockwise around the circle using the inside and outside of both feet to avoid the cones.

Skill rating: Easy
Fun Rating: 3.5/5
Number of players required: 1 or more
Equipment required: Ball and cones

It would be impossible to talk about dribbling without mentioning Diego Maradona’s incredible goal against England in the 1986 World Cup. Often hailed as the ‘goal of the century’, this clip also includes what might be the commentary of the century from the Uruguayan broadcaster Víctor Hugo Morales:

5) Cut-backs

Dribbling through cones can help to sharpen a player’s skills and technique and improve their fitness. But, when they start dribbling against real players, they need to react quickly and move the ball out of reach of their opponents.

Practicing cut-backs will them to dribble the ball at tighter angles and avoid losing possession. This set of drills from Epic Soccer Training concentrates on dribbling in tight spaces and at sharper angles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEOyMnBIs3g&feature=youtu.be

Skill rating: Medium
Fun Rating: 3.5/5
Number of players required: 1
Equipment required: Ball and cones

By practicing these dribbling soccer drills, players become much more comfortable with the ball at their feet, and the difference is noticable in match play.

Who knows, one day you might inspire a player to a score a goal like this one from former AC Milan legend George Weah. Click out these AC Milan summer soccer camps to train with professional AC Milan coaches.

Top 5 Shooting soccer drills

The ultimate objective in a football match is to score more goals than the opposition. And while the process of kicking a ball into a 7.32 x 2.44 metre area may seem quite straightforward; in reality, it can be one of the hardest disciplines to master.

In a game situation, a player entering into a goal scoring position faces many challenges. They have defenders rushing at them from all angles, a goalkeeper closing down their angles, teammates calling for a pass, the noise of an excited crowd ringing in their ears.

Under these conditions, they must adjust their speed, balance, and position before striking the ball cleanly and accurately at the net.

For a player to be a successful striker, they must practice their shooting skills. Here are a few soccer drills for offensive players. Check out these top 5 shooting soccer drills.

6) Shooting from a square pass

Shooting can be made much easier when attackers both create space and receive well-weighted passes from their teammates. This drill from OnlineSoccerTraining offers practice for both assisting players and shooters.

Skill rating: Easy
Fun Rating: 3.5/5
Number of players required: 2 or more
Equipment required: Ball and goal

It is this kind of drill that will help your players to score goals like this one from Fernando Torres playing for Liverpool back in 2008. Are you a Liverpool FC fan? Check out these Liverpool FC Summer Soccer Camps.

Notice how Torres keeps a few yards between himself and the defenders so that when he receives the ball, he has time to take a touch, adjust his body, and shoot.

7) One-touch shooting

Football at the top level is a fast game and elite players don’t always have time to take a touch before they shoot. Whether the ball is rolling on the ground or bouncing in the air, sometimes a one touch shot is a striker’s only option.

These drills from Reading FC Academy may look simple, but they will teach players how to adjust their body, head, and feet to manage a one-touch shot.

Skill rating: Medium
Fun Rating: 4/5
Number of players required: 3 or more
Equipment required: Ball and goal

8) Three goal drill

Chelsea FC practices this shooting drill from SoccerCoachTV as a fun exercise to help their players react and shoot in hectic game situations.

Are you a Chelsea FC fan? Check out these NIKE Chelsea FC Summer Soccer Camps.

Skill rating: Medium
Fun Rating: 4/5
Number of players required: 5 or more
Equipment required: Balls, goal and mini-goals

No matter how much pressure a player is under or where they are on the pitch, sometimes they just need to believe in their own abilities and shoot on goal. Just ask Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard!

9) Lay-offs, turns, and chest control

This video from ProgressiveSoccer features five different drills that can be practiced in groups of three or more. These exercises work on shooting skills, short passing, and lay-offs.

Attackers have better chances of scoring when passed the ball in optimum positions. A good lay-off can make all the difference. If the weight of the pass is just right, the striker won’t need to break their stride or rhythm to strike the ball cleanly.

Skill rating: Easy
Fun Rating: 4/5
Number of players required: 3 or more
Equipment required: Balls and goals

In this next clip, watch how Spanish international player Veronica Boquete strikes a perfectly-weighted ball to score an easy goal for Frankfurt. If the ball had been slightly slower, the defender would have been in a position to challenge her. If the ball had been any quicker, Boquete may have been forced to use her weaker left foot.

10) Headers on goal

Scoring is not all about fierce shots or delicate chips with the feet. Around 20% of goals at the top level are scored from headers.

Heading drills may not be the most popular amongst young players, but they are amongst the most important. Ability to score with headers distinguish elite strikers from average strikers.

This exercise from the Soccer Drills Daily is perfect for players who want to spend some extra time training when everyone else has gone home. This drill requires just a ball and a wall.

Skill rating: Medium
Fun Rating: 3/5
Number of players required: 1
Equipment required: Ball and wall

Top 5 Passing soccer drills

Great passing is arguably the most important quality of a great team. Even the very best strikers in the world rely on the great services of their mid-field maestros.

In whatever position (even goalkeeper), all players must pass the ball well. As demonstrated by the Ryan Giggs clip above, one stray pass from anywhere on the field can be the difference between victory and defeat.

Check out these top 5 passing soccer drills.

11) Basic short passes

To pass with accuracy, players must practice short passes with the inside of both feet. Here are some basic passing drills from ProgressiveSoccer that can be practiced on an indoor or outdoor pitch and are best in groups of three.

Skill rating: Easy
Fun Rating: 3.5/5
Number of players required: 3 or more
Equipment required: Ball

Passes don’t have to be long to be impressive. Short, quick, and creative passes like those of FC Barcelona can leave the opposition spellbound.

12) Shuffling passes

In an ideal world, players are always facing forward when making a pass. But in reality, they must often make passes while moving sideways (shuffling) in an unnatural or twisted position.

This simple exercise from OnlineSoccerTraining offers practice passing with both feet while shuffling sideways:

Skill rating: Medium
Fun Rating: 3.5/5
Number of players required: 2 or more
Equipment required: Ball and cone

Watch how FC Barcelona uses this technique to evade the pressure of arch rivals Real Madrid in this clip:

13) The drive ball

Short passes are great for retaining possession, beating the pressure, and moving the ball methodically through the different zones of the pitch. However, sometimes it’s a better idea to exploit space by delivering a long pass (or a drive).

By practicing to drive a pass, players learn to bypass one or more zones of the pitch. All footballers, experienced and beginners alike, love nothing more than delivering the perfect ‘Hollywood’ pass.

This video from AllAttack clearly explains the technique for delivering a long drive.

Skill rating: Medium
Fun Rating: 4/5
Number of players required: 2 or more
Equipment required: Ball

Watch David Beckham use the technique while playing for Real Madrid:

14) The through-ball

One of the biggest assets a midfield player can possess is the ability to play a well-timed through-ball. The through-ball is used to exploit the space behind midfield and defensive lines. It can be used to open up play, build an attack, or to create a direct goal scoring opportunity.

In this group exercise from Coaches Corner, the concept of the through-ball is taught through repetitive drills.

Skill rating: Medium
Fun Rating: 4/5
Number of players required: 4 or more
Equipment required: Balls and mannequins

When your players have mastered the through-ball, they will be able to unlock defensive formations just like Barcelona legend Xavi. Watch this video to see what we mean:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsiwNjITUz0&feature=youtu.be

15) One touch passing

One touch passing requires great technique and game awareness. Players need to anticipate the position of their teammates and the opposing team before even getting the ball at their feet. This means keeping their head up and tracking their target while being fully aware of the position of the ball.

These passes can be used in midfield to bypass opposing players and to maneuver the ball into a more favorable zone. These skillful passes can also be used by attacking players to break up the opposing defense.

In this video from soccercoaches the Schalke 04 U-19 team can be seen practicing a complex sequence of short passing soccer drills.

Skill rating: Difficult
Fun Rating: 4/5
Number of players required: 6 or more
Equipment required: Balls and cones

One touch passing forms an essential part of the pass and move philosophy employed so successfully by teams such as Liverpool in the 1980s.

A later incarnation of Liverpool produced this wonderful one touch sequence in the 2010 Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid. Unfortunately, Dirk Kuyt could not provide the finishing touch.

Top 5 Defensive soccer drills

Football is often referred to as a ‘beautiful game’. However, great defense can stifle the beautiful fluid offensive movement that makes the game so attractive.

Some teams use their attacking prowess as the basis for their defense maintaining possession. Others prefer to employ a strong defense as a basis for their attack. Although there are many different ways to play the game, the principles of good defending remain the same.

Check out these top 5 defensive soccer drills.

16) Pressuring warm-up

Pressuring does not always require direct contact. Nevertheless, it’s one of the most important elements of defending. It certain situations, its not necessary to tackle the opposing player. Sometimes, closing down their angles and pressuring them is enough to force them to make a mistake.

In these soccer drills from The Coaching Manual, the players learn the basics of pressing:

Skill rating: Medium
Fun Rating: 4/5
Number of players required: 9 or more
Equipment required: Balls and cones or mannequins

In the following clip, we see how Stoke City almost scores by pressuring Manchester City but also leave themselves open to the counter attack. Are you a fan of Manchester City? Check out these Manchester City Summer Soccer Camps.

17) Tackling

While pressuring is important, it is not the most effective tactic in every situation. A defender must learn when to pressure, when to back off, and when to tackle.

Tackling is the activity most associated with defending, but a good tackle is not always easy to execute. Tackling requires practice and good timing because if done incorrectly, a tackle could give the opposing team a free-kick or a penalty kick.

In this short tutorial from TheSoccerEssentials, the coach explains how a defender must accept the physicality of the game to fully commit to a tackle.

Skill rating: Easy
Fun Rating: 3/5
Number of players required: 2
Equipment required: Ball

In this clip, Italy defender Alessandro Nesta could simply pressure France’s Sylvain Wiltord; but instead, he decides to tackle and gain possession of the ball. Watch how he fully commits to the tackle regardless of any contact that might occur:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5P4zhRrlco&feature=youtu.be

18) Sliding tackle

A good sliding tackle can be just as effective as a great pass or through-ball and can also get the crowd on their feet. However, an ill-timed sliding tackle can often result in an early shower for the guilty defender.

In this clip from U Soccer, the coach expresses the importance of learning to slide tackle properly in order to avoid unnecessary injury:

Skill rating: Medium
Fun Rating: 4/5
Number of players required: 1 or more
Equipment required: Ball

19) Defensive header

The defensive header is different the goal scoring type of header. The aim of the defensive header is to clear the ball from danger. This means heading it high, hard, and as far away from the danger zone as possible. In this situation, power is often more important than pinpoint accuracy. A well-placed defensive header, however, could also lead to a counter attack.

This is a great defensive heading game from SoccerCoachTV that can be adapted for groups of all sizes and emphasises the importance of heading for distance, height, and power.

Skill rating: Difficult
Fun Rating: 5/5
Number of players required: 3 or more
Equipment required: Balls

Defensive headers can come in many different forms. Check out this vital clearance from Real Salt Lake defender Tony Beltran.

20) Small-sided game

Many of essential aspects of 11 v 11 are learned through small-sided games. From grassroots level through to elite world level, these type of soccer drills are used to coach players of all ages through the finer intricacies of the game.

This brilliant drill from The Coaching Manual uses a small-sided game to teach players how and when to pressure, tackle, or drop off. It also encourages awareness and communication:

Skill rating: Difficult
Fun Rating: 5/5
Number of players required: 11 or more (can be adapted for smaller numbers)
Equipment required: Ball and goal

A NOTE TO COACHES AND PLAYERS

If you dream of playing for world-famous teams like Real Madrid or Manchester City or if you imagine the glory and excitement of watching one of your own become a rising star, you must employ some of these soccer drills used by the pros.

For the most talented and hardworking players, it’s a good idea to attend a high performance football academy or a general soccer camp or program affiliated with teams such as REAL MADRID, FC BARCELONA, PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN, AC MILAN, MANCHESTER CITY, ARSENAL, LIVERPOOL, CHELSEA FC, etc. Click any of the team names to find out more about how to train with one of their official programs.

As always, to help you choose the right football camp or program, our team at Ertheo.com is available to answer all of your questions and offer expert advice.

Call us at (+44) 203 769 94 43 or (+34) 902 750 359.

For a complete list of all the football programs and camps we offer, click here.

Dodgers Drills – Dodgers Training Academy

Dodger Drills are quick at-home baseball drills and techniques created by instructors from the Los Angeles Dodgers Training Academy! Join us on a weekly basis to sharpen up on your baseball skills all from your backyard, your living room, or (sometimes) even from your couch!

The Los Angeles Dodgers Training Academy is a youth sports training and operations platform that supports local teams, coaches, leagues, and communities at all levels of play to positively impact through the vessel of sport.

With world-class instruction, technology, and administrative services, our goal is to create training and development programs, that empower our athletes and communities both on and off the field. We are driven at Los Angeles Dodgers Training Academy to reaching the whole athlete; the player and the person.

Our sole mission is to develop, foster, and nurture a love and passion for sport, all while providing an unforgettable learning experience and creating lifelong Dodger fans.