Soccer Drills That Build Confidence in Young Players

Sep 24

Written By Chris .

(Fun, Simple, and Effective)

Confidence on the soccer field doesn’t come from big speeches—it comes from repetition, small wins, and positive experiences. The right drills can help young players feel capable, strong, and ready to take risks without fear of failure.

Here are 9 soccer drills that build confidence while developing essential skills. All of them are fun, easy to set up, and can be done at home or in practice.

1. The Dribble Maze

Goal: Improve ball control in tight spaces.
How to do it:

Set up cones (or household items) in a zigzag pattern.
Have your child dribble through as quickly as possible without touching an obstacle.
Why it works: Kids feel successful as they navigate the course—and love trying to beat their best time.

2. Pass and Move Relay

Goal: Build passing accuracy and movement.
How to do it:

Stand 8–10 feet apart.
Pass the ball back and forth, but after each pass, move to a new spot.
Progression: Add one-touch passes once they feel confident.

3. Target Shooting

Goal: Boost shooting accuracy and power.
How to do it:

Use a small goal or mark targets on a wall.
Assign points for hitting each target.
Why it works: Kids love scoring points—it makes practice feel like a game.

4. Juggling Challenge

Goal: Improve touch and control.
How to do it:

Start with one juggle and catch, then two, then three.
Track their personal record each time to show progress.
Confidence booster: Celebrate each improvement, no matter how small.

5. Weak Foot Wall Drill

Goal: Build confidence using both feet.
How to do it:

Pass against a wall using only the weaker foot for two minutes.
Count how many clean passes they can make without losing control.

6. 1v1 Shadow Game

Goal: Develop attacking and defending confidence.
How to do it:

Play one-on-one in a small space.
Limit each round to 20–30 seconds for quick intensity and lots of turns.
Kids love the competition—and each success makes them bolder.

7. Quick Feet Ladder

Goal: Improve agility and speed.
How to do it:

Use an agility ladder (or chalk squares) for quick in-and-out steps.
Add a ball for advanced practice.
Agility work boosts confidence because kids feel faster and more coordinated quickly.

8. Passing Under Pressure

Goal: Improve composure when pressured.
How to do it:

Create a small circle with cones.
You apply light pressure as they try to complete five passes inside the circle.
Start easy, then increase pressure as their skills grow.

9. Finish With a Fun Scrimmage

Goal: Apply skills in a game-like setting.
End every practice with a mini-game—1v1 or 2v2 if space is tight. Let kids try their new moves and celebrate creativity.

Final Thought

Confidence grows when kids experience success in small, manageable steps. These drills make practice enjoyable while building the skills—and self-belief—they need to thrive on the field.

Chris .