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Proper soccer training is essential for anyone who wants to play soccer on a high level in high school, college or professionally. Part of that training involves soccer drills that are designed to improve ball handling and physical movement on the field of play. Even though the following drills can get tedious, they are essential for the person who strives to be a standout player. Triangles Moving the ball in a triangular pattern is one of the most basic of ball handling drills. It's a great way to develop the feel of how the feet, legs and body relate to the movement of the ball. With the ball placed two feet in front of the body, the dominant foot should be used to pull the ball back to the player's dominant side before using that foot to move the ball across to the other foot. Once the movement becomes easier, repeat the process starting with the other foot. Once the entire process becomes easier, concentrate on performing the drill by looking directly ahead and around instead of always looking down at the ball. Juggling Juggling is basically bouncing the soccer ball from one foot to the other without letting it hit the ground. For the individual new to the game, start by juggling a ball up and down on each foot for five minutes. Once there is a feel for the ball, start alternating feet for each bounce. This is a great way to focus concentration and improve ball handling coordination. It's also a great way to warm up before practice or a game. As the drill becomes easier, the ball should be occasionally bounced off the head or held still on the foot for an added layer of complexity. Strive to do the drill for fifteen or twenty minutes without stopping. This drill can be done in a variety of places other than the soccer field. Cone Line Drill Place ten cones in a straight line with each cone eighteen inches apart. Begin by slowly moving the ball between the cones by nimbly touching the side of the ball with the sides of the feet. Visualize a skier moving through the gates of a slalom course. As the movements become easier, place the cones twelve inches apart and speed up the movement of the ball. Wind Sprints Wind sprints are a great way to improve cardiovascular conditioning while developing the explosive speed that's essential for the above average soccer player. Simply place two objects twenty yards apart and sprint back and forth from one object to another five times. As conditioning improves, add more repetitions while increasing speed. Shielding Shielding is the fine art of keeping control of the ball when a defender is trying to take it away from the player with the ball. To hone shielding skills, place four objects ten feet apart in a square formation. Starting at one of the objects, move the ball laterally by rolling the top of the ball with the bottom of the right foot. When the next object is reached, nudge the ball with the left foot. At the next marker, move the ball forward by facing the ball and using the toe of the foot. As the skill develops, increase the speed of your movements around the square while alternating between lateral and straight ahead ball control. Get some free tips from an all-American, former pro soccer player that can help drastically improve your touch, shooting, and dribbling and give you masterful soccer skills - Let him show you awesome soccer drills
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