Soccer Skills: Boost Your Game with Simple Tricks and Drills
If you love watching a dramatic penalty shootout like Grimsby Town’s 12‑11 win over Manchester United, you probably want to try those moves yourself. The good news is you don’t need a pro coach to start improving. A few focused drills, a bit of patience, and the right mindset can lift your ball control, shooting accuracy, and confidence in front of goal.
Below you’ll find easy drills you can do on a backyard, a park patch, or even a small flat surface. Each one targets a specific skill that shows up in real matches – from Huddersfield Town’s comeback against Leicester City to Lionel Messi’s cool finish for Inter Miami.
Essential Ball Control Drills
First up, control. Good touch makes every other skill easier. Try the wall pass drill: stand 5‑10 metres from a solid wall, kick the ball against it, and receive it on the first bounce. Alternate between using the inside and outside of your foot. Do 30 passes each way, then switch feet. This trains quick adjustments and keeps the ball close to you.
Next, work on tight‑space dribbling. Set up a line of cones (or any small objects) about a metre apart. Sprint forward, weaving between them with light touches. Focus on keeping your head up so you can see the field. Aim for three rounds of 20 seconds; the speed will naturally improve as you get comfortable.
Finally, add the pull‑back turn. Pull the ball back with the sole of your foot, swing the other foot around, and accelerate forward. Practice this move after each wall pass to blend control with sudden changes of direction—exactly what defenders face when a striker like Victor Wembanyama tries to get space.
Mastering Penalties and Finishing
Penalty kicks are high‑pressure moments, but they’re also a skill you can rehearse. Set up a small net or mark a target on a wall. Take a few steps back, pick a spot, and strike with a consistent run‑up. The key is to repeat the same routine each time: same foot placement, same angle, same breath. Over time your body learns the motion, and the pressure feels less intense.
For broader finishing practice, simulate a game scenario. Place a dummy or a teammate as a defender, receive a pass, and shoot within three seconds. This trains quick decision‑making, a trait seen in Messi’s clutch goal for Inter Miami against Sporting KC.
Don’t forget the mental side. Visualize the ball hitting the back of the net before you take the shot. A short mental routine—deep breath, quick focus cue—helps keep nerves in check, just like the players who held their composure during the Carabao Cup penalty thrillers.
Mix these drills into your regular training schedule. Two sessions a week for control, one session dedicated to shooting, and a quick penalty routine before every game will produce noticeable progress in a month.
Remember, improvement comes from consistency, not flash. Watch match highlights from the likes of PSG, Manchester City or the Superclásico, pick a skill you admire, then break it down into a simple drill. When you see the same move work on the field, you’ll know you’re on the right track.
So grab a ball, set up your space, and start practicing. The next time you step up for a penalty or dribble past a defender, you’ll feel the difference. Happy training!
