At 11-12, attackers need to score under pressure. This drill simulates that reality. The dribbler has to beat the defender and hit a target. One shot to earn it.
What you need: 1 soccer ball, 4 cones total. 2 cones form a 4-foot wide goal 20 feet away.
Setup: Dribbler starts at a line. Defender lines up 5 feet behind the dribbler. Goal cones are 20 feet ahead.
How to run it:
- You call “Go.” Dribbler sprints forward with the ball using Touch, Look, Push, Go.
- Defender pressures from behind, not trying to tackle yet, just closing space.
- Dribbler must beat the defender and dribble through the cone goal.
- If the defender wins the ball, the drill ends.
- 4 attempts per player, then switch roles.
What to watch: Does the attacker look for space and exploit it? Or do they just run straight and get tackled?
If they’re struggling: Move the goal back to 25 feet. Give the dribbler a 2-yard head start.
If they’ve got it: Defender now starts beside the dribbler. That’s a harder angle to beat.
Gear for this drill (affiliate)
Size 4 soccer ball → — right size for ages 8–12.
Disc cones (50-pack) → — flat cones for gates, grids, and boundary markers.
Full soccer gear guide → — all picks by age, sport, and level.
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