Install
Soccer Skills & Drills
The fundamentals, each with a coaching cue you can take to the field today and video demonstrations from across the web. These are the general, widely taught versions — a qualified coach watching you is worth more than any of them.
First touch
Decide where the ball is going before it arrives, and cushion it into space rather than stopping it dead under your feet. The best first touch is the one that beats an opponent without a second touch.
Passing
Plant foot beside the ball and pointing at your target, ankle locked, strike through the middle with the inside of the foot. Weight matters more than direction: a pass that arrives too slowly gets someone hurt.
Receiving under pressure
Check your shoulder before the ball comes, open your body so you can play forward, and take your first touch away from the defender.
Dribbling
Small touches with the laces at speed, big change of pace to go past. Head up between touches — you cannot beat what you cannot see.
Shooting
Non-kicking foot alongside the ball, toe down, strike with the laces and follow through toward the target. Most missed chances at rec level are leaned back, not mis-hit.
Heading
Attack the ball with the forehead, eyes open, neck firm, arms out for space. Not for young players — see our safety guide for the age guidance.
Defending 1v1
Close the space quickly, slow down as you arrive, and show the attacker to their weaker side. Stay on your feet: a tackle that misses takes you out of the play.
Goalkeeping basics
Set your feet before the shot, hands in front of the ball not behind it, and make the first save with your body behind your hands. Distribution is half the job now.
Juggling
Toe up, small touches, one bounce between each if you need it. It is not a match skill, but it buys the touch that is.
Fitness for rec players
Short repeated sprints with real recovery, not long slow running — that is what a match actually demands. Warm up properly; the hamstring you pull in the first ten minutes will cost you six weeks.
General fundamentals, not a substitute for a qualified coach. If you coach children, get certified through your league's governing body — most now require it, and the entry course is free and online.