agility soccer drills
Agility: complete drills that you can apply to help your team progress in the best conditions. Sign up to access all Agility drills.
Access more drills3v3 with 4 supports and a central player
This 3v3 small-sided game with 4 corner support players will help you work on combinations in tight spaces. Remember to regularly rotate the support players.
Using 4 cones, create a 20x20m area then form 2 teams of 3 players and one team of 4 players (see animation). Place one player from each team in the center of the field, then ask the others to spread out on each side. Next, place the 4 players from the last team at each corner of the playing area.
The exercise proceeds as follows:
- The 3-player teams must keep the ball as long as possible but only score a point when the central player touches the ball.
- The corner players serve as support for the team in the offensive position.
- The corner players as well as the support players are only allowed one touch of the ball.
A pass to the central player = 1 point.
Variation: to evolve the exercise, you can prohibit the side players from making a pass to a support. Only the central players can play on the support.
Remember to adjust the number of zones based on the number of players present at practice. If you have a group of 20 players, for example, you can create 2 zones and perform the exercise simultaneously in each zone.
Our drills on the agility theme
High-Intensity Pair Running Repetitions
10 min
2-20 joueurs
Conditioning
U16 - Seniors
High-intensity repeated runs in pairs, with relay, around markers placed all around the field....
Passing Sequence with Directional Touches and Forward Play
10 min
5-20 joueurs
Warm-up
U14 - U17
Sequential drill aimed at receiving behind the mannequin, directing the first touch in the direction of play, and following up with a forward pass....
Small-sided games in 2v2 with goalkeeper in promotion relegation format
14 min
4-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U8 - U13
2v2 opposition in a promotion/relegation format where teams move up or down based on the result, with mini-goals or a stop-ball variation....
2(+1) vs 2 with goalkeeper – quick attack from wide area
15 min
12-18 joueurs
Conditioning
U16 - Seniors
Anaerobic speed work with multiple quick attacks in 2v2 from a wide area with the option to use a layoff before shooting....
1v1 duels with neutral support and quick finishing on close goals
12 min
4-20 joueurs
Technical
U10 - U15
High-intensity 1v1 duel with a directional layoff pass, goal choice, and immediate shooting....
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What is agility in soccer?
In soccer, as in most sports, agility is a valuable ally. It is an essential quality on the soccer field, combining speed, reactivity, and sound decision-making.
With SoccerCoachLab, we offer you an overview of agility in soccer, what it represents, and how to improve your players' agility through specific soccer drills.
Description of agility in soccer
Agility in soccer is demonstrated through a series of dynamic and quick actions, such as explosive sprints, sharp changes of direction, and instant responses to constantly evolving game situations. It is a quality that distinguishes great players, allowing them to gain an advantage over their opponents in the blink of an eye.
Agility is not limited to raw speed but also encompasses coordination, agility, and the ability to anticipate the opponent's movements. Agile players can read the game quickly, find spaces in the opposing defense, and react instantly to opportunities that arise. Luka Modric and Andres Iniesta are models of this kind.
How to work on agility in soccer?
To hope to improve your team's agility, a specific training focused on developing speed, agility, and reactivity is necessary. Coordination drills, such as high-speed dribbling through cones, help strengthen the mind-body connection, allowing players to react quickly to match situations.
Training sessions should also include sprint and change of direction drills, simulating the dynamic movements encountered during matches. By focusing on improving running technique and optimizing turning angles, players can increase their speed and agility on the field.
Our tips regarding agility in soccer
Agility is a quality that can be improved with precise work and regular practice. Players must stay focused and committed to their development, always seeking to push their limits and constantly improve. By enhancing their agility, they will become more effective during duels and will want to further their skill acquisition.
In addition to physical training, agility also requires solid mental preparation. Players must cultivate an attitude of determination and self-confidence, focusing on their goals and remaining resilient in the face of adversity.
What training exercises to implement to work on agility?
Here are some exercises you can add to your training sessions to work on agility in soccer:
- Fast ball control drills: place cones at regular intervals and encourage your players to dribble at full speed while maintaining ball control;
- Change of direction drills: organize slalom drills where your players must make tight turns at high speed to improve their agility and reactivity.
- Reactivity to signals drills: use visual or auditory signals to simulate fast game situations and encourage your players to react quickly accordingly.
Agility is therefore a very important soccer skill that combines physical and mental strengths. Through training focused on this tactical aspect, your players will be better positioned to win duels and pose a threat to your opponents.
Juggling, retrieving pinnies, and shooting run
12 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U8 - U13
Rhythmic drill combining juggling, enforced sprinting, and a race to shooting in a duel with a competitive spirit....
Speed training: interval sprints on various courses
12 min
5-20 joueurs
Conditioning
U17 - Seniors
Straight-line speed run alternating short sprints, recovery walks, and progressive sequences from 10 to 40 meters....
Specific forward training – runs, slalom, and double finishing
15 min
4-16 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Individual drill for a forward with a curved run, directional control, followed by a quick double shooting into two mini-goals....
Fast-paced 3v1 play with speed and agility work
10 min
4-16 joueurs
Conditioning
U17 - Seniors
Quick possession game in 3v1 where the reds must finish in a mini-goal before the central player touches the mannequin....
Cognitive work with colored gate choice in 1v1
10 min
5-20 joueurs
Technical
U10 - U13
Series of 1v1 duels where the attacker must read the defender's choice by going through the same colored gate before going to shoot on goal....
1v1 Duel with Required Skill Move and Shooting
15 min
4-16 joueurs
Technical
U10 - U15
Through repeated 1v1 duels, players must beat their defender using a prescribed skill move and quickly finish with a shot on goal....
High-intensity 1v1 mini-tournament (promotion-relegation)
16 min
8-16 joueurs
Conditioning
U14 - U17
1v1 tournament in a promotion-relegation format with 4 fields featuring different rules to enhance intensity, creativity, and the repetition of duels....
Finishing Exercise from 4 Different Angles
15 min
5-20 joueurs
Technical
U15 - Seniors
Highly dynamic finishing exercise aimed at working on quick combinations, movements in the box, and a variety of shots from different angles....
Bayern Munich: agility and quickness on a 4-cone run
12 min
5-20 joueurs
Conditioning
U17 - Seniors
Used during a training session at Bayern Munich, this agility drill with slalom around 4 cones alternating between the right and left sides is ideal for working on different footwork....
Right foot, left foot passing and directional control work
12 min
5-15 joueurs
Technical
U10 - U17
In this highly dynamic exercise, your players will be able to work on passing in various forms, emphasizing the use of both feet....
Drill: Dribbling and 1v1 Duels with Direct Opponent
15 min
8-24 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Ideal for working on ball control and dribbling under pressure, this circuit will allow your players to express their creativity while working on duels with a direct opponent....
J. Klopp: Shooting drills with a give and go around the penalty area
15 min
4-18 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Used by Jurgen Klopp during a training session in 2021 at Liverpool, this highly intense drill allows for multiple shots around the edge of the penalty area, always in one-touch play....
Relay in pairs for athletic and agility work
12 min
4-24 joueurs
Conditioning
U14 - U18
Inspired by the work done by American football players, this exercise is ideal for getting your players to work on their fitness and agility in a competitive manner....
Dynamic Warm-up with Passing, Slalom, and Dribbling
15 min
8-20 joueurs
Warm-up
U12 - U15
Used during a training session at FC Barcelona, this highly dynamic warm-up will allow your players to quickly increase their intensity....
J. Klopp: agility and reaction time training with the ball
15 min
6-22 joueurs
Conditioning
U18 - Seniors
Used during a training session at Liverpool, this agility drill is ideal to introduce at the beginning of a session (after a complete warm-up). Very dynamic, it is generally appreciated by the players....
Receiving on the half-turn and dribbling with the "escape from jail" drill
12 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U9 - U13
Fun little station to set up in a youth academy that will allow your players to work on directional control and dribbling....
One-two pass drill against a diamond formation
15 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U12 - U15
Speed of execution, work on passing and movement are key to this drill, which will require several repetitions to achieve a good rhythm....
Agility and game awareness: The cone drill in youth academy
10 min
4-24 joueurs
Conditioning
U6 - U11
Fun game to offer in soccer school, it will help your players work on important elements such as agility and information gathering....
Athletic warm-up: hurdles, give and go, and accelerations
15 min
12-20 joueurs
Conditioning
U14 - U17
Perfect drill for a warm-up during a session with an athletic focus. Remember to gradually increase intensity and alternate players in support....
Collecting Cones: Feints and agility in youth academy
15 min
4-20 joueurs
Warm-up
U6 - U11
A small agility exercise to offer to younger players to work on their quickness and ability to deceive their opponents in small spaces. A very fun game that players enjoy!...
Shielding the King: Agility, Game Awareness, and Team Cohesion in Youth Soccer
12 min
7-21 joueurs
Warm-up
U6 - U9
Fun exercise to propose in a youth academy, which will allow your players to work on agility and information gathering. Good team cohesion will also be necessary!...
Agility and information gathering by color and by team
20 min
6-18 joueurs
Conditioning
U17 - Seniors
Used by Manchester United, this agility drill is ideal for combining cognitive work with athletic training, while incorporating ball play....
Escaping a 1v2 Under Pressure: Creativity and Quickness
15 min
8-20 joueurs
Technical
U12 - U15
A small, dynamic exercise that will allow your players to express their creativity and react quickly under pressure....
Cognitive work without the ball with 1v1v1 duels
15 min
6-18 joueurs
Conditioning
U12 - U16
Ideal for working on the cognitive aspect, this exercise can be used in a session after a complete warm-up. Very dynamic, it often appeals to players....
Pep Guardiola's off-the-ball agility with speed and coordination work
20 min
6-24 joueurs
Conditioning
U18 - Seniors
Used by Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich in 2014, this agility drill includes various stations that will allow your players to work on speed and coordination from different angles....
Warm-up Circuit: Speed and Agility Work
15 min
10-20 joueurs
Warm-up
U14 - U17
Used by Unai Emery during a training session at Arsenal, this drill aims to work on speed, coordination, and overall mobility. Ideal as a warm-up!...
Mobility and agility training with the "Around the World" drill
12 min
6-18 joueurs
Conditioning
U7 - U11
With a circle made up of a few cones, you will enable your players to work on their focus, mobility, and quickness. This drill is ideal for youth soccer training....
Circuit in groups of 3 with duels and shooting work
15 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
A highly dynamic drill that will allow your players to work on shooting with 1v1 duels on crosses. Ideal for U14-U15 but can be applied to different age groups (by adjusting the distances)....
Hunter game with perception and coordination work (youth academy)
15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U7 - U12
Ideal hunter exercise in soccer school, using visual cues to enhance cognitive perception among young players. A very fun drill that players generally enjoy....
The 4 Colors of Unai Emery: Quickness and Reaction Time
15 min
5-20 joueurs
Conditioning
U17 - Seniors
Used in 2018 by Unai Emery, this agility and coordination drill will help you work on reaction time while incorporating ball play. It's a rather fun exercise, you'll see!...
Working triangle: passing angle and layoff (Youth academy)
15 min
2-20 joueurs
Warm-up
U6 - U11
A very simple drill to set up in a soccer school that allows players to work on passing from different angles with a one-touch layoff and numerous variations....
Cognitive ability with agility work and color play
15 min
6-18 joueurs
Conditioning
U12 - U16
Very engaging agility exercise with cognitive work involving colors, voice, and gestures. Combine auditory and visual signals with a bit of competition, and you'll see that it's an exercise highly appreciated by players....
Pep Guardiola's technical circuit with shooting and speed drill
15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U17 - Seniors
Used at Bayern Munich, this technical circuit consists of a sequence of passes, mini speed drills, and concludes with shooting on a full-size goal....
Speed Work and 1v1 Duels
15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U19
This speed-agility drill with 1v1 duels and shooting on a full-size goal is ideal after a complete warm-up. You can add your personal touch to it....
Agility in 1v1 with ball and colored signals
15 min
8-16 joueurs
Conditioning
U14 - Seniors
A small agility exercise that will engage your players' cognitive abilities while keeping a significant portion of the drill with the ball....
3v3 with 4 supports and a central player
15 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - Seniors
This 3v3 small-sided game with 4 corner support players will help you work on combinations in tight spaces. Remember to regularly rotate the support players....
Agility and Shooting in a 2v2 Matchup
15 min
8-18 joueurs
Technical
U18 - Seniors
1v1 duels with a chasing player, 2v2 matchups, and shooting on a full-size goal are part of this varied and highly dynamic drill....
Tic-Tac-Toe possession game with overload
20 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U9 - U13
A very fun game that combines problem-solving, decision-making, and attacking-defensive transitions. Highly appreciated by players and ideal for soccer schools!...
The warm-up with 3 stations by Carlo Ancelotti
15 min
9-18 joueurs
Warm-up
U17 - Seniors
Used by Carlo Ancelotti at Paris Saint-Germain, this warm-up exercise is very simple to set up and allows for a variety of movements....
Speed work, one-two pass, dribble, and shooting
20 min
8-18 joueurs
Technical
U16 - Seniors
Another exercise used by Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich during a public training session, this circuit is ideal for working on agility: reaction time, concentration, and footwork. Your players will not be disappointed!...
Dribbling and Shooting in a Speed and Precision Circuit
12 min
8-12 joueurs
Technical
U16 - Seniors
Drill conducted by Manchester City in 2016 during a pre-season training session, it perfectly combines numerous aspects such as athletic work, agility, shooting, and precision of passes....
Dribbling, passing, and diagonal run
12 min
6-12 joueurs
Conditioning
U14 - U17
Ball control exercise with diagonal runs, ideal for working on the athletic aspect of pre-season while maintaining a technical component....
Athletic circuit with ball: passing and agility work
12 min
4-8 joueurs
Conditioning
U15 - U18
This is a circuit that combines many aspects of a player's work such as athletic training, agility, and passing quality. Used in pre-season at Manchester City, it should help your players prepare well for the year....
Technical Circuit of Passing, Dribbling, and Shooting
18 min
6-12 joueurs
Technical
U14 - U17
Exercise used by Pep Guardiola during a training session at Manchester City, it is ideal for working on different aspects: passing quality, off-the-ball runs to create space, and finally shooting....
Athletic work in groups of 3 with the ball
10 min
3-5 joueurs
Conditioning
U17 - Seniors
Conducted in small groups, this exercise allows players to work on endurance power while combining a passing game with the ball. Ideal for avoiding repetitive athletic drills!...
Motor skills and ball control to improve footwork and balance
12 min
8-10 joueurs
Technical
U9 - U13
Excellent exercise to improve footwork and balance for U11 or U13 players. Use the competitive spirit to create enthusiasm....
Mastery of footwork, balance, and body control - without the ball
12 min
12-14 joueurs
Conditioning
U10 - U15
Fun exercise ideal for working on motor skills: footwork, balance, and body control....
Agility and Shooting
12 min
8-10 joueurs
Conditioning
U11 - U15
Ideal exercise for working on speed and agility without the ball. The race between 2 players for the final shot adds extra motivation for the players....
Warm-up: sequence, control, dribbling, and passing
10 min
10-12 joueurs
Warm-up
U9 - U13
Through a simple sequence of control-dribble-pass, this exercise, ideal for warm-up, allows players to work on the basics while staying in motion....
Circuit training: aerobic endurance and explosiveness
15 min
8-20 joueurs
Conditioning
U17 - Seniors
An ideal circuit for pre-season. Among the benefits of this routine: improves joint stability, aerobic endurance, and explosiveness!...
Agility drills classified by category
U7 agility soccer drills
- Agility and game awareness: The cone drill in youth academy
- Collecting Cones: Feints and agility in youth academy
- Shielding the King: Agility, Game Awareness, and Team Cohesion in Youth Soccer
U8 agility soccer drills
- Small-sided games in 2v2 with goalkeeper in promotion relegation format
- Juggling, retrieving pinnies, and shooting run
- Agility and game awareness: The cone drill in youth academy
U9 agility soccer drills
- Small-sided games in 2v2 with goalkeeper in promotion relegation format
- Juggling, retrieving pinnies, and shooting run
- Receiving on the half-turn and dribbling with the "escape from jail" drill
U10 agility soccer drills
- Small-sided games in 2v2 with goalkeeper in promotion relegation format
- 1v1 duels with neutral support and quick finishing on close goals
- Juggling, retrieving pinnies, and shooting run
U11 agility soccer drills
- Small-sided games in 2v2 with goalkeeper in promotion relegation format
- 1v1 duels with neutral support and quick finishing on close goals
- Juggling, retrieving pinnies, and shooting run
U12 agility soccer drills
- Small-sided games in 2v2 with goalkeeper in promotion relegation format
- 1v1 duels with neutral support and quick finishing on close goals
- Juggling, retrieving pinnies, and shooting run
U13 agility soccer drills
- Small-sided games in 2v2 with goalkeeper in promotion relegation format
- 1v1 duels with neutral support and quick finishing on close goals
- Juggling, retrieving pinnies, and shooting run
U14 agility soccer drills
- Passing Sequence with Directional Touches and Forward Play
- 1v1 duels with neutral support and quick finishing on close goals
- Specific forward training – runs, slalom, and double finishing
U15 agility soccer drills
- Passing Sequence with Directional Touches and Forward Play
- 1v1 duels with neutral support and quick finishing on close goals
- Specific forward training – runs, slalom, and double finishing
U16 agility soccer drills
- High-Intensity Pair Running Repetitions
- Passing Sequence with Directional Touches and Forward Play
- 2(+1) vs 2 with goalkeeper – quick attack from wide area
U17 agility soccer drills
- High-Intensity Pair Running Repetitions
- Passing Sequence with Directional Touches and Forward Play
- 2(+1) vs 2 with goalkeeper – quick attack from wide area
U18 agility soccer drills
- High-Intensity Pair Running Repetitions
- 2(+1) vs 2 with goalkeeper – quick attack from wide area
- Speed training: interval sprints on various courses
U19 agility soccer drills
- High-Intensity Pair Running Repetitions
- 2(+1) vs 2 with goalkeeper – quick attack from wide area
- Speed training: interval sprints on various courses