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Cone dribbling drill for youth soccer

Updated

In short

Cone dribbling is a beginner-level soccer drill. Cone dribbling teaches your feet to make lots of small touches instead of a few big ones. Close control is what lets you keep the ball when defenders are close. It builds close control, both feet and footwork. It needs soccer ball and cones or shoes, and can be done in a backyard. This page lists 5 numbered steps and 3 common mistakes with their fixes. The demonstration video is AI-generated.

AI demoThis demonstration video is AI-generated: Koach Nia is an AI character, not a real coach. Real verified coaches review every drill before launch.

What does the cone dribbling drill build?

  • close control
  • both feet
  • footwork

Quick facts

Sport
Soccer
Level
beginner
Equipment
soccer ball and cones or shoes
Space needed
backyard

How do you do the cone dribbling drill?

  1. Set up your cones

    Five or six in a line, about two steps apart.

  2. Small touches

    Weave through using the inside and outside of both feet. Try to touch the ball every step.

  3. Keep it close

    The ball should never get more than one step away from you.

  4. Head up

    Glance up between cones. You will never see a teammate while staring at your feet.

  5. Come back weak footed

    Go through again leading with your weaker foot.

What are the most common cone dribbling mistakes?

  • Mistake

    Touches too big

    Fix

    More touches, smaller ones. Aim for one per step.

  • Mistake

    Only using the inside of your foot

    Fix

    Use the outside too. It is faster and it is what you will need in a game.

  • Mistake

    Slowing to a walk

    Fix

    Move at a jog. Control at speed is the whole goal.

Who demonstrates this drill?

Koach Nia, an AI-generated coach character

Koach Nia AI coach

Close control and first touch. Small touches, big difference.

There are 6 soccer drills like this one

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