Soccer Dribbling Drills for Control and Changing Direction

Start with four soccer dribbling drills: a straight lane, turning routes, a gate game and an activity against a defender. Girls and boys can begin with the straight lane, then practise turns before adding decisions and a defender. These soccer training activities give you clear instructions to explain each task, even if you have never played soccer. Keep instructions clear and explain the destination before each attempt, giving players time to understand the movement before introducing decisions.

For the striking part of your practice, The Giro X sells Curl Master One, which works with a standard ball and trains contact and spin control. In my opinion, it deserves a place alongside dribbling practice because carrying the ball and striking it each deserve focused attention. Give it a separate activity from the moving drills below, with a clear purpose for each. A coach can guide the wider programme while you organise practice between sessions.

Which Soccer Dribbling Drill Should You Start With?
How Do You Practise Turns Without Complicating Things?
What Can You Do in a Small Practice Space?
When Should You Add a Defender?
How Should You Finish Dribbling Practice?

Which Soccer Dribbling Drill Should You Start With?

Start with a straight lane and ask your player to carry the ball towards a clearly marked finish. Use flat markers to show the edges, leaving enough room for the player to move without constantly stepping outside. Ask them to begin at a walking pace and choose touches that leave the ball available for the next step. At the finish, stop the ball under control before returning. The first task is simply to complete the route with deliberate touches.

For the next attempt along the straight lane, ask the player to use their other foot for more of the journey. Watch whether they can reach the ball comfortably, rather than counting every contact or calling instructions throughout. If they keep chasing it, suggest a gentler touch and let them try again. Once the route feels familiar, stand beyond the finish and occasionally raise a hand. Ask them to notice the signal while continuing along the lane, without turning the exercise into a race.

How Do You Practise Turns Without Complicating Things?

Use a turn at the end of the lane before introducing a winding course. Ask your player to approach the finish and slow down, then use the inside of the foot to guide the ball back towards the start. Leave enough turning space that they can concentrate on the action. After returning, try the turn with the other foot. Explain the destination first, then offer a brief cue such as keeping the ball within reach as they change direction.

Another turning activity uses markers in a loose zigzag, with the player changing direction beside each one. Begin with generous gaps, adjusting the route if the turns feel crowded. Encourage them to guide the ball towards the next opening before moving after it. In my opinion, a clearly controlled change of direction is a more useful target here than finishing quickly. Ask which turn felt easiest, then give the less familiar side another attempt without attaching a score.

What Can You Do in a Small Practice Space?

In a small space, organise a gate game with pairs of flat markers and clear room around the edges. Ask your player to dribble through a gate, then turn into the available space before choosing a different gate. Begin without a timer so they can understand the task. Keep the markers clear of obstacles, including walls and windows, and choose a space where ball practice is permitted. If the area feels cramped, simplify the layout before starting the activity.

Once the player understands the gate game, ask them to name their next gate before reaching it. A parent can then call a different gate occasionally, giving the player a new destination to consider. Give the instruction early enough that they have room to respond. For girls and boys practising together, take turns choosing destinations and carrying the ball. Adapt the challenge to each player's comfort with the task, allowing someone to choose their own route while another tries changing direction on a signal.

When Should You Add a Defender?

Add a defender when the player understands the route and can attempt a turn without repeated explanations. Mark an attacking area with an exit gate at either end. The attacker chooses which gate to dribble through, while the defender initially walks and leaves space for the attacker to attempt a change of direction. Explain both roles before beginning. After each attempt, return to the starting positions and swap roles so each player gets to explore the same decision from both sides.

As the defender activity becomes familiar, let the defender move more freely within the area and try to win possession. Keep each attempt separate, with a pause to reset the ball and check that both players understand the task. Ask the attacker what space they noticed rather than supplying an answer immediately. If a teammate is available, follow this with a dribble towards space and a pass. Give the player a clear receiving target before beginning that next activity.

How Should You Finish Dribbling Practice?

Finish by repeating an earlier activity and giving the player one clear thing to notice. That might be whether the ball stays within reach during the turn, or whether they spot an available gate before approaching it. Keep the observation specific, such as whether the player spotted an open gate before turning towards it. A parent can describe what happened and ask what the player wants to try next. Share that observation with their coach when useful, so home practice can support the work happening at team sessions.

Curl Master One | My Recommendation

For players from around age eight through to adults, I would get Curl Master One and give striking its own place in the practice programme. It works with a standard ball and offers six speed settings. There is no app or subscription to organise before practice. Its focus on contact and spin control gives you a defined striking activity alongside dribbling and your coach's guidance. Players aged eight to twelve should use it with an adult nearby. Plan your next dribbling route, then set aside a focused striking session with Curl Master One.

Practise Soccer Striking

Choose Curl Master One to practise soccer contact and spin control with a standard ball.

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