10 Best Soccer Dribbling Drills To Improve Speed And Control (Perfect For Small Spaces)

If you’ve ever wondered how professional soccer players manage to glide past defenders with blazing speed and keep the ball glued to their feet, the secret lies in targeted dribbling drills.

Whether you’re training on a field or just using a small backyard or garage, you don’t need a lot of space—you just need the right technique.

In this guide, we’ll walk through 10 proven soccer dribbling drills that sharpen both speed and ball control, making you a more confident, agile, and dangerous player in any position.

These drills are perfect for youth players, coaches, and even adults looking to up their game. And don’t worry—we’ll also suggest some top-rated, budget-friendly training tools you can grab from Amazon to help you get started.

Why Dribbling Speed + Control Matters

Speed without control leads to turnovers. Control without speed leads to frustration. The best dribblers are those who can combine quick footwork with tight ball handling—especially under pressure or in small spaces.

So whether you’re in a tight midfield battle or on a counterattack, these drills simulate real-game scenarios while building both muscle memory and confidence.

10 Best Soccer Dribbling Drills to Improve Speed and Control

1. Cone Weave with Speed Bursts

Set up cones in a straight line, about 1–2 feet apart.

• Dribble through tightly spaced cones with focus on control.
• After the final cone, sprint with the ball for 5–10 yards.
• Repeat 5–10 times.

👉 Recommended gear:
✔️ Agility Cone Set – 50 Pack on Amazon
✔️ Lightweight Training Soccer Ball

2. Box Drill with Timed Intervals

Create a 5×5 yard square using cones.

• Dribble around inside the square for 30–60 seconds.
• Mix up touches: inside, outside, sole, drag backs.

This simulates fatigue and pushes your focus on precision under pressure.

3. Figure 8 Dribbling

Place two cones 3–5 feet apart.

• Dribble in a tight figure-8 around them, switching feet every few rounds.

Builds sharp turning ability and balance.

4. Traffic Light Drill

A fun solo or partner drill.

• Red = Stop with control.
• Yellow = Slow dribble.
• Green = Accelerate with close touches.
  Have someone call the colors at random, or set a timer to change every few seconds.

5. Wall Pass and Go

Use a rebounder or sturdy wall.

• Pass against it, receive, and quickly dribble through a cone line.
• Return and repeat.

Ideal for at-home solo sessions.

Recommended tool:
SKLZ Quickster Soccer Trainer – Perfect for wall drills!

6. Two-Cone Touch and Go

Place two cones 10 feet apart.

• Dribble back and forth as quickly as possible.
• Turn tightly at each end using a quick move like the Cruyff or step-over.

Great for interval work.

7. Mirror Dribble (Partner Drill)

In a small grid, one player leads with quick dribbling movements, and the other mirrors.

• Switch roles every 30 seconds.

Builds reactivity and agility.

8. Target Touch Drill

Place small objects like cones, cones with targets, or even plastic bottles around an area.

• Tap each one with the ball while dribbling fast.
• Time yourself and try to beat your best.

Try this with a Set of Colored Disc Cones

9. 1v1 Speed Gate Challenge

Set up 5–6 small “gates” (two cones each).

• One player attacks, trying to dribble through as many gates as possible in 30 seconds.
• Defender tries to block.
  Switch roles after each round.

Perfect for simulating pressure.

10. Slalom Circuit + Finishing

Set up a zig-zag line of cones followed by a mini goal.

• Dribble through quickly, then finish with a shot or pass into a target.

Recommended add-ons:
✔️ Pop-Up Soccer Goals
✔️ Flat Training Markers for Targets

Bonus: Record Yourself

Use your phone to film your footwork. Watching your dribbling drills in playback is one of the fastest ways to identify weak spots and improve coordination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

i. What are the best soccer drills to improve dribbling speed?

The best drills to improve dribbling speed include Cone Weave with Speed Bursts, Box Drills with Timed Intervals, and Two-Cone Touch and Go. These drills combine close control with bursts of acceleration, simulating real match conditions.

ii. Can I do these soccer dribbling drills in my backyard or small space?

Yes! All the drills in this guide are designed to work in limited spaces like a backyard, driveway, garage, or small indoor gym. You only need minimal setup—cones or markers and a ball—to get started.

iii. How often should I practice dribbling drills to see improvement?

Consistency is key. Practicing 3–5 times a week for 20–30 minutes can lead to noticeable improvements in both control and speed within a few weeks. It’s more effective to train consistently in short sessions than occasionally in long ones.

iv. What equipment do I need for soccer dribbling drills?

All you need is a soccer ball, a flat surface, and some cones or markers. Optional tools that enhance your training include:

• Agility cones
• Rebounder wall or soccer trainer
• Pop-up goals
• Timer or phone stopwatch

Shop recommended tools on Amazon [Add affiliate links here]

v. Which age group are these drills suitable for?

These drills are perfect for all age groups. You can scale the difficulty by:

• Adjusting cone spacing
• Changing time intervals
• Modifying pace and ball control requirements
  Great for youth players, teens, and even adults who want to sharpen their skills.

vi. Can I do dribbling drills indoors?

Yes! As long as you have a safe, open space (like a garage or basement), you can use softer balls or futsal balls to reduce risk and practice indoors. Always ensure surfaces are non-slippery.

vii. What’s the difference between speed dribbling and control dribbling?

• Speed dribbling focuses on moving the ball quickly over distances with fewer touches.
• Control dribbling involves tighter touches, body feints, and navigating through obstacles in small spaces.

This blog post is focused on blending both, so you can dribble fast without losing control.

viii. How can I track my progress with these drills?

Use a stopwatch to track how quickly you complete drills like the Box Drill or Figure 8s. You can also record yourself with a phone to evaluate foot placement, reaction time, and ball control improvements.

Final Thoughts: Turn Speed Into Skill

You don’t need a full soccer pitch or fancy equipment to improve your dribbling speed and control. What matters is intentional training, using drills like these to develop consistent, game-ready footwork.

Each of these drills can be modified for age, skill level, or space—making them perfect for players of all levels training in tight environments.

Quick Recap: Tools That’ll Level Up Your Dribbling

• Agility Cone Set
• Soccer Rebounder Trainer
• Pop-Up Goals
• Flat Training Markers

Call to Action:

Liked these drills?
✅ Drop a comment below and let us know which drill worked best for you.
✅ Share this post with a teammate who’s looking to tighten up their dribbling game!

Happy training!!!!!!!!

Happy soccer season!!!!!!!

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