Let players approach under control rather than sprinting into a cone. Give the turn enough space that a missed touch does not send them across another lane.
Look for an exit
After practising the foot movement, ask which direction the player wants to leave. The turn should lead to a usable next touch.
01
Foundation touches (inside-foot taps)
Move the ball gently from one inside foot to the other while staying balanced.
Group: 2–16 players · 1 adult per group
Equipment: 1 appropriate practice ball per player Time: 5–10 minutes
Set up: Give each player a ball and a personal space at least two arm-lengths from the next player, spread across the coach’s view. Everyone works in their own area; no line or odd-player rotation is needed. Pause after short attempts to demonstrate or rest. Set the ball between the feet with room for a small side-to-side movement.
Use the inside of one foot to nudge the ball toward the other foot.
Receive softly with the other inside foot and nudge it back, keeping touches small.
Pause after a short sequence, then try again with the shoulders relaxed and the ball within easy reach.
Coach’s cue: Soft touches between your feet. Small movement, steady balance.
Make it easier, add a challenge, and safety
Easier: Stop the ball completely between touches and reset both feet.
Harder: After several controlled touches, take a small forward step and continue; keep the head free to glance up.
Keep it safe: Use a clear level surface and stop all nearby activity before retrieving a loose ball. Keep separate active and waiting areas. Do not add contact, speed contests or a forced repetition target. Match the challenge to demonstrated skill and comfort, not age alone. Rest or choose the easier option whenever control deteriorates.
02
Slalom dribbling
Weave through a line of cones while controlling touch size and changing direction.
Group: 2–16 players · 1 adult per group
Equipment: 1 appropriate practice ball per player; 16 cones Time: 5–10 minutes
Set up: Make four separated lanes, each with four cones in a line about 2 metres apart and a clear outside return route. Divide players evenly between lanes, with at most four per lane. One player dribbles in each lane while the next rehearses small touches in a separate waiting box. Start the next turn only after the lane is clear; each player completes one trip before joining the end.
Dribble around alternate sides of the cones using small inside- and outside-foot touches.
Slow before each turn and keep the ball close enough to choose the next touch.
Stop beyond the final cone and return by the outside path. On the next turn, begin on the other side.
Coach’s cue: Small touch before the turn. Look for the next opening.
Make it easier, add a challenge, and safety
Easier: Walk through wider cone gaps and use whichever foot feels most controlled.
Harder: Use both feet deliberately or add a brief head-up check between cones while preserving control; avoid a timed race.
Keep it safe: Use a clear level surface and stop all nearby activity before retrieving a loose ball. Keep separate active and waiting areas. Do not add contact, speed contests or a forced repetition target. Match the challenge to demonstrated skill and comfort, not age alone. Rest or choose the easier option whenever control deteriorates.
03
Cruyff turn
Sell a pass or shot, then turn away by taking the ball behind the standing leg.
Group: 2–12 players · 1 adult per group
Equipment: 1 age-appropriate soccer ball per player Time: 5–10 minutes
Set up: Give each player a ball and a personal 4-by-4-metre patch with extra space between players. Rehearse the feet without a ball first; players must already stop and turn a slow dribble. No pairs or defender are needed, so odd numbers work unchanged.
Dribble two small touches, place the non-kicking foot beside the ball, and shape as if passing forward.
Use the inside of the other foot to draw the ball behind the standing leg; turn the hips and follow the ball into the opposite direction.
Stop after two exit touches, reset in the same patch and try the other foot. Work for 20 seconds, then pause to watch one partner demonstration without exchanging balls.
Coach’s cue: Show the pass before the turn. Take the exit touch into space.
Make it easier, add a challenge, and safety
Easier: Start with a stationary ball and walk the turn in two parts.
Harder: Keep the same patch and add a convincing look and shoulder shape before the turn, followed by a sharper controlled exit.
Keep it safe: Leave room for the ball and body to turn without reaching another player. Keep the plant foot comfortable; do not force a twisting knee or cross the legs at speed. Stop for a loose ball; no defender, tackling or race.
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Questions coaches ask
Should every beginner learn a Cruyff turn immediately?
Start with ball control and balance. Introduce the turn slowly when players can move the ball without stepping on it or losing their stance.
How do I make the slalom easier?
Widen the gaps and reduce speed. Keep the route short enough that players can finish with control.
Where can I build a practice for my team?
Try the free practice generator for soccer. It uses 10 starter activities per sport. Coach adds the full drill library, saved and editable plans, team calendars and AI coaching help.