tooptimeTIME TO PLAY
Soccer drills

Inside-outside touch lane

Use this activity to work on ball mastery through repeated decisions with the ball. Start with the simpler version, watch the first round, and adjust the space or pressure to match the players in front of you.

By ToopTime · Updated 2026-09-21U6–U8 · U9–U10
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At a glance
Players2–12
Starting space12-yard lanes; one ball each
Suggested time6–10 minutes, including short breaks
EquipmentBalls, flat cones, bibs when teams are used

Set it up

Mark parallel lanes with generous gaps. Two players may share a lane from the same end with staggered starts.

How to play

Travel using an inside touch followed by an outside touch of the same foot. Turn at the end and try the other foot. Finish each round with a free dribble.

Make it easier

Practice two touches while standing before moving.

Add a challenge

Look up to call a partner’s finger count halfway down the lane.

What to watch for

The exercise becomes a race and touches grow uncontrolled. Reward an even rhythm and keeping the ball in the lane.

Take it into a game

Finish with a short small-sided game and look for the same ball mastery decision without the activity’s extra conditions. Ask a player to describe one moment when it helped. Keep the next round simple if the skill disappears under pressure.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Look for space. Keep the ball within reach.

Practical suggestions to adapt to your players. This resource has not received independent coach or referee review. How our content is prepared.

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