Top 5 Soccer Tryout Drills

As a soccer coach, one of the most daunting tasks is conducting tryouts. 

The soccer tryout process entails carefully assessing the abilities of your players in different positions, identifying those who show exemplary character and determination, and ultimately, selecting players who are a well-rounded fit for the team.

This blog outlines the 5 best soccer tryout drills for evaluating your players, giving you the insight and confidence needed for making team placement decisions.

How to Run Successful Soccer Tryouts

Hosting a successful soccer tryout starts well ahead of time, long before players step onto the court. Here are some tips below:

1. Provide Feedback: Discuss with your team ahead of time the best method(s) for providing athlete feedback (to both players and parents)
2. Plan Ahead: Set tryout dates, drills, and evaluator assignments at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
3. Set Evaluation Criteria: Use standardized scoring sheets or apps like SkillShark to ensure consistent feedback and objectivity.
4. Use Position-Specific Drills: Craft drills for dribbling, shooting, and passing.
5. Prioritize Safety and Flow: Set up stations ahead of time to avoid dead time and ensure proper spacing between drills.

Top 5 Soccer Tryout Drills

1. Soccer Dribbling Drill- Toe Taps in the Square

Start with four lines of players lined up behind each other. Once the coach blows the whistle, the first player in each line dribbles their ball to the cone, stops, taps the cone with their feet 10 times, and then dribbles back to their original starting point. 

When the player returns to their starting position, the following player in the line starts, and the drill is repeated until each player in line has had a turn.

If you’re looking for some awesome soccer training videos that are easy to follow at home, check out Anytime Soccer Training.

2. Soccer Shooting Drill- Shooting Box

Set up four pylons in a square formation (about 6 feet apart from each other). Start by having 1 player in the square and another three players roughly 30 feet from the player in the box — each with a soccer ball.

Now have one of the “outside” players pass the ball to the player in the square. Once the “box” player has received the pass, they should try to shoot as quickly as possible. Repeat the drill until all players have passed the ball to the player in the box, then rotate players.

3. Soccer Attacking Drill- Attack the Cones

Create a 15 X 15-foot box using 4 cones, then place one cone in the center of the box. Divide your soccer players into two lines, around 20 feet away from the box.

The first player in each line will dribble their ball to the cone in the center and then quickly return to their starting position while trying to maintain control of the ball. As players gain confidence, the coach should encourage each player to go faster.

4. Soccer Passing Drill- Four Corners

Within a 40×40 yard grid, create grids (that are about 5×5) in each of the four corners. Split your players into two teams. The objective of this soccer passing drill is simple: players in the middle of the larger grid need to get the ball to one of their teammates standing inside one of the smaller box grids.

The players will work as a team, passing to each other while the other team does their best to defend and intercept the ball.

5. Soccer Footwork Drill- 1 vs. 1 in the Circle

Split your players into two teams. The coach starts outside the center circle and throws the ball into the circle. Two players start from different lines. Whoever gets possession of the ball first will then return the ball successfully to the coach without stepping or dribbling outside of the circle.

Once the first players in each line finish the drill, the next two players will have a turn until all players have completed 3 attempts. 

Looking For an Easier Way to Evaluate Soccer Players?

Using SkillShark, you can easily score soccer players on your smartphone or tablet. Once your evaluation is complete, instantly gain access to player reports. Review player data and draft teams on the same day!