Examples of Tactical Drills for Soccer: 3 Practical Examples That Actually Work

1. Positional Rondo to Build Out of the Back

(First practical example of a tactical drill for modern possession soccer)

If you want an example of a tactical drill that shows players how to play out of pressure instead of just booting the ball long, start here. This is a position-based rondo that mirrors real build-up patterns from the goalkeeper through the back line and midfield.

Setup and organization

Use half a field. Set up:

• One goalkeeper in the penalty area
• Two center backs and two fullbacks across the top of the box and wider channels
• One holding midfielder just ahead of them
• Three to four pressing attackers trying to win the ball

You’re basically recreating a 6v3 or 6v4 situation in your defensive third. The goal for the build-up team is to connect a certain number of passes, then play into two target players stationed around midfield.

This drill is one of the best examples of tactical drills for soccer: 3 practical examples because it hits shape, decision-making, and composure under pressure all at once.

Rules and constraints

• Build-up team must stay in their zones (backs wide, pivot central) to encourage real-game spacing.
• Pressing team scores by winning the ball and finishing on a small goal or by dribbling into a marked zone.
• Build-up team scores by playing into a target player at midfield, who one-touches the ball back to a coach.

You can adjust the difficulty by changing the number of touches allowed. For younger or less experienced players, allow unlimited touches. For older or more advanced groups, restrict defenders and the pivot to two touches.

Coaching points

Use this drill to hammer home tactical habits:

• Body shape to receive: Center backs open their hips to see both the goalkeeper and the field. Fullbacks check their shoulders before receiving.
• Angles and distance: Holding midfielder constantly adjusts to offer a passing lane, never hiding behind opponents.
• Decision-making under pressure: When to recycle back to the goalkeeper vs. breaking lines into the pivot or target.
• Width and depth: Fullbacks provide width; center backs and keeper provide depth options.

This is one of the clearest examples of tactical drills for soccer that directly copies match situations. You’re not just passing in circles—you’re rehearsing your team’s actual build-out patterns.

Progression ideas

To keep this example realistic and challenging:

• Add a second midfielder for a 7v4 build-up, simulating a double pivot.
• Allow the pivot to turn and drive forward if they receive between pressing lines.
• Add an offside line near midfield so the target players must time their movement.

As your team improves, connect this drill to a full 7v7 or 9v9 game where goals only count if the attack starts with a controlled build-up from the back.

2. High-Pressing Wave Game

(Second practical example of tactical drills for pressing and counter-pressing)

If your team likes to win the ball high up the field, you need examples of tactical drills for soccer that train pressing as a coordinated team action, not just random chasing. The high-pressing wave game is perfect for that.

Setup and field layout

Use a 60x40 yard field, divided into three horizontal zones:

• Defensive third
• Middle third
• Attacking third

Play 7v7 or 8v8, depending on your roster. One team is the “build-up” team; the other is the “pressing” team.

The build-up team starts every play with a goal kick or from a coach pass into their defensive third. Their objective is to move the ball into the attacking third under control. The pressing team’s objective is to win the ball in the middle or attacking third and score quickly.

Rules that emphasize tactics, not chaos

To turn this into a true example of a tactical drill rather than just a scrimmage, add a few simple rules:

• The pressing team can only score if they win the ball in the middle or attacking third.
• If the build-up team breaks into the attacking third under control, they earn a bonus point, even if they don’t score.
• After each goal or ball out of play, reset with the build-up team in their defensive third.

These constraints force both teams to think tactically: the build-up team about breaking the press, and the pressing team about when and where to trigger pressure.

Pressing cues and coaching points

Use this drill to teach modern pressing principles you see in pro leagues and international tournaments:

• Trigger cues: Bad first touch, backward pass to a center back, or a bouncing ball to the fullback.
• Pressing shape: Front players curve their runs to block passing lanes into the middle.
• Cover and balance: Second and third defenders slide across to cut off inside passes.
• Compactness: Back line steps up to keep space between lines tight.

When you’re looking for best examples of tactical drills for soccer, this one stands out because you can clearly see whether your pressing ideas are working. Either the pressing team wins the ball in good areas, or the build-up team slices through them.

Progressions and variations

To vary this example and keep players engaged:

• Start with no offside to encourage defenders to read cues and step up.
• Add an offside line and require the pressing team to hold a high line.
• Reward the pressing team with two points for scoring within five seconds of winning the ball.
• Flip roles every 5–7 minutes so both teams practice pressing and breaking the press.

This is one of those real examples of tactical drills that scales from U13 all the way to college teams. Just adjust field size and player numbers to match your level.

3. Transition Game: 3-Goal Counterattack Drill

(Third practical example: defending shape into lightning-fast attacks)

Modern soccer is obsessed with transitions: what your team does immediately after winning or losing the ball. If you want examples of tactical drills for soccer: 3 practical examples that your players will actually enjoy, this counterattack game is a winner.

Setup and goals

Use a 50x40 yard field. Place:

• One full-size goal (or large training goal) at one end
• Two small goals at the other end, about 15 yards in from each sideline

Play 6v6 or 7v7 with goalkeepers if you have them.

One team starts as the “defending-and-countering” team (Team A), and the other as the “attacking-and-reacting” team (Team B).

How the game works

• Team B starts with the ball and attacks the big goal.
• Team A defends in a compact block, looking to win possession.
• When Team A wins the ball, they have 6–8 seconds to counter and score on either of the two small goals.
• If they fail to score within the time limit, the play resets with Team B attacking again.

This is an example of a tactical drill that forces players to think about both sides of the ball: defensive shape and immediate attacking intent.

Coaching points for both phases

Defensive phase (before winning the ball):

• Back line and midfield stay compact, denying central penetration.
• Outside players tuck in to protect the half-spaces.
• Clear communication: who steps, who covers, who holds the line.

Transition to attack (immediately after winning the ball):

• First thought: Can we play forward quickly and safely?
• Wide players explode into space toward the small goals.
• One player checks short to offer a safe support option.
• Encourage 2–3 pass combinations rather than solo dribbles through traffic.

Because there are two small goals, your players must scan and decide which side offers a better route—this is why this drill is one of the best examples of tactical drills for soccer focused on decision-making.

Progressions to increase realism

To keep this example dynamic and game-like:

• Allow Team B to counter back toward the big goal if they regain the ball after losing it.
• Add a time limit for Team B to shoot (for example, 15–20 seconds) to keep the tempo high.
• Give bonus points if Team A scores with a one-touch finish at the end of the counter.

You can tie this directly into your weekend tactics. For example, if you know your opponent leaves space behind their fullbacks, emphasize quick wide runs and diagonal balls into that space.

How to Connect These 3 Practical Examples into a Weekly Plan

It’s one thing to know three examples of tactical drills for soccer; it’s another to blend them into a logical training week.

Here’s how many coaches structure things in 2024–2025, especially at high school and club levels:

• Early in the week: Emphasize build-up and structure when players are fresher. Use the positional rondo (Drill 1) and then a larger build-up game.
• Midweek: Focus on pressing. Run the high-pressing wave game (Drill 2), then a conditioned scrimmage where goals only count after a high regain.
• Late in the week: Shorter, sharper session focusing on transitions. Use the 3-goal counterattack drill (Drill 3) with plenty of rest so players stay explosive.

Research on youth sports from organizations like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Mayo Clinic emphasizes managing intensity and recovery. These three real examples of tactical drills can be dialed up or down in intensity by adjusting field size, player numbers, and work-to-rest ratios.

Extra Tactical Drill Ideas You Can Plug In

Beyond the three core examples of tactical drills for soccer: 3 practical examples above, here are a few more ideas you can rotate into your sessions:

• Overload-to-Finish Game: 4v3 or 5v4 attacks starting from midfield, teaching your team how to exploit numerical superiority.
• Wide Channel Crossing Drill: Fullbacks and wingers combine in wide channels while a small group attacks crosses in the box. Great for teams that rely on service from wide areas.
• Midfield Box Game (4v4+3 neutrals): A tight central game that trains your midfielders to keep the ball in crowded zones and switch play.
• Set-Piece Shape Walkthroughs: Not glamorous, but walking through corner and free-kick routines at low intensity is a very real example of tactical work that wins games.

Use these as plug-ins on lighter days or as shorter blocks after your main drill of the day.

If you’re interested in broader coaching education, organizations like U.S. Soccer and many university sport science departments (for example, Harvard’s resources on youth sports and training load) regularly update guidance on best practices.

FAQ: Tactical Drills for Soccer

What are some good examples of tactical drills for soccer for beginners?

For newer players, start with simplified versions of the three drills in this article. For example, use a 4v2 rondo in a bigger space to introduce build-up ideas, a small pressing game like 3v3 in a 20x20 yard grid, and a simple 3v2 counterattack game. These are gentle examples of tactical drills for soccer that build understanding without overwhelming players.

Can I run these 3 practical examples with youth teams under 12?

Yes, but shrink the field, reduce numbers, and simplify the rules. With U10–U12, keep instructions short and focus on one or two coaching points per drill—like spacing or quick transition—rather than a full tactical lecture.

How often should I use the same example of a tactical drill in a season?

Use your favorite example of a tactical drill once a week for several weeks in a row, but change small constraints to keep it fresh. Players learn faster when they recognize the pattern but must adapt to new challenges (like touch limits or different starting positions).

Are these the only 3 practical examples I need for tactics?

No, but they’re a strong core. These examples of tactical drills for soccer: 3 practical examples cover build-up, pressing, and transitions—three big pillars of the modern game. As your team matures, you can layer in more specialized drills for set pieces, specific formations, or opponent-specific game plans.

Do I need advanced fitness levels to run these tactical drills?

Not at all. You can adjust intensity by shortening work periods, lengthening rest, or reducing field size. For guidance on safe conditioning and youth training, check out resources from the CDC and Mayo Clinic. The key is to keep the tactical focus clear while staying within your players’ fitness limits.

If you take nothing else from this article, remember this: the best examples of tactical drills for soccer always look and feel like the real game. If your players can see the connection between training and match day, they’ll buy in—and that’s when tactics actually stick.