Monster Turns
Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot
Monster Turns is a soccer dribbling drill for U6 to U8 players that makes turning away from pressure feel like the best game at practice. Coaches play the monsters while every child dribbles inside the grid, earning a point each time they dare to dribble at a monster, whip a turn, and escape without being tagged. Because kids choose when to attack the monster, the timid ones can build up their courage rep by rep.
Want more? See all our soccer dribbling drills or jump to U7 soccer drills for this age group.
Setup
- Mark a 20×25 yard grid, adjusting for your group size and skill level.
- Give every player a ball inside the grid.
- Two coaches enter the grid as the monsters.
How It Works
- Players dribble freely around the grid to start.
- To earn a point, a player must dribble toward a monster, perform a turn, and get away without being tagged.
- The monsters lumber around trying to tag players who come close.
- Play rounds of 30 to 45 seconds, with each player counting their own points.
- Play again and challenge every player to beat their previous score.
Coaching Points
- The ball should stay within playing distance the whole time, especially during the turn.
- Demand a real acceleration out of the turn; the escape is what wins the point.
- Encourage brave dribbling: closer to the monster means a better turn rep.
- Ham it up as the monster; growls and slow-motion chases keep young players engaged.
Variations
- Call the turn type each round: sole-of-the-foot drag-backs, inside-foot cuts, or outside-foot turns.
- Promote a couple of players to monsters once the group is confident.
- Shrink the grid so players meet monsters more often.