Simon Says
Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot
Simon Says is a soccer dribbling drill for U5–U8 that borrows the playground classic and adds a ball. Players have to dribble, listen, and react fast - three things every young player needs and one game delivers. It doubles as a listening-skills exercise, which any coach of five-year-olds will appreciate.
This drill pairs well with others in the dribbling category, and you can find age-matched sessions under U7 drills.
Setup
- Cone off a grid about 20×30 yards.
- Give every player a ball and spread them out inside the grid.
How It Works
- Players dribble around the grid while the coach plays Simon Says.
- Commands only count when preceded by "Simon says" - anyone caught acting without it collects a "GOTCHA".
- Sample commands: change direction, stop the ball, put your belly on the ball, dribble with your left foot, jump over the ball.
- Throw in traps like "kick your ball as far as you can!" to catch daydreamers.
- The player with the fewest GOTCHAs at the end wins.
Coaching Points
- Ball close and under control at all times - quick commands are impossible with a runaway ball.
- Mix in body-awareness actions like skipping or clapping between the legs for the youngest players.
- Reward fast listening as much as clean technique.
- Keep commands rapid so nobody stands still for long.
Variations
- Play a round without balls as a pure movement warm-up.
- Play a round carrying the ball in hands before going to feet.
- Let a player be Simon for a round - instant engagement boost.