The Numbers Game
Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot
The Numbers Game is a 1v1 soccer drill for U6–U10 that packs dribbling, shielding, turning, and finishing into short, high-energy duels. Players wait for their number, sprint in, and fight for one ball - pure individual battle with a goal at each end. It's a favorite because nobody stands in line for long and every rep matters.
Want more? See all our soccer dribbling drills or jump to U8 soccer drills for this age group.
Setup
- Set up a small field about 15×20 yards with a small goal on each end line.
- Split the group into two even teams; one team wears alternate jerseys.
- Number the players on each team (1 through 5 if you have five per side).
- Teams stand along opposite sidelines; the coach holds a supply of balls.
How It Works
- The coach plays a ball into the field and calls a number.
- The player with that number from each team sprints on and plays 1v1.
- The duel runs until someone scores or the ball leaves the field.
- Players return to their sideline and the coach serves the next ball with a new number.
Coaching Points
- Encourage attackers to take their opponent on rather than waiting.
- Shoot the moment a chance appears - small goals reward quick decisions.
- Shield and protect the ball when the defender gets tight.
- Keep the serves varied so players practice winning different first touches.
Variations
- Call two or three numbers at once to create 2v2 or 3v3 battles.
- Run two duels at the same time on the same field to raise chaos and awareness.
- Serve bouncing balls to older groups to train first-touch control under pressure.