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Soccer cones are hands down one of the most used training tools around. They tend to be cost effective and very versatile, that can be used to set up drills for dribbling, ball control, and positioning.
Whether you're a beginner working on your soccer skills or an experienced player wanting to sharpen your technique, using the right training aids – such as cones, goals, agility ladders, hurdles, and poles – can make the world of difference to your soccer practice.
Don't be mistaken – soccer is a fast-paced, skill-driven sport. So the more you can improve your ball control, passing accuracy, tactical awareness, and fitness endurance, the better your overall performance will be.
To help, we've rounded up some of the top and easiest-to-use soccer training aids that can boost your game at any skill level.
Training Aids for Fitness
1. Agility Ladders
Best For: Speed, Coordination, Footwork
Agility speed ladders are undoubtedly one of the most popular training aids used to improve footwork, coordination and agility. These ladders usually consist of flat, often adjustable rungs placed on the ground in a line, which encourages players to move quickly with precision through each section.
They are especially useful for developing quick, explosive movements, which are essential in soccer, whether you're evading a defender or chasing a through ball to stop a striker from scoring.
Why It Works:
- Enhances quickness and foot speed
- Boosts lateral movement and balance
- Improves coordination and body control
Expert Tip:
Try different exercises such as side shuffles, in-and-out steps, and 2-feet-in-2-feet-out drills to develop your skills.
2. Agility Hurdles
Best For: Plyometrics, Quick Feet, Vertical Jumping
Speed and agility hurdles are useful for developing explosive movement, vertical jumps, and overall agility. These hurdles help players work on their plyometric skills by focusing on fast and controlled movements that improve acceleration, lateral agility, and jumping ability.
Why It Works:
- Improves jumping ability and vertical leap
- Enhances lateral movement and reaction time
- Builds explosive speed and agility for on-field success
Expert Tip:
Incorporate hurdle drills into your warm-up routine, focusing on quick footwork, balance, and agility.
3. Agility Poles
Best For: Agility, Quick Direction Changes, Footwork Precision
Agility poles are designed to improve a player's ability to change directions quickly, refine footwork, and enhance overall agility. These poles help players work on their sharp cuts, acceleration (and deceleration), all of which are vital for maintaining control of the ball and reacting to opponents in fast-paced situations.
Why It Works:
- Improves footwork precision and balance
- Enhances ability to change direction rapidly
- Boosts overall agility and coordination for on-field performance
Expert Tip:
Use agility poles to create zig-zag or weaving drills, focusing on quick and controlled changes in direction while maintaining a low centre of gravity for optimal speed and stability.
4. Resistance Bands
Best For: Strength, Speed, Endurance
Resistance bands are becoming increasingly popular in soccer training because they offer a simple and effective way to build strength, improve flexibility, and enhance sprinting power. Whether you're training for explosive speed or increasing leg strength, resistance bands can help target specific muscle groups used in soccer, such as the glutes, hamstrings, and quads.
Why It Works:
- Strengthens key muscles without putting strain on joints.
- Enhances sprinting speed and explosiveness.
- Improves flexibility and range of motion.
Expert Tip:
Use resistance bands during lateral movements, or leg lifts to target and strengthen muscle groups essential for soccer.
Training Aids for Ball Skills
1. Soccer Cones, Witches Hats and Markers
Best For: Dribbling, Ball Control, Positioning
Soccer cones are hands down one of the most used training tools around. They tend to be cost-effective and very versatile, and can be used to set up drills for dribbling, ball control, and positioning.
They can also be used to create boundaries and goals, dribbling courses, or shooting targets. Coaches often use cones to outline zones for positional play or to organise tactical drills for team practices.
Why It Works:
- Perfect for improving dribbling control and agility
- Allows for the creation of versatile drills
- Teaches players to maintain focus and control in tight spaces
Expert Tip:
Create cone drills that force you to move the ball in different directions (forward, backward, lateral) and incorporate sudden changes in speed.
2. Passing Arches
Best For: Passing Accuracy, Vision, Passing Speed
Passing arches are excellent for enhancing a player's passing accuracy, vision, and speed. These arches help players improve their ability to deliver precise passes under pressure while focusing on quick decision-making and spatial awareness – key skills for effective playmaking on the field.
Why It Works:
- Sharpens passing accuracy and ball control
- Improves vision and decision-making under pressure
- Enhances passing speed and fluidity for quick transitions
Expert Tip:
Set up passing arches during practice drills to work on both short and long passes. Focus on keeping the ball low and accurate while maintaining control and awareness of your surroundings.
Training Aids for Elite Training
1. Rebounders
Best For: Passing, Receiving, Shooting
A soccer rebounder allows you to work on passing, receiving, and shooting in a more dynamic environment. These nets are angled to return the ball with different speeds and angles, simulating real game scenarios where the ball bounces or is passed back from a teammate. By practicing with a rebounder, you can develop your touch, accuracy, and ability to control the ball under various conditions.
Why It Works:
- Mimics unpredictable ball rebounds during games
- Perfect for solo training, reducing the need for a training partner
- Improves ball control and first touch under pressure
Expert Tip:
Adjust the angle of the rebounder to simulate different types of passes, from short, quick touches to long-distance balls.
2. Portable Goals
Best For: Shooting, Finishing, Accuracy
Portable soccer goals are an excellent tool for improving shooting accuracy and finishing. These smaller-than-field-goals that are flexible or can pop up for easy use, allow players to focus on target precision, forcing them to be more mindful of their shot placement. Portable goals are particularly helpful in solo practice sessions, enabling players to simulate game situations, such as shooting from different angles or distances.
Why It Works:
- Enhances shooting accuracy and precision.
- Provides immediate feedback on shot placement.
- Allows for versatile solo training.
Expert Tip:
Practice shooting from various angles, adjusting for different types of passes or crosses, and aim for the corners of the goal to sharpen your finishing skills.
Ready to enhance your soccer skills?
Explore and shop our wide range of soccer gear and training aids online, or head in-store to speak to one of our friendly rebel staff members to help find the right tools for you.