The figure eight forces weight shifts and changes of direction in both directions. This teaches the kid that they can cut and move the ball under pressure, not just in a straight line.
What you need: 2 cones. 1 soccer ball per child.
Setup: Place 2 cones 6 feet apart. Child starts at one cone with the ball.
How to run it:
- Using the Touch, Look, Push, Go cue: Keep touches small, look where you’re going, push the ball into space, then accelerate into it.
- Child dribbles from the first cone around the second cone in a loop.
- Then they cut back and loop around the first cone.
- Continuous figure eight. No stopping.
- 60 seconds of continuous dribbling, then rest.
What to watch: Are they looking up occasionally or staring at the ball? At this age they should be checking the field every few touches.
If they’re struggling: Slow the pace. Add a pause at each cone so they reset.
If they’ve got it: Time them for speed. Reduce cone spacing to 5 feet. Add a second ball in the drill.
Gear for this drill (affiliate)
Size 4 soccer ball → — right size for ages 8–12.
Disc cones (50-pack) → — flat cones for gates, grids, and boundary markers.
Full soccer gear guide → — all picks by age, sport, and level.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.