Essential Soccer Training Equipment for Every Player

It's important for soccer players of all ages to have the right equipment for their training. Whether you’re a player who wants to practice at home or a coach looking for the best training gear for your youth soccer team, having the right equipment will improve your skills for the season. Our Soccer Experts have chosen the five most essential items you should have for soccer training. From youth coaches to at-home training, find the right equipment for the season ahead.

1. Soccer Balls

While it seems obvious, many players overlook the value of a soccer ball as a training tool! Having your own ball allows you to practice at home, whether you’re using it with other equipment or training footwork in the backyard. It’s crucial to choose a ball of the right size and weight for the player’s age—youth players should choose a smaller ball to build their skills, while athletes age 13 and up should choose a standard-size ball. For more advice, check out our guide to choosing a soccer ball.

2. Soccer Ball Trainers

Soccer ball trainers, like the SKLZ Star Kick or touch trainers, can be a game-changer for players looking to improve their ball handling and control. These devices have a stretchy band or cable that attaches to the player and the ball. When you kick the ball, the band will stretch, creating tension—this causes the ball to snap back to the player, where they can kick it again. Ball trainers are a great way to practice ball control and quick reactions, but they’re also excellent for at-home practice since you won’t need to chase the ball after every kick.

3. Soccer Training Nets

Soccer training nets are a must-have for any serious player. Training nets let players set up a net in their own backyard for at-home shooting practice. There are a variety of soccer training nets available, from mini nets for at-home play to nets designed to hone specific skills. For example, players who want to practice their accuracy can choose a net with targets or obstacles to shoot around. You’ll also find equipment that blocks part of the net, like the SKLZ Goalshot, to train players where to aim their shots. There are also rebounder nets that bounce the ball back to the kicker, making for easy training at home.

4. Cones

Cones are a versatile piece of training equipment for soccer players. From setting-up drills to marking boundaries on an at-home field, cones can be used for a variety of soccer exercises. Every coach should have multiple cones for practice and players should have a few to recreate drills at home and improve outside of team practice. While there are many types of cones available, cone discs are the most popular since they won’t tip over if you’re practicing in the wind or accidentally hit one. Coaches will love the SKLZ 20-pack of cones to get ready for the season!

5. Agility & Control Trainers

While cones are a great tool for creating obstacles to improve speed and footwork, having dedicated agility trainers will take your game to the next level. Speed ladders and mini hurdles are a great way to practice fast, accurate footwork and are used across many sports because of their effectiveness. There are plenty of advanced agility trainers available as well, like electronic speed gates for timing drills or the SKLZ speed web Case Feeders & Shell Holders. Resistance bands are another great tool to practice ball control and can be put around your ankles or upper thighs to focus and develop the muscles used in dribbling.

Whether you’re a youth coach planning team practice or a player who wants to improve their soccer skills at home, having the right soccer training equipment is essential. From a quality soccer ball to advanced agility trainers, the soccer gear makes practice more enjoyable and productive and helps players unlock their full potential on the field. With the right equipment in hand, there's no stopping you from becoming the next soccer superstar! For more information about the latest gear for soccer players, stop by your local ERLEBNISWELT-FLIEGENFISCHEN and see a Soccer Expert.