Includes 36 drills to outpace, outthink, and outplay your opponent
Soccer Speed: The Ultimate Guide to 36 Game-Changing Drills
Introduction: The Need for Speed in Modern Soccer
In today’s fast-paced game, speed isn’t just about running faster – it’s about thinking quicker, reacting sharper, and moving smarter. Soccer Speed: Includes 36 Drills to Outpace, Outthink, and Outplay Your Opponent by Dick Bate and Ian Jeffreys provides a comprehensive blueprint for developing the complete speed package that modern players need to dominate the pitch.
This definitive guide breaks down the 36 essential drills into a progressive training system that enhances:
- Physical Speed (acceleration, top speed, agility)
- Mental Speed (decision-making, anticipation)
- Technical Speed (quick feet, fast ball control)
We’ll explore how to integrate these drills into your training regimen while linking to valuable resources like Elite Soccer Speed Training and other authoritative sources.
Why Soccer-Specific Speed Training is Crucial
The Three Pillars of Soccer Speed
- Physical Velocity – The ability to explode past opponents
- Cognitive Quickness – Processing the game faster than rivals
- Technical Efficiency – Executing skills at high speed
Key Stat: Players make 1,200-1,800 speed changes per match (Source: Journal of Sports Sciences)
For more speed science, visit Soccer Speed Physiology.
The 36 Drills Breakdown
1. Acceleration Mastery (8 Drills)
Focus: First-step quickness and 0-10 yard bursts
- Resisted Sled Starts – Build explosive power
- Reaction Ball Drops – Improve response time
- 5-Yard Shuttle Race – Competitive speed training
Pro Tip: Pair acceleration work with first touch drills for maximum effect.
2. Change-of-Direction Agility (10 Drills)
Focus: Sharp cuts, pivots, and evasive moves
- Zig-Zag Cone Weave – With and without ball
- Mirror Defending Drill – Reactive agility
- 45-Degree Cut Series – Game-realistic angles
For agility progressions, see Soccer Agility Blueprint.
3. Game-Speed Decision Making (8 Drills)
Focus: Processing speed under pressure
- 3-Goal Choice Drill – Instant decision scoring
- Color-Coded Passing Grid – Cognitive overload training
- Defender Shadow Reactions – Reading body language
4. Technical Speed (10 Drills)
Focus: Ball mastery at maximum velocity
- Speed Dribbling Gates – Controlled fast running
- One-Touch Speed Passing – Quick circulation
- Full-Speed Finishing – Shooting on the move
Position-Specific Speed Training
Forwards/Wingers
- Explosive First-Step Drills
- Curved Run Timing
- Breakaway Finishing
Midfielders
- Multi-Directional Agility
- Quick Transition Reactions
- Pressing Resistance
Defenders
- Backpedal-to-Sprint Transitions
- Lateral Shuffle Speed
- Recovery Run Angles
Get position-specific plans: Position Speed Training.
Speed Training Periodization
Preseason
- Focus on raw speed development
- 2-3 speed sessions weekly
- Progressive overload
In-Season
- Maintenance mode
- 1 speed session weekly
- Game-specific scenarios
Offseason
- Corrective work
- Injury prevention focus
- Cross-training benefits
Download periodization charts: Speed Training Calendar.
Equipment for Speed Development
- Resistance Bands – For explosive power
- Agility Ladders – Footwork refinement
- Reaction Lights – Cognitive training
- Weighted Vests – Controlled overload
For equipment guides: Speed Training Gear.
Common Speed Training Mistakes
❌ Neglecting Deceleration – Just as important as acceleration
✅ Fix: Include braking drills in every session
❌ Only Training Straight-Line Speed
✅ Fix: Incorporate multi-directional work
❌ Poor Recovery Between Sprints
✅ Fix: Maintain 1:4 work:rest ratio
More fixes at Speed Training Errors.
Nutrition for Speed Development
- Pre-Workout: Carbs + caffeine for CNS activation
- Post-Workout: Protein + carbs for recovery
- Hydration: 2% dehydration = 10% speed decrease
Meal plans: Speed Athlete Nutrition.
Conclusion: Your Speed Transformation Blueprint
This guide’s 36 drills provide everything needed to develop:
⚡ Explosive Physical Speed
🧠 Lightning Cognitive Processing
🔴 Technical Precision at Pace
Continue Your Speed Journey:
Final Sprint: For ongoing speed training insights, follow The Soccer Speed Lab and join our community of coaches and players dedicated to moving faster, thinking quicker, and playing better.
“Speed kills – but only when combined with skill and intelligence. This program gives you all three.” – Dick Bate