7 Best Cognitive Soccer Training Drills with Switched On
One of the most overlooked aspects of soccer training, especially when training alone or with a partner, is cognitive development. Most players focus on improving their technical skills, but few train this skill regularly outside team training and games.
This is usually because training cognitive skills with one or two players can be difficult without the right tools or structure to replicate the speed, unpredictability, and decision-making demands of a real match. That’s where the Switched On Training App comes in, because it allows you to combine technical training with real-time visual stimuli so you can train your brain to process information, make decisions, and react faster in a way that closely replicates real game situations.
To use the app, all you need to do is download it, create an account, and set up your phone with a tripod on the field. You’ll also need to set the right settings based on the drill you’re working on, such as having the screen display different colors or numbers at set intervals.
Training with the Switched On app helps you develop the kind of automatic decision-making, scanning habits, and mental sharpness that translate directly into faster, smarter play in real game situations. In this post, I’ll go over 7 of the best cognitive soccer training drills you can do with the Switched On Training App so you can start developing your technical and mental game at the same time.
If you’re interested in taking your training to the next level with a structured program, you can reach out to me or learn more here.
What are the best cognitive soccer training drills to do with the Switched-On Training App?
The best cognitive soccer training drills with the Switched On app are those that combine technical skill work with real-time decision-making, because the goal is not just to improve your touch or passing, but also to enhance your brain’s ability to process information and react faster under pressure. The drill you choose along with this app should focus on developing the fundamental technical and mental skills of the game, including ball control, first touch, passing, dribbling, shooting, awareness, decision-making, composure, and creativity, all while simultaneously working on the key pillars of player development, talent, game IQ, mindset, athleticism, fitness, recovery, and discipline.
Here are seven of the most effective cognitive soccer training drills you can start using with the Switched On Training App to improve your decision-making, awareness, and overall performance on the field.
Juggling
Set up your Switched On app on a tripod facing you, and begin juggling the ball. Every 10 or so juggles, call out whatever is displayed on the screen to train your brain to process visual information while maintaining control of the ball.
This drill is very simple but highly effective because it forces you to split your attention between keeping the ball in the air and reading and reacting to the stimulus on the screen, which improves the kind of attention you need in a real game.
Passing Drill With Rebound Board (Tripod Behind Player)
Set up a rebound board in front of you, a tripod with the Switched On app behind you, and different-colored cones scattered along the side where the tripod is.
This means you’re between the board and the tripod/cones, and you’re facing the board. You’re going to pass the ball to the rebounder, looking over your shoulder and calling out what you see on screen after every pass.
On the 4th or 5th pass, take your first touch toward the cone that matches the color displayed on the screen, go around it, get back to your starting position, and go again.
Board, Player, Tripod with 1v1 Skill and Finish
This drill builds directly on the previous one by adding a finishing element. Set up the same way with the rebounder, tripod, and colored cones, but also set up a goal or target past the cones.
Start by passing the ball toward the board and call out whatever is on screen with each pass. Every 4th or 5th pass, take your touch toward the cone matching the color on screen, but this time treat the cone as a defender, perform a 1v1 skill move to beat it, and finish with a shot toward a goal or a pass toward a target.
Adding the skill move and finish makes this one of the most complete and game-realistic cognitive training drills you can do on your own.
Player Facing Board with Late Decision Reaction (Screen Behind Board)
Set up your rebounder in front of you and place your tripod with the Switched On app directly behind the board so the screen is always visible. Place two or three colored cones to your left and right.
Pass the ball into the rebounder and keep your eyes forward. As the ball travels back toward you, quickly read the color or number on the screen, and only then decide your action.
For this drill, you can do anything from the first two drills: go around the cone or treat it as a 1v1 and shoot towards a target.
Weak Foot Only Passing with Reaction
Set up your rebounder in front of you and your tripod with the Switched On app slightly to the side so you have to scan. Perform all passes and first touches using only your weaker foot.
Pass the ball into the rebounder and keep your eyes forward. As the ball travels back toward you, quickly read the color or number on the screen, and only then decide your action.
As with the previous drill, you can do anything from the first two drills: go around the cone or treat it as a 1v1 and shoot towards a target.
Dribble Through Color Gates with Reaction
Set up your tripod with the Switched On app in front of you, and create 3–4 small “gates” using differently colored cones around your space (for example, red, blue, yellow, and green). Start dribbling the ball with quick, controlled touches in the central area while regularly glancing at the screen.
When a color appears, immediately change direction and dribble at speed through the gate that matches that color, then return to the middle and continue dribbling until the next cue appears. This drill trains your dribbling, awareness, and decision-making while moving, because you have to keep the ball close, scan the screen, and react quickly without losing control.
First Touch and Passing to Color Targets
Set up your tripod with the Switched On app in front of you and place several different-colored cones at varying distances and angles around you to act as passing targets. Start by tossing the ball into the air, taking a controlled first touch to bring it down, and, as the ball settles, quickly glance at the screen to read the displayed color.
As soon as you see the color, pass the ball and try to play it as accurately as possible toward the cone that matches that color. The goal is not to knock down the cones, but to get the ball as close to them as possible to work on the weight of the pass and accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to stay consistent with mindset training in soccer?
The best way to stay consistent with mindset training in soccer is to use simple habits like journaling, visualization, and positive self-talk regularly. Players can also use tools such as a soccer training journal, a performance tracker, a mental training book, and other mental training resources to help structure their training, make it more consistent, and make their mindset more measurable.
What gear and equipment do I need to improve my soccer skills?
The best thing about soccer is that you don’t need much equipment or accessories to start playing and improving. All you really need is a soccer ball, but the more seriously you want to play, the more gear you will need, such as soccer cleats, shin guards, grip socks, shorts, and shirts, as well as soccer equipment like cones, rebounders, ball pumps, and soccer bags.
How do I improve my soccer skills?
To improve your soccer skills, focus on playing the game and its variations as much as possible while dedicating time to mastering fundamental skills such as ball control, passing, shooting, dribbling, and defending. Combine regular team training with solo soccer drills, small-sided games, and learning from the feedback of coaches, teammates, and professional matches to speed up your progress, and follow this guide to have a more comprehensive plan.
