How to Improve Your Weaker Foot in Soccer: 7 Great Drills
How many goal scoring opportunities have you missed because the ball was on your ‘wrong’ foot? How many times have you been forced wide because defenders knew your limitations? How much longer will you let half your potential go unused?
Improving your weak foot in soccer is one of the most important skills to develop because it helps you feel natural and confident using either your left foot or right foot in any situation. Along with improving your weaker foot, mastering fundamental soccer skills like first touch, composure, game IQ, and creativity will make you a more unpredictable and better player.
Throughout many of doing training sessions with teams as well as coaching players at various levels, I’ve seen how dedicated weak foot practice transforms average players into threats from anywhere on the field, while players who avoid it remain one-dimensional and easier to defend.
That is why, in this guide, I’ll go over 9 great drills to improve your weaker foot in soccer so that you can build confidence, expand your options, and become a more complete player.
How do you Improve your Weak Foot in Soccer?
The best way to improve your non-dominant foot is very simple and it requires being more conscious of using your weaker foot during every training session and game situation. Most players naturally avoid using their non-dominant foot, but the only way to build real confidence and skill is through deliberate weak foot practice in both individual and team training environments.
Even though you should be using your non-dominant foot during all types of training and games, on days when you don’t have team training sessions, you can spend dedicated time doing these individual training drills to improve your weak foot even more.
Drill 1: Barefoot Juggling
The most simple drill that soccer players should practice daily is juggling the soccer ball barefoot with alternating feet. This drill forces you to get high quality touches on the ball and improves first touch, ball control, and eye coordination.
Challenge yourself by juggling at different heights and make sure to use your weak foot equally to build confidence and feel natural with both feet.
Drill 2: Ball Control From the Air
This next drill builds on the foundation of juggling. Start by juggling the ball a few times then kick the ball high in the air, or simply throw it up from your hands.
As the ball drops, control it with your non-dominant foot while keeping it as close as possible without letting it bounce away. Create a small square or circle grid and try to keep the ball within that space using only your weaker foot to improve the quality of your first touch.
Drill 3: Wall Passing with Non-Dominant Foot
For this drill you will need to find a wall or rebounder and practice different types of passes using only your weak foot – one-touch passes, two-touch passes, and driven passes. Focus on making the right clean contact with the ball every time and prevent the ball from bouncing and going all over the place.
Drill 4: Wall Turning and Dribbling
This next drill will build on the foundation of wall passing. Pass the ball at the wall with your weak foot, and after receiving it back, work on turning with your non-dominant foot and dribbling out to space.
Practice different types of turns like half turns, outside of the foot turns, inside of the foot turns, or any other turn you can think of. This drill will help you feel natural using your weak foot when the ball falls to your weaker side during fast paced games.
Drill 5: Shadow Dribbling with Weak Foot Focus
With this drill you can also build on top of the foundation of wall passing to turning. Depending on the amount of space you have, dribble around an open space at game speed using primarily your non-dominant foot.
Go at game speed, imagine there are defenders approaching from different angles, and use different skill moves with your weaker foot so that you can become more comfortable and perform with confidence against real opponents.
Drill 6: Weak Foot Shooting After Dribbling
Next, comes one of the most exciting parts of the game, shooting. Use a goal, or set up cones as a goal and position yourself far away, then kick the ball forward and control it with your non-dominant foot.
Dribble toward the goal at maximum intensity, perform a skill move to create space, then shoot with your weak foot aiming for the corners to simulate a goalkeeper in the middle of the goal.
Drill 8: Long Ball Control and Distribution
Have a partner or coach serve long balls to your weak foot from various distances and angles, or use a wall or rebounder, or kick the ball high yourself and let it drop. Focus on controlling these long balls with your non-dominant foot using different surfaces (inside, outside, instep).
Then immediately practice hitting accurate long balls back using your weaker foot to improve your passing range and confidence. If you have a target such as a portable soccer goal that is best, although you can get creative and use anything.
Drill 9: Small-Sided Games with Weak Foot Only
Finally, if you have a group of players you can set up 2v2 or 3v3 small sided games where players are only allowed to use their non-dominant foot for all touches – passing, dribbling, and shooting. This forces players to use their weaker foot in game situations while defenders are applying pressure.
Final Thoughts
To summarize, improving your weak foot in soccer requires consistent practice and a commitment to using your non-dominant foot in every training session and game situation. The seven drills in this guide will help you develop the confidence and skill needed to become a complete player who can pass, dribble, and shoot effectively with both feet.
By consistently working on your weaker foot, you’ll transform from a predictable one-footed player into a more creative threat that defenders can’t easily read or stop.
FAQS
How to strengthen a weak foot in soccer?
To strengthen a weak foot, and your body in general, it is important to focus on improving your fascia system and have a consistent weak foot practice. By improving your fascial strength, foot function, ankle stiffness, and the ability to lock the ankle when doing any soccer skill you make any foot, dominant and non-dominant foot stronger. You can also strengthen your feet by spending more time training barefoot, wearing the right footwear, and avoiding modern cushioned footwear.
Do most soccer players prefer one foot and if so which one?
Yes, most players prefer one dominant foot, usually the right side, for passing, dribbling, and shooting the soccer ball. However, practicing with your non-dominant foot, which is usually the left side for a lot of players, through drills, small sided games, and consistent training can help improve your weaker side so it feels natural and strong during any game situation.
Why should you call your weak foot your non-dominant foot?
Referring to your weaker foot as your “non-dominant foot” instead of your “weak foot” provides a psychological boost because it shifts your mindset from seeing that foot as a limitation to viewing it as an area for improvement. Many players, including top professionals like Cristiano Ronaldo, have proven that with the right training regimen, practice, and drills, your non-dominant foot can become just as good as your strong foot.
