DribblingFundamentals

Inside-Outside Turn Drill

Two of the most-used turns in the game — the inside hook and the outside cut — practiced on repeat until changing direction with the ball becomes second nature.

Age RangeAges 9+
Duration8 minutes
Group SizeIndividual or pairs
SportSoccer

Equipment Needed

  • Cones
  • One ball per player

Mark the turn point

Cones make it easy to mark a consistent turn point so every player reps the move the same way.

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Setup

  • Set a cone 8–10 yards from the starting line for each player.
  • Players start with the ball at their feet at the line.
Inside-Outside Turn Drill1Dribble to the cone, hook back inside, then outsidePlant the non-turning foot firmly; accelerate out of the turn

Instructions

  1. Dribble toward the cone, then use the inside of the foot to hook the ball back the way you came.
  2. Return to the start, then repeat using the outside of the foot to cut the ball back instead.
  3. Alternate inside and outside turns for 8–10 total reps.
  4. Increase speed once both turns feel comfortable and controlled.
Coaching Points
  • Plant the non-turning foot firmly before making contact for balance and quickness out of the turn.
  • Keep the touch that starts the turn small — a big touch takes the ball too far from the body to control.
  • Change speed after the turn, not just direction; a turn without acceleration doesn't lose a defender.
  • Both turns should feel equally comfortable by the end — don't let players avoid their weaker one.

Variation

Add a defender applying light pressure to make the turn decision live, or chain two turns together in one repetition.