Instructions

• Prospect lines up standing outside of either cone with a soccer ball placed behind the cone (right or left side)

• Prospect starts at own discretion. Timer begins when prospect takes their first touch

• Prospect must successfully dribble around each cone in a figure 8 pattern

• Prospect will try to complete the pattern as many times as possible in 30 seconds

• Prospect will be awarded points each time they make it around a cone

• Prospect gets 2 attempts, only the highest score will be recorded and used

Measures: Dribbling, Touch, Control, Game Speed

Measurement Units: Count. Displayed to the nearest whole number

Measured by: Stopwatch and Counter

Why it’s important: Soccer is a sport that requires athletes to change direction quickly and navigate through tight spaces. The Figure 8 Drill measures a prospect’s ability to control the ball in tight areas. Prospects who can effectively dribble in tight situations are more likely to evade defenders and keep the ball under control, contributing to their team's ability to retain possession. A prospect with strong dribbling skills can take on defenders, beat them with quick changes of direction, and create more goal-scoring chances for their team.