As the whistle blows and the stadium roars to life, every soccer player knows that the journey to this moment is paved with countless hours of training. The right equipment can make the difference between a good player and a great one. As someone who played this game for 10 years, I can guarantee this list of equipment.
So, after some thinking and research, I came up with the following list:
| Equipment | Why You need it | Average Price Range |
| Soccer Balls (obviously) | For obvious reasons | 20-60$ |
| Soccer Ball Bag | Again, obviously | 20-50$ |
Cones | Versatile for marking out drills, improving spatial awareness, and tactical training. | 15-25$ |
Agility Ladder | Boosts agility and speed, improves footwork and coordination | 20-30$ |
| Rebounder | Ideal for practicing passing and receiving, it can simulate real-game situations. | 60-150$ |
| Agility Hurdles | Enhances jumping ability and agility | 30-60$ |
| Goal Target Training Nets | Improves scoring precision, enhances visual focus, simulates real-game scenarios | 80-250$ |
Now let’s analyze each in greater detail and provide you with some good, proven recommendations.
You need at least 2 soccer balls
As a former soccer player, I can attest to the fact that the soccer ball is the heart and soul of the game. It’s the fundamental piece of equipment that every player needs, regardless of their position or level of play. The quality of the soccer ball can significantly impact a player’s performance, affecting factors such as touch, control, and precision.
A well-made soccer ball offers consistent performance, allowing players to accurately predict its trajectory and response. This predictability enables players to execute precise passes, powerful shots, and deft dribbling maneuvers. Furthermore, a good soccer ball can withstand the rigors of intense training sessions and matches, ensuring it remains in optimal condition for longer.
Having more than one soccer ball during training is beneficial for several reasons. First, it allows for continuous play and practice. For instance, if a player is practicing shooting and the ball goes out of play, having a second ball immediately available keeps the drill moving and reduces downtime. This is especially important in a team training environment where you want to maximize the time players spend actively training.
Second, certain drills and exercises require multiple balls. For instance, passing drills often involve two or more balls to increase the challenge and simulate the fast-paced nature of a real game. Similarly, goalkeeper training often involves multiple shots in quick succession, which requires several balls.
I will never forget my individual training after team practice. Unfortunately, I only had one ball. It would be SO much easier if I had at least two balls. After every shot, I had to get the ball and do the particular drill again.
As for the ideal number of balls, it largely depends on the nature of the training session. For individual training, two to three balls are usually sufficient. However, for team training, it’s beneficial to have at least one ball per player, if not more. This ensures that every player has the opportunity to be actively involved in the training session at all times.
From my personal experience, I found that training with a high-quality soccer ball significantly impacted my performance. The consistent response of the ball allowed me to develop a reliable touch and a keen understanding of how to manipulate the ball to achieve my desired outcome.
Whether I was practicing my shooting or working on my passing accuracy, the soccer ball was my constant companion, helping me hone my skills and deepen my love for the beautiful game.
I highly recommend Adidas UCL League Ball (affiliate link), especially for this price. I have always liked Adidas soccer balls since they never disappointed me. Here are some reviews from real people who bought this ball:
“Excellent worth, precisely as anticipated and depicted. Arrived inflated.”
“This soccer ball is employed by my powerful kicking daughter for drills and matches. The cost was initially steep, but the superior quality justifies it. It never requires inflation, consistently remains filled. Other balls bought needed inflation about once a week, but not this one! Fantastic ball!”
“Exceptionally high-quality soccer ball, maintains its form and possesses a professional ball-like texture.”
Soccer ball bag
A soccer ball bag is an often overlooked but essential piece of equipment for any serious soccer player or coach. As a former player, I can vouch for the convenience and utility that a good soccer ball bag provides.
The primary purpose of a soccer ball bag is to transport and store soccer balls. If you’re a coach running a team practice or a player heading to a training session, carrying multiple soccer balls can be a cumbersome task. A soccer ball bag simplifies this process, allowing you to carry several balls in one compact, easy-to-handle package.
But the benefits of a soccer ball bag extend beyond mere convenience. By providing dedicated storage space for your soccer balls, a ball bag helps to keep your equipment organized and protected. This can extend the lifespan of your balls, saving you money in the long run.
I would personally go with Adidas Stadium Ball Bag (affiliate link), mainly because I can guarantee its quality. Keep in mind that there are cheaper options. However, I would not recommend it. I had enough bad experiences with cheap products online. Look, if you are serious about soccer, you need serious equipment.
Cones
I can confidently say that cones are one of the most versatile and essential pieces of training equipment in soccer. Their simplicity belies their importance in a wide range of drills and exercises designed to improve a player’s skills and understanding of the game.
Cones serve multiple purposes in soccer training. They can be used to mark boundaries for small-sided games, create paths for dribbling exercises, or set up specific areas for tactical training. This versatility allows coaches to create various exercises to improve different aspects of a player’s game.
One of the key benefits of cones is that they help to improve a player’s spatial awareness. By creating specific zones with the cones, players can learn about positioning, movement off the ball, and their role within a certain pitch area.
Cones are also invaluable for agility and speed training. By setting up drills requiring players to navigate these cones, players can work on their agility, speed, and ball control. Regular training with these cones can help improve a player’s ability to change direction quickly, an essential skill in soccer.
From my personal experience, cones were a staple in almost every training session. Whether we were working on passing drills, practicing our dribbling, or learning new tactical formations, cones were always involved. They are a simple, affordable, and effective training tool every soccer player should have.
When it comes to cones, there is really no need to spend much. After some research, I would definitely go with Pro Disc Cones (Set of 50) (affiliate link), mainly because it will serve the purpose, and you would pay only 20$ for 50 of them.
Agility ladder
Without any doubt, the agility ladder was a key piece of training equipment that significantly contributed to my development. It’s a simple tool, but its benefits for soccer players are manifold.
The primary purpose of an agility ladder is to improve a player’s speed, agility, and coordination. These are crucial skills in soccer, where the ability to change direction quickly and maintain control of the ball at high speeds can be the difference between success and failure.
Agility ladder drills are designed to improve foot speed and coordination. These drills often involve complex footwork patterns that require concentration and precision. Over time, these drills can help to improve a player’s balance and body control, both of which are essential for maintaining possession of the ball under pressure.
One of the great things about an agility ladder is its versatility. It can be used for a wide range of drills, from simple speed exercises to complex footwork patterns. This allows players to continually challenge themselves and develop new skills.
The length of the agility ladder you choose should depend on your specific training needs and the space you have available for training.
For beginners or younger players, a shorter ladder (around 4 to 6 meters) is often sufficient. This length provides enough space for a variety of drills without being too challenging or intimidating for less experienced players.
For more advanced players or those looking to increase the intensity of their training, a longer ladder (around 6 to 8 meters) can be a better choice. The additional length allows for more complex drills and can provide a greater physical challenge.
However, it’s important to remember that the effectiveness of agility ladder training doesn’t solely depend on the length of the ladder. The quality of the drills and the effort put into the training are just as, if not more, important.
Throughout my whole career, agility ladder drills were a regular part of my training routine. They helped to improve my speed and agility, but they also improved my concentration and precision. The ability to execute complex footwork patterns at high speed was a skill that translated directly into my performance on the pitch. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, an agility ladder is a must-have tool for any soccer player.
I strongly recommend going with GHB Pro Agility Ladder (affiliate link) mainly because they are durable, have adjustable rungs, and are fairly priced. Since the length is 20 feet, it may or may not be enough for you, depending on your situation. If you are advanced, or the drills you plan to do simply require more than 20 feet, I would buy two.
Rebounder
Reflecting on my time as a soccer player, I can’t help but wish that I had access to a rebounder during my training sessions. This straightforward yet effective piece of equipment offers a multitude of benefits that would have been invaluable in my development as a player.
A rebounder, essentially a net or surface that returns the ball when it’s kicked against it, enables continuous play and repetitive skill practice – a key aspect of skill development in soccer that I, unfortunately, missed out on.
The primary advantage of a rebounder is its ability to facilitate the practice of passing and receiving the ball. If I had had a rebounder, I could have significantly improved my touch, control, and ability to receive the ball under various conditions.
Rebounders are also excellent for shooting practice. They allow for multiple consecutive shots, enhancing shooting skills and building fitness and endurance – a feature I would have greatly benefited from.
Another aspect where a rebounder shines is in its capacity to simulate real-game scenarios. For instance, practicing receiving the ball and shooting in one fluid motion, or working on controlling and passing the ball quickly under pressure, would have been possible with a rebounder.
Looking back, having a rebounder would have been a game-changer in refining my ball control and shooting skills. The opportunity to continuously receive and play the ball would have allowed me to hone my technique and build confidence in my abilities. Whether for individual practice or team training, a rebounder is a piece of equipment I wish I had had in my arsenal.
Ok, now that we know why you should have one, how to know which one to buy? Well, luckily for you, I did the tiring job of researching various options. Finally, after reviewing multiple options, my choice is by far, the SKLZ Quickster Soccer Rebounder Net (affiliate link). Why?
Well, first, because when you buy anything from SKLZ, you know you will receive what you wanted in the first place. This particular rebounder is well-proven among lots of players, including pros. Yes, it is priced higher than the basic ones, but you are guaranteed you won’t have any problems disrupting your training flow.
Agility hurdles
Agility hurdles are an exceptional tool for enhancing speed, agility, and power. They involve jumping exercises that require athletes to lift their knees high and land with precision. This not only enhances their physical capabilities but also improves their coordination and body control, skills that are crucial in soccer.
In my training sessions, agility hurdles were a staple. They were used in a variety of drills, from simple jumping exercises to more complex routines involving sprinting and change of direction. These drills helped me develop quick footwork, a crucial skill for evading opponents on the field.
One of the key benefits of agility hurdles is their ability to simulate game-like situations. For instance, the high-knee action required to clear the hurdles is similar to the movement used in soccer to control high balls. Regular training with agility hurdles helped me improve my control of high balls, a skill that proved invaluable during matches.
Moreover, agility hurdles are excellent for improving cardiovascular fitness. The high-intensity nature of hurdle drills makes them a great form of interval training, helping to boost stamina and endurance.
In summary, my experience with agility hurdles was overwhelmingly positive. They helped me improve various aspects of my game, from footwork and coordination to ball control and fitness. They are a versatile and effective training tool that I would recommend to any soccer player.
Just like with cones, you don’t have to spend a lot on it. This is why I recommend SKLZ 6-Inch Ultra Durable Agility Hurdles (affiliate link), as they will serve you well for years without any problems.
Goal target training net
In retrospect, as I think about my soccer training days, I realize how beneficial a goal target training net could have been in my development as a player. This piece of equipment, which I, unfortunately, didn’t have access to, offers a multitude of benefits that can significantly enhance a player’s performance.
A goal-target training net is designed to improve a player’s scoring precision. It provides visual cues for the most effective scoring zones, helping players to aim their shots more effectively. If I had access to a goal target net, I believe it would have greatly improved my shooting accuracy and precision.
Moreover, a goal-target training net can simulate real-game situations. It allows players to practice shooting at a goal that has specific zones blocked off, similar to a real game where a goalkeeper blocks certain areas of the goal. This kind of practice could have helped me to better anticipate and react to real-game scenarios.
Another significant benefit of this valuable tool is its ability to provide immediate feedback. Each time a player hits or misses the target, they get instant feedback on their shot, allowing them to adjust and improve their technique more quickly.
Looking back, having a goal-target training net would have been a game-changer in my training regimen. It would have allowed me to hone my shooting skills, improve my accuracy, and better prepare for real-game situations. Despite not having had one, I can see its value and would highly recommend it to any aspiring soccer player.
Unfortunately, many soccer teams or individuals don’t have it, mainly because of the price. However, we found the ideal product for all of you who thought you have to spend hundreds of dollars. Well, that product is PodiuMax Soccer Goal Target Net (affiliate link) which you can buy for only 60$. I wish there was opportunities like this when I was on the field.
Recommended reading:
Do Professional Soccer Players Train Everyday? How Much?