Dribbling Drills

Dribbling Drills

By: Dick Bate and Ian Jeffreys

Originally Published in: Soccer Speed - Human Kinetics

Congested Dribbling

Purpose
Dribbling the ball

Organization
Set up a circle that is 10 yards (or meters) in diameter. Position six pairs of players around the circle, as shown in the diagram, some 5 to 10 yards from the perimeter. In each pair, the partner farthest from the circle has a ball.

Procedure

Pairs of players outside the circle work together. Example:

1. Player 1 passes to player 2, who moves at an angle to receive the pass.
2. Player 2 then runs with the ball into the circle and attempts to cross the circle by evading other players with a ball who are also crossing the circle.
3. After moving through the congested circle successfully, the player in possession passes the ball to a free outside player who carries the ball across the circle and is replaced by the passer of the ball.
4. The skill is repeated moving in perhaps a different direction across the circle.

Coaching Points
• Upon receiving a pass, turn quickly with the first touch and place the ball into position for running at the circle.
• When carrying the ball, keep the head up, with the eyes maintaining a view of, but not fixed on, the ball.
• Detect and navigate the space available for carrying the ball through the circle.
• Change speed, direction, and strength of touch on the ball as required.
• Avoid others in the circle before accelerating out of the circle and passing to an outside player.

Variation
Extend the practice by employing a defender or two inside the circle, as well as two players who assist the dribblers inside the circle as needed (for example, to combine for wall passes).

Seize the Moment

Purpose
Dribbling the ball

Organization
Set up an area that is 6 yards (or meters) square. Position one attacker inside the area and one defender on three of the end lines. The coach is positioned outside of the area with a ball.

Procedure
1. The coach initiates play by feeding the ball to the attacker.
2. The attacker tries to break out over any available end line.
3. The three defenders are free to move around the outside of the square to prevent the attacker from escaping.

Coaching Points
• Deceive defenders by using clever and accurate ball manipulation skills and feints.
• Be aware of the defenders' movements and available spaces through which to break out of the area.
• Use subtle and varying touches on the ball when manipulating it and pushing it ahead on the final breakout movement.

Directional-Change Dribbling

Purpose
Dribbling the ball

Organization
Set up an area that is 10 to 12 yards (or meters) square. Position four small (3-yard) goals as shown in the diagram. One of the four attackers has a ball and the one defender plays against whichever attacker has possession of the ball.

Procedure
1. To start the practice, the coach feeds a ball to one of the attacking players.
2. The attacker with the ball tries to dribble through one of the small goals before releasing the ball to another attacker.
3. The defender tries to prevent the dribbler from succeeding by pressing the ball or cutting off a route through the goal.

Coaching Points
• When in possession of the ball, change direction and speed.
• Manipulate the ball to deceive the defender.
• Feint as if intending to move in one direction before moving in a different direction to escape the defender or travel through a goal.
• Consider using one feint followed quickly by another to put the defender completely off balance.
• Always know where the defender is as you move with the ball, even though your focus may be on the ball and the surrounding area.