This is practice 9 of our Ball Mastery Collection and adds an element of competition to player’s dribbling technique, with 2 and then 4 players competing to reach and dribble the ball into specific zones.
Attacking Emphasis75%75%
Defending Emphasis25%25%
Age Group
Number of Players
Minutes
Key Player Challenge
Players must race to the ball and dribble into a specific area under pressure. To win the challenge players must dribble 2 balls into different areas.
Progression 1: Challenge both sides – Only older players
We can now set 2 pairs off at same time with the same challenge, now with the added obstacle of players from the opposite end trying to dribble into the same areas. This should only be applied to older age groups, with the risk of collision with yonger players playing with their head down.
This practice is for younger players and focuses on their ability to dribble into specific zones, changing direction and speed as they progress. We can introduce various progressions to challenge players varying numbers, opposition, space and time.
Attacking Emphasis80%80%
Defending Emphasis20%20%
Age Group
Number of Players
Minutes
Progression 1
We introduce 2 defending players with a ball ion their hand and they must tag as many players as they can in a given time period.
Progression 2
Players must now dribble through as many cone triangles as possible in the time given, whilst being challenged by the 2 defenders and having other players as obstacles.
Progression 3
Challenge dribbling players now to dribble through 3 different coloured cone triangles without getting tagged to double their score from 3 to 6. Rotate defending players, providing a score for each pair depending on how many players they have been able to tag.
Key Coaching Points
Technical: Ball Control is crucial in tight spaces
Technical: Ability to change direction to avoid defenders
Physical: Balance to change direction, speed to get away
Q&A
How can you avoid defending players better what are the triggers?
How can you change direction quicker in between cones?
When do you lose control of the ball and what can you do to prevent this?
This Ball Mastery practice is focused on dribbling with players challenged to improve their technique within competition. With 2 players with a ball each on opposite facing cones, they must dribble around each of these at an angle and to run the ball through 2 poles. Pair players based on their age and ability and set competition, with the winner gaining a point for their team.
Attacking Emphasis80%80%
Defending Emphasis20%20%
Age Group
Number of Players
Minutes
Progression 1
Progress the practice, by introducing 2 mini goals for individuals to score into, with every player scoring a point for a goal, with the fastest gaining a 2nd point.
Key Coaching Points
Technical| Ability to dribble around cones, changing direction
Physical| Balance is crucial at this age, especially with youngest players
Technical| Dribbling at pace with ball under control
Q&A
How do specific players respond to competition?
Are players paired up correctly ensuring they are motivated?
This simple ball mastery practice, number 6 in the series, can be used as an activation exercise or to develop individual ball dribbling skills for younger players. In a 20 by 20 yard area, each player has a ball and must perform different dribbles, with different parts of the foot, using both feet.
Attacking Emphasis85%85%
Defending Emphasis15%15%
Age Group
Number of Players
Minutes
Progression 1: Player reactions and speed
Progress the practice by adding flat discs or cones, which players must dribble to when the coach signals, observe the speed of player’s reactions.
Progression 2: Response to triggers
Progress further by calling a different number to trigger players into forming groups as quickly as possible.
Key Coaching Points
Technical| Ability to use both feet when dribbling
Technical| Close control with both parts of the feet
Physical| Agility to manoeuvre between players and cones
Q&A
How can you ensure you do not clash into other players?
Can you use your weaker foot to perform 3 different dribbles?
Ball Mastery Practice 5 develops short passing with both feet and encourages players to use different parts of each foot to improve their control. Identify player’s willingness to use their stronger and weaker foot, use constraints to develop individuals.
Attacking Emphasis90%90%
Defending Emphasis10%10%
Age Group
Number of Players
Minutes
Key Coaching Points: Receive on the Move
Challenge them to take their first touch towards a cone before dribbling around it to make their return pass.
Progression 1
Once players begin to show improvements in their technique, allow movement between squares after 5 successful passes, improving their awareness of players around them.
Progression 2
Key Coaching Points
Technical | Short passing with both feet (Weight and accuracy)
Technical | Control to move ball from one side to the other (Inside / Outside)
Pysch | Confidence to improve technique steadily
Q&A
What is important for your teammates receiving your pass?
What are the technical aspects of passing that you need to focus on?
How can you ensure rotation between grids is smooth and players move quickly?
