Practice one of our ball mastery section focuses on improving dribbling skills, with half of the group on a ball in the central area, and the remaining players on the outside. Players must dribble the ball to the outside and lay off to an outside player, encourage a change of direction when entering the square.
Attacking Emphasis90%90%
Defending Emphasis10%10%
Age Group
Number of Players
Minutes
Key Coaching Points: Receive on the Move
Players must dribble the ball to the outside and lay off to an outside player, encourage a change of direction when entering the square.
Progression 1: Rotational Movement
Progress to a one two pass on the outside, allowing all players to be involved in rotational movement in and out of the square. Focus on takeover and speed of movement when transferring.
Progression 2
Players use their weaker foot in the central area, encouraging the need to think about changing direction on entering specific zones where there is player congestion.
Key Coaching Points
Tech | Ability to use both feet
Tech | Close control
Physical | Agile to change direction
Q&A
How can you keep close control?
How can you avoid players in your dribbling?
What changes in smaller and larger areas in your dribble?
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?
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
