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 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?
In this 30 by 30 Yard area, players begin with a ball each positioned in 5, 8 by 8 yard squares. Objective is to dribble from one square to the other, whilst avoiding other players. They must leave their ball in a square and find another ball in a different square to dribble.
Attacking Emphasis90%90%
Defending Emphasis10%10%
Age Group
Number of Players
Minutes
Key Coaching Points: Receive on the Move
In this 30 by 30 Yard area, players begin with a ball each positioned in 5, 8 by 8 yard squares. Objective is to dribble from one square to the other, whilst avoiding other players. They must leave their ball in a square and find another ball in a different square to dribble.
Progression 1
Progress so players run around 2 cones before performing their dribbling.
Progression 2
Our second progression encourages players to perform different skills in each box before dribbling.
Progression 3
Finally, pair individuals to pass the ball between them from one square to the other.
Key Coaching Points
Technical | Speed and control of dribble
Technical | Use of both feet to move in and away from cones
Physical | Speed after dribble to get away
Q&A
Where do you need to slow down and speed up and what is your best technique for this?
Can you be creative in your disguise and how?
How confident are you in using your weaker foot, where is best for you to use both feet and how?
This Technical soccer drill focuses on 3 different soccer skills, with dribbling between cones, turning and running with the ball all elements of this soccer practice.
Attacking Emphasis90%90%
Defending Emphasis10%10%
Age Group
Number of Players
Minutes
Key Coaching Points: Speed and Technique
This practice develops dribbling, turning and running with the ball. Players must dribble to cones showing a change of pace.
Progression 1: Turns
Players must now select any 2 cones that they can run around and not just to, encouraging slightly different technique to turn.
Progression 2: Disguise
Encourage disguise from cone to cone, with stepovers, scissors and other turns players can conjure up shown in this progression.
Key Point: Competition
Once players are comfortable, add competition between groups, ensuring they maintain technique.
Key Coaching Points
Technical | Close control when changing direction
Technical | Use of both feet to move in and away from cones
Physical | Speed after dribble to get away
Q&A
Where do you need to slow down and speed up and what is your best technique for this?
Can you be creative in your disguise and how?
How confident are you in using your weaker foot, where is best for you to use both feet and how?
This Ball Mastery practice develops players control with different parts of the body, with volleys, chest and head being used to control and pass the ball to opponents.
Attacking Emphasis90%90%
Defending Emphasis10%10%
Age Group
Number of Players
Minutes
Progression: Outside Players Skill
Progress so outside players must perform a skill in between runs.
Progression 1: Single Defender
Introduce a defender to block different gates, encouraging more thoughtful movement.
Progression 2: Rotational Movement
Finally all players can be involved with rotational movement between players inside and out.
Key Coaching Points
Technical | Ability to use both feet
Technical | Control with feet, chest and head
Physical | Agility to change direction
Q&A
How can you adjust to bad throws or passes quickly?
What type of contact do you need to make, area of the ball?
How can you avoid defenders better in this small area to travel through gates?
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