Players dribble around inside of the square, avoiding collisions with other players.
Encourage the use of both feet.
Encourage changing direction while looking up.
Introduce different dribbling techniques.
Coach can play as a chaser. Players must try to avoid being kicked out of the square.
Play for 30 seconds.
Award one point for keeping the ball safe.
Points of Emphasis: Be aware of surroundings
When to Use: As a fun exercise while still teaching techniques.
Cone Drills
Purpose of the Drill
Encourage players to keep close control without the pressure of an opponent.
Steps
Set up seven cones in a straight line.
Place a gate, using cones at either side.
Demonstrate first without ball, then with ball.
Have players weave through cones slowly without the ball, then with the ball.
Correct players who lose control or weave too wide.
Encourage players to use both feet.
Sometimes, it is better for the athlete to begin walking through the cones and then progress to teammate passing drills.
Dribble Cones (Dartfish)
Dribble Pass (Dartfish)
Points of Emphasis:
Close control.
Awareness of body positioning when weaving.
When to Use:
Build players' confidence where the emphasis is on praise and confidence.
Intermediate Ability — Immediate Attack (Three vs. Three with Dribbling Condition)
Purpose of the Drill
Player under pressure in confined space.
Player must learn to think quickly.
Steps
Play on a minifield of 20 yards by 15 yards with 4-yard-wide goals.
Form two teams of three players. One is a goalkeeper.
Play a regular game, except that when a player gets possession of the ball, the player must immediately dribble against an opponent and try to get past the player.
A player cannot pass the ball until this is done.
Award one point for successfully dribbling past an opponent and three points for each goal scored.
Points of Emphasis: Learn the ability to think and react quickly under pressure.
When to Use: Players who are beginning to express themselves on the field.
