Criss Cross Dribbling Game

This dribbling drill is geared towards the younger player. This will help players play with speed while keeping their heads up. Be warned, this drill can be dangerous for players who have a tendency of dribbling with their head down.

Soccer Drill contributed by: Chris Johnson

Drill Info:
This is for ages U6, U8.  Run this soccer drill with at least 8 players but no more than 20. This soccer drill should last approximately 20 minutes  on a small field. Make sure you have the following equipment: cones, alternate jersey, .

Setup:
Create 4 - 7X7 yard grids by making a big 30X30 grid and sectioning off the corners of the larger grid. Create four different color teams of 3-6 players per team. Make sure you have enough balls for every player and assign each team 1 of the 4 grids. Number the teams 1 through 4.

Instructions:
The coach should yell a pair of team numbers to start these teams “switch” (switch boxes with each other). Start off with only two groups working against each other as their objective is to dribble to their opponent’s grid as fast as they can and stop their ball in the grid. The first team with the entire team is in their opponents grid with their balls completely stopped is awarded a point. Remind players to keep their heads up and ball close since they are headed into oncoming traffic, players must be aware of players coming towards them.

Variations:
Once the teams have conquered the control factor with 2 teams switching, make all 4 teams switch at once. Switching the groups diagonally will cause all 4 teams meet in the middle. This can get pretty messy, so make sure your players are ready for this before you attempt it.

Coaching Points:
The key to this soccer drill is to keeping the ball close and head up. Once this is accomplished encourage the player to do it with greater speed.

Focus:
Technical Dribbling