Follow the Leader Dribbling

Chris Johnson 4,831 Views Rating 0 (0 Reviews)

In this drill, players follow a leader who dribbles the ball around the field, performing various movements and turns. The followers must mimic the leader's actions, encouraging them to pay close attention and react quickly. Use this drill to help enhance dribbling skills and agility and to develop the ability to imitate and react to different movements and techniques.

Soccer Drill Diagram: Follow the Leader Dribbling

follow the leader soccer dribbling game

In this drill, players follow a leader who dribbles the ball around the field, performing various movements and turns. The followers must mimic the leader's actions, encouraging them to pay close attention and react quickly.
Drill Setup

  1. Select one player as the leader.
  2. The other players line up behind and follow the leader, each with a soccer ball.
  3. Define a large enough area on the field for the drill.
Drill Instructions

  1. The leader starts dribbling, and the followers start to dribble their balls, mimicking the leader’s movements.
  2. The leader should change speed, direction, and dribbling techniques frequently.
  3. Encourage the leader to be creative with their movements, using different parts of the feet and incorporating turns.
  4. After a few minutes, rotate the leader so each player can lead.
Drill Variations

  • Skill-Specific Moves: Have the leader perform specific dribbling techniques (e.g., inside foot, outside foot, sole rolls) for followers to replicate.
  • Obstacle Integration: Integrate cones or other obstacles for the leader to dribble around, increasing complexity.
  • Speed Variation: Vary the speed of the drill, from slow dribbling to fast-paced moves.
Drill Coaching Points

  • Stress the importance of keeping the ball close for better control.
  • Encourage followers to keep their heads up to observe the leader’s movements.
  • Teach players to use different parts of their feet and to be agile with quick changes in direction.
  • Highlight the importance of spatial awareness and reaction time.

Top Rated Soccer Drills


7v7 Scrimmage

Chris Johnson 160,660 Views Rating 4.4 (5 Reviews)
It's always good to finishing a soccer training session with a 7 vs. 7 scrimmage to focus on team play.

Sharks and Minnows

Chris Johnson 574,231 Views Rating 4.3 (166 Reviews)
The Sharks and Minnows dribbling drill focuses on using the body to protect the ball by placing their body in between the ball and the defender.

1v1 Diamond Shooting Drill

Chris Johnson 494,420 Views Rating 4.3 (10 Reviews)
Spice up your shooting combination drill by finishing with a 1v1 to goal. Add a fun little twist, and the kids love it.

Pirates of the Pugg

John Bychok 721,294 Views Rating 4.27 (384 Reviews)
This drill is an excellent drill for younger players ages 8-11 and focuses on dribbling technique in traffic which requires vision and awareness.

Alien Tag Soccer Game

Chris Johnson 343,189 Views Rating 4.27 (11 Reviews)
Alien tag is a great Under 4 soccer game for 3, 4, 5, and 6 year-olds. Your kids will like flying around and crashing in their spaceship.

4v4 Soccer to a Small Gate

Chris Johnson 249,792 Views Rating 4.24 (75 Reviews)
4v4 in soccer is the smallest game focusing on all aspects of a full sided soccer match.

The Flag Game - Dribbling in Tight Spaces

Chris Johnson 199,509 Views Rating 4.23 (48 Reviews)
The flat game soccer drill is designed to focus on young soccer players learning to dribble in tight spaces.

Four Corners Passing Game

Chris Johnson 802,764 Views Rating 4.2 (284 Reviews)
The Four Corners Soccer Passing Game is a great soccer passing drill to focus on changing the point of the attack, and timing of runs and passes.

1v1 Competition

Chris Johnson 341,937 Views Rating 4.2 (147 Reviews)
This drill is great to focus on 1v1 play. It is flexible and can be used to work on the offensive side or the defensive side.

Ouch!

Chris Johnson 691,946 Views Rating 4.18 (268 Reviews)
A FUN soccer drill for younger players (U6, U7, and U8) to introduce dribbling, looking up and correctly striking the ball at a target.