Team Tactics Dribbling in the Attacking Third

1. This drill requires the attacking third of the field with a full-size goal.
2. Split the team into six attackers, six defenders, a goalkeeper, and a server.
3. The server will start around midfield with a supply of balls.
4. Assign each defender an attacker. These defenders are restricted to defending this attacker only and should play tight man-to-man defense.

1. Attackers move to get free from their defender to receive a pass from the server.
2. As the attacker receives the ball, they must immediately face his defender before dribbling.
3. The attacker's decision at this point is to:
   (1) take a shot if an opportunity exists;
   (2) make a pass to a player in a more advantageous spot;
   (3) dribble to beat the defender.
4. If the defensive team wins the ball, the play is dead, and the server quickly starts with a new ball.

• The tight defense will create a risk in going forward, but a risk that must be taken to score.
• Players work together to create space.

Decisions:

• Dribble - Players must dribble in the offensive third when a pass or shot is not available. Look to beat the defender and get to the space behind the defense.
• Pass - when a shot is not available in the attacking 3rd, a player must pass. It's critical that supporting players always create space from their defenders and support the player with the ball.
• Shoot - A player misses all shots that they do not take. Encourage players to beat the defender and get a shot on goal. A half-chance is a better option than no shot.

• Remove restrictions on the defenders.