Soccer Dribbling Drills

Soccer dribbling drills are critical to mastering the art of dribbling. Dribbling is one of the essential skills in soccer and is useful in taking on defenders, maintaining possession, or reducing pressure.

Dribbling is one of the first skills coaches should teach players at an early age.

Purpose of Dribbling in Soccer

  • Players can dribble to space to maintain possession.
  • Players can take on defenders to advance the ball towards the opponent's goal.
  • Players can dribble to releave pressure by creting time and space.

Soccer Dribbling Requires

  • Good footwork
  • Command of the ball at all times
  • Ability to change direction
  • Good with all parts of the foot (inside, outside, bottom, top, shoelaces, etc.)
  • Good with both feet
  • Proper touch (not too hard, not too soft)

Youth Soccer Dribbling Drills Coaching Points and Techniques

Here are a few coaching points to focus on when coaching dribbling drills:

  • Low center of gravity.
  • Keep arms up and out for balance.
  • Keep the head and eyes up. The eyes should not be on the ball.
  • Scan the field as you are dribbling. This will improve your vison and awareness.
  • Dribble with the shoelaces when dribbling.
  • Keep the ball close in pressure and away from you in space.
  • Dribble with confidence.
  • When taking players on, get to the space behind the defender.
  • Use your body to protect the ball.
  • Change of speed and change of pace to lose the defender.
  • Accelerate once you have beat the defender.
  • Don't do too many moves, or attempt to beat the same defender multiple times.

Browse the Latest Soccer Dribbling Drills

Dribbling and Passing Warm-up Drill

Chris Johnson 3,289 Views Rating 0 (0 Reviews)
This is a dribbling and passing warm-up drill to kick off a training session.

Follow the Leader Dribbling

Chris Johnson 1,377 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 atte…

Obstacle Course Dribble Drill

Chris Johnson 2,653 Views Rating 0 (0 Reviews)
This soccer Obstacle Course dribbling drill helps to improve dribbling skills and agility and enhances coordination and control while maneuvering the ball around obstacles.

Soccer Dribbling Basics

Chris Johnson 1,511 Views Rating 0 (0 Reviews)
This soccer dribbling drill is fundamental to young player's development, laying the foundation for more advanced dribbling skills.

Shark Attack Soccer Drill

Chris Johnson 4,301 Views Rating 0 (0 Reviews)
This is a fun soccer game for younger players while introducing defensive pressure. Your kids will love the Shark Attack game.

2v2 + 1 to Two Goals

Chris Johnson 17,604 Views Rating 0 (0 Reviews)
This is a 2v2 + 1 attacking soccer game is played to two goals with a free attacker on the end line between the two goals. This game focuses on playing the ball forward to your target player before go…

1v1 Transition Game

Chris Johnson 18,189 Views Rating 0 (0 Reviews)
That is a fast paced 1v1 transition game mean to focus on beating the defender and getting it into your teammate, or quickly transition to defense if the ball is lost.

One-Touch Passing Combination with a Dribble; Series 2

Chris Johnson 14,946 Views Rating 0 (0 Reviews)
This is the second series to a great one-touch passing combination warm up soccer drill with light dribbling.

One-Touch Passing Combination with a Dribble; Series 1

Chris Johnson 9,326 Views Rating 0 (0 Reviews)
one-touch, passing combination, passing receiving, light dribble

1v1 Transition

Chris Johnson 12,436 Views Rating 0 (0 Reviews)
This is a fast-paced 1v1 game that focuses on quickly transitioning from the attack to defense.