Youth 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 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

Figure Eight Dribbling Drill

The Figure Eight soccer dribbling drill is a good change to weaving in and out of cones and is great for dribbling with the inside and outside of the foot.

4.04 (24) 78,825 Views

Zig-Zag Dribbling Drill

The Zig-Zag soccer dribbling drill focuses on dribbling with speed with the inside, the outside, and the bottom of the foot.

3.5 (16) 38,158 Views

T-Cone Dribbling Drill

The T-Cone soccer dribbling drill is a great drill to focus on dribbling with speed, controlled touches, turns, and fitness.

3.11 (9) 109,784 Views

Catch Me If You Can

The soccer dribbling drill is a fun and competitive exercise that focuses on dribbling with speed.

3.42 (24) 136,704 Views

6 vs 4 Team Training Numbers

This 6 vs 4 team training drill focuses on team movement, communication, and passing. This is a great session to end on after an intense passing practice.

3.39 (18) 92,060 Views

7v7 Scrimmage

A 7v7 scrimmage is a great way to end most of your training sessions. The 7 vs 7 allows players to focus on team tactics in realistic training situations and respond to problems presented in the full-sided game.

4.4 (5) 86,843 Views

1v1 Diamond Shooting Drill

This 1v1 drill focuses on a passing combination with movement off the ball and finishes with a one vs. one to goal. If players miss they become the keeper and the game continues. Players love the fun, competitive twist of being able to make a player become a goalkeeper.

4.3 (10) 309,457 Views