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
2v2 with Target Players to Small Goals
2v2 drill focusing on penetrating passes to a target player to stretch the field and finish on goal.
1v1 Attacking to a Full-Size Goal
1v1 attacking drill that focuses on beating the defender in a 1v1 situation and finishing on a full-size goal.
1v1 Three Grid Attacking Drill
1v1 Attacking Drill focuses on dribbling to beat defenders.
Soccer Shooting on the Dribble
Soccer shooting drill focusing on receiving a flighted ball, quickly dribble on the attack, and finishing with a shot on goal.
Combination - Pass and Move
This passing and moving combination soccer drill focuses on crisp, clean passing, timing, movement off the ball, and the speed of play.
1v1 Battle - Attacking and Reaction Drill
This 1v1 soccer battle drill will focus on the attacking and defending aspects of the game.
2v2 Battle - Attacking and Defending Drill
This 2v2 soccer attacking and defending drill focuses on the attacker's decision to dribble, pass, or shoot. From the defensive side, they must quickly close down the attackers and deny space.
The Cristiano Ronaldo Speed Test
The Cristiano Ronaldo Speed Test is an individual assessment of ones ability to dribble the ball at pace while maintaining control.
1v1 Attacking and Reaction Drill
This 1v1 soccer attacking drill focuses on the attacker making quick faints, a change of direction, and a burst of speed while causing the defender to react quickly to the attacker's movements.
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.
