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

Simon Says - Youth Soccer Drill

This soccer dribbling drill is for U6 and U8 players. This drill focuses on dribbling and keeping close control for quick instructions. This is a fun soccer drill that also works on listening skills for the younger player.

3.82 (61) 178,046 Views

2v1 and 1v1 Possession Game

This soccer drill focuses on both possession and penetration. It helps to teach communication and switching the point of attack to keep possession and penetrate the defense.

3.65 (34) 76,102 Views

Great Attacking Skills

This drill focuses on attacking in a number’s up situation and opening up and finding the attacker in a 1v1 situation. This drill puts much emphasis on good passing, receiving and general possession.

3.58 (19) 58,844 Views

Attacking from the Midfield

This attacking soccer drill focuses on building an attack from the midfield and focuses on the midfield players getting forward into the attacking third.

4.15 (148) 296,744 Views

Attacking from the Back

This soccer drill focuses on building an attack from the back starting with the keeper’s distribution. When performed on a full field this drill demands a great deal of fitness as it should be executed at top speed in a continuous fashion.

3.72 (36) 65,444 Views

3v1 - Attacking the Goal

This attacking soccer drill focus on the attacking movement and composure in front of the goal. Players will become comfortable in front of the goal and will be able to recognize situational play.

3.79 (29) 73,268 Views

4v3 Attack vs. Defense

This attacking soccer drill is a great drill to focus on finishing. Since the attackers have the numerical advantage, they should learn how to exploit their advantage and finish with a shot on goal.

4.18 (119) 321,520 Views

Attacking the End Line Crossing Game

This drill focuses on attacking from the end line from the flanks and serving a ball in. This is a great crossing game to isolate the flank players and getting them to serve the ball in front of the goal.

4.01 (81) 166,600 Views

5v2 Rotating Defenders

This 5v2 drill will focus on keeping possession by making good passes as well as good passing decisions, moving to open space, and good communication.

4.12 (140) 202,702 Views

3v2 Flying Changes

This drill is designed to focus on all aspects of the game in a 3v2 situation. Mainly runs of attackers, angle of support, passing vs. shooting decisions, defensive shape, and recovery runs, along with working on mental attentiveness.

4 (100) 160,980 Views