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

3v3 Plus 3

This drill focuses on keeping possession. Passing, receiving, movement, and angle of support can be singled out. Causes players to look up and be aware of the surrounding players.

4.16 (106) 286,564 Views

4v4, To Lines or Small Goals

In Soccer, 4v4 is the smallest version of a full-sided game. While on the attack, to be successful in a four vs. four matches, players must penetrate via the pass, dribble, or shot; players must provide support to the player with the ball, and players need to create width to the field. On the defensive side of the field, players must provide pressure to the ball, delay the attack, cover for the player pressuring the ball, and balancing the field of play. This 4v4 practice focuses on all aspects of the match including attacking, defending, passing, receiving, support, penetration, and spreading the field.

4.24 (75) 180,407 Views