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
Team Reaction Dribbling Drill
1v1 50/50 to Goal Team Competition
5v5 Dribbling Game
This 5v5 soccer dribbling game is more of a realistic setting to help focus on improving dribbling skills. Because of a large number of players, players are forced to make decisions to dribble, pass, or shoot.
2v2 Dribbling to Beat the Defender
The 2v2 Dribbling to Beat the Defender soccer dribbling drill helps players recognize when to dribble, pass, or get off a shot once they beat the first defender.
2v1 Dribbling with Opposition
In this 2v1 Dribbling with Opposition dribbling drill, we put the players in a 2v1 situation forcing the players to decide whether they should dribble or pass.
1v1 1st Attacker Dribbling Without Opposition
This 1v1 dribbling exercise allows coaches to focus on the 1st attacker's ability to beat the defender on the dribble. In this soccer drill, the coach should focus on the attacker's approach, make sure the attacker has a change in direction, and finish with a burst of speed (change of pace). This drill helps beginners get a feel for moving around defenders.
Shadow Dribbling
This shadow soccer dribbling drill uses partners who do not attempt to gain possession of the ball but adds extra pressure as they follow the dribbler around and tries to imitate the lead dribblers every move.
Speed of Play Warm-up
This soccer drill is a great warm-up to sessions relating to the speed of play in a soccer game. Players must have a good grasp of necessary passing and receiving skills to execute this soccer drill successfully.
1v1, 1v2, 2v2 - 4 goal game
This 1v1, 2v2 to multiple goals soccer drill puts soccer players in 1v1 and 2v2 situations with multiple goals. 1v1 soccer helps players focus on penetration by forcing the player to dribble to beat their opponent and allows players to make the attack unpredictable through creativity. Your kids will love this soccer drill!
Can You Do This?
The Can You Do This? soccer drill focuses on players under 6 years old. It is designed to work on simple body movement, coordination, and balance.
