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
Fun Soccer Dribbling Warm-up
This is a fun soccer dribbling warm-up game that is an excellent ice-breaker at the beginning of the season or the beginning of a camp to get the kids warmed up with a light, fun dribbling game. These exercises might are a bit advanced for the beginner soccer player.
Traffic Jam Dribbling Game
This game is just out right fun! The kids will have a blast playing this game. This drill is ideal for kids who know how to dribble but just need to learn to get their heads up and dribble under the pressures of mere congestion.
The Soccer Gauntlet
The primary focus of THE SOCCER GAUNTLET is centered around proper dribbling technique in traffic which requires vision and awareness.
1v1v1 Triangle Game
The 1v1v1 Triangle Game soccer drill focuses on attacking in a number-down situation. This game will encourage players to dribble, take players on, shield the ball from the defensive players, and the vision to find the open goal. Defensively this drill promotes players to stay aware of their defensive shape and tackling players on the dribble.
Soccer Tag Dribbling Game
Soccer Tag is an excellent soccer drill for young players ages under 5 through under 8. Soccer Tag is a fun soccer drill that allows players to gain confidence on the ball while getting a lot of touches.
HItters and Dodgers
The hitters and dodgers soccer drill is a great warm-up and exercise for younger players under 5 through under 9. This soccer drill is excellent for teaching players to dribble and then getting their heads up to make a pass. This soccer drill is so much fun, and the younger players love this game.
Down and Back Dribbling Game
This drill is most effective with young players just learning to dribble. This drill teaches players to dribble in high traffic, high-pressure situations while staying in control. It's a great warm-up to focus on controlling the ball with all parts of the foot.
Body Parts Warm-up Game
This fun soccer dribbling drill focuses on the younger player's dribbling skills, and the ability to listen to directions and think quick on their feet while holding the ball close. This drill is an excellent dribbling warm-up exercise for Under 4, Under 5, and Under 6 soccer players.
3-Minute Shooting Drill
This soccer drill allows the coach to focus on shooting, goalkeeping and clearing balls from the back. This drill is an excellent warmup to a shooting or clearing practice.
Transition Drill
This dynamic game will allow you to focus on the transition from offense to defense. This soccer transitional drill is designed to be played at a quick pace.
