Focus: Dribbling Drill
Number of Players: +8
Age: +U8
Level: Easy
Setup:
- Create a square with sides measuring about 10-15 meters each.
- Use 2 cones to mark a 2-meter wide space in the middle of each side of the square for players to receive the ball inside.
- Divide the players into two teams and position them on opposite sides of the square, facing each other.
- Place a starting defender from one of the teams in the middle of the square.
- Adjust distances between cones based on the age and skill level of the players.
Why Use This Drill?
The 1v1 Dribbling Drill provides a competitive environment for players to enhance their skills in one-on-one situations, benefiting both attacking and defending capabilities. It offers players the opportunity to experiment with various skill moves, feints, or turns. If necessary, coaches can introduce different moves to help players navigate past the defender. For the defending player, this drill sharpens skills in reading opponents, blocking passing lanes, and executing effective tackles.
How It Works
Players aim to pass the ball to their teammate on the opposite side. To achieve this, they must dribble past the defender to open up a passing lane. The players continue to take turns dribbling past the defender and passing to the next teammate. If the defender successfully wins the ball or forces it out of bounds, the player who lost possession becomes the new defender and the other team starts with the ball.
The process then repeats, with defenders switching each time the ball is won or goes out of bounds.
Other Key Points:
- Include various skill moves and feints for the players to practice and enhance their abilities.
- Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball.
- The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.
