Double Square Dribble And Passing Drill

PLAYERS:

TIME:

15 min.

FOCUS:

Dribbling

AGE:

U8+

INTENSITY:

4/10

SETUP

Arrange two squares with four cones each: an inner square 10 meters wide and an outer square 15 meters wide.
Position at least 2 players at each cone on the outer square, giving 8 players in total. – Use four footballs, one at each cone on the outer square.
Adjust distances between cones based on the age and skill level of the players.

WHY USE THIS DRILL?

The Double Square Dribble and Passing Drill is an excellent way for younger players to build the fundamentals: dribbling with close control, turning, and passing. The pattern is simple enough that players pick it up within a couple of repetitions, which leaves them free to experiment with different turns on the cones and grow the range of moves they can call on in a match. Because players work both with and without the ball, the drill also lifts their fitness levels, making it a strong opener for a session before you move on to other drills.

HOW IT WORKS

All four starting players set off at the same time, one from each outer cone. Each player dribbles alongside the inner square to the far cone on that side, turns on the cone, and dribbles back along the edge of the inner square to the near cone. After a second turn there, the player passes to the first player in the next line and follows the pass to join the back of that line. The next player sets off straight away and the sequence repeats.

The rotation runs counter-clockwise: the top-left line works down the left side and passes to the bottom-left line, the bottom-left line works across the bottom and passes to the bottom-right line, and so on around the square. Reverse the direction halfway through so players turn off both feet.

Focus on keeping the ball close through both turns while holding a good pace on the runs between them. Let players choose their turn on the cone, or call out one for the whole group to work on:

Inside Turn
Outside Turn
Cruyff Turn
V Turn
Stepover Turn

OTHER KEY POINTS

Keep the ball within a stride through both turns, then push the pace again on the way out of them.
Call out your teammate’s name when passing for better teamwork.
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.