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Dribbling The Ball PDF
Dribbling The Ball PDF
Skill Guide
Dribbling the ball
Dribbling the ball is both a skill and an art. Some of the best players
in football, like Messi and Maradona, have dazzled the world and
stunned their opponents with sublime dribbling. Good dribbling requires an intimate touch with the ball and an awareness of everything that is happening around you. This guide focuses on the key
skills required for good dribbling, as well as a range of drills and
games that can help your players to become comfortable when
dribbling.
Page 1
Better Coaches,
Better Players.
Dribbling principles
Looking up
The end purpose of dribbling the ball should be to move the ball forward
towards the oppositions goal, and get into a scoring position. This means
a player needs to move whilst controlling the ball. If they don't want to give
the ball away, and want to be able to pass the ball to a team-mate, the
dribbler needs to look up and be aware of the surrounding players, and of
their location on the pitch. This requires using peripheral vision to keep
the ball in view while looking up. This can be difficult for young players,
but with practice, should become natural and comfortable.
Many player have one foot that is dominant, and will favor that foot when
dribbling the ball. It is crucial that players are encouraged to not only use
both feet, but to use both the inside and outside of each foot to move the
ball forward. This ensures that the player is able to use the most efficient
movements to control the ball, and do not waste precious time getting the
ball onto the favored foot. It also allows the player to keep the ball away
from defenders by using the furthest foot to dribble the ball.
A dribbling player must be in control of the ball. Many young players tend
to kick and chase, which means that the ball is out of their control while
they are chasing, leaving them open to an interception. The ball should be
kept close to the feet using a relaxed foot, and a soft but purposeful
movement. The side of the big toe or little toe is the best area of the foot
to use to maintain control.
Unpredictability
2
Page 2
Better Coaches,
Better Players.
Close Dribbling
Description
Skill Breakdown
not be controlled
The player should be looking up, keeping the ball in their lower
peripheral vision
Coaching Points
3
Page 3
To help young players to look up and trust their peripheral vision, get them
to stand looking straight ahead with a ball between their feet. Get them to
take small steps back until they can see the ball (without looking down).
They should find the ball about a foot from their feet, which is the perfect
distance for control!
Better Coaches,
Better Players.
4
Page 4
Better Coaches,
Better Players.
Running with the ball is different to dribbling. Running with the ball
involves running at speed, moving the ball at a greater distance in front
to allow a fast pace. This does not mean that the player should lose
control of the ball thoughthe ball should never go more than a running
step or two in front of the player. Of course, a running step is going to
be longer than a dribbling step. Running with the ball should be used
for fast breaks up the wing or through the middle. To be most effective,
the player should be prepared to change the pace and direction of the
run, and should be looking up to see threats and opportunities.
Skill Breakdown
The player should start the run by pushing the ball forward firmly and
Coaching Points
Page 5
Running with the ball can be hard as most young players over-kick the
ball and lose control. Encourage keeping the foot relaxed, and the use
of a firm pushing action rather than a kicking action. Watch for the ball
being kicked with the toe, which maintains little control, or with the side
ankle (used for passing) which can slow the running action.
Better Coaches,
Better Players.
Changing Direction
Description
side cuts
should be placed in front of the moving ball, and the ankle used to stop
the ball, dragging it back in the opposite direction.
Sole drags
Another way to move the ball in a changed direction is to drag the ball
with the sole of the foot. The ball can be dragged back, or to the side
using the sole of the foot. This takes practice as a firm movement on
top of the ball is needed.
Feints
YouTube Links
These techniques are quite advanced and can be hard to master. They
are an important part of the mix, but should not be taught to young
players before they can demonstrate a basic ability to dribble the ball.
Once you are ready to teach these skills, there are many videos and
tutorials on the web that can show you the technical breakdown of each
move. Type any of the above terms in the search bar on
www.youtube.com to find a treasure trove of videos!
Page 6
Better Coaches,
Better Players.
Warm-up
Warm-up Outline
Resources
Instructions
Coaching Points
Progress from one foot to both feet, and inside or outside foot
only
Page 7
Better Coaches,
Better Players.
Warm-up
Warm-up Outline
Resources
Instructions
Coaching Points
Page 8
They should stay in their position in the line, not pass you or their
teammates
Ensure they are using both feet, inside and outside. Call out
instructions as well as doing it yourself
Better Coaches,
Better Players.
Dribbling Drills
Drill Outline
Resources
Instructions
Set up a square 10m x 10m. Instruct the dribblers to dribble their balls in
the square, avoiding the other dribblers. They should use a range of
dribbling techniques, and should change direction and pace frequently.
Coaching Points
Page 9
Ensure they are using both feet, and inside and outside of foot
If they are bumping into each other too much, make the square
bigger, or take a player or two out
Better Coaches,
Better Players.
Drill Progressions
Dribble and Tackle
Whilst dribbling and controlling their own
balls as before, players now need to try to
cause other players to lose control of their
balls as they pass close by. They will need
to look up to see threats and opportunities.
Dribbling Statues
Introduce 2-3 tacklers into the square. They
have to tackle and kick the dribblers ball
outside the square. A tackled dribbler has to
stand still with legs wide until another
dribbler can free them by passing their ball
between their legs. This can be used as a
small game exercise.
Tacklers win
Toe Taps
A great way to help the kids get a feel for the ball is to get them to do toe taps. Get them to
place a ball between their feet and tap the ball back and forth between their big toes. This
requires s soft touch and build control. Once they are comfortable, get them to move forwards and backwards while toe tapping. Highly competent toe tappers can move in circles
or other shapes. Regular toe tapping practice will soon help them to dribble with confidence as they will have an intuitive feel for the ball.
Page 10
Better Coaches,
Better Players.
Dribbling Drills
Drill Outline
Resources
Instructions
Set the cones up along a line about 5m apart. Have the players face
each other, the attacker (dribbler) with the ball. The players cannot
cross the line. The attacker must dribble the ball back and forth along
their side of the line, and the defender must mirror their movements.
The objective is for the dribbler to lose the defender by reaching a
cone with the ball whilst leaving the defender behind.
Coaching Points
Page 11
The sole of the foot should be used to drag the ball sideways as
well as the inside and outside of foot
Watch for players just standing still with the ball, deciding which
way they will go. Keep them moving all of the time
Better Coaches,
Better Players.
Dribbling Drills
Drill Outline
Resources
Instructions
Set up a 10m x 10m square using cones or poles. Set up 2 x 1m minigoals at one end. The attacking team should line up and one at a time
dribble the ball into the square. The defenders should line up outside
the square and one at a time run in and defend. The attacker scores a
point by dribbling the ball into one of the goals. The defender scores a
point by kicking the ball out of the square. The team that scores the
most points wins.
Coaching Points
Page 12
The ball must be dribbled through the goal, not shot or kicked
Better Coaches,
Better Players.
Small Game
Game Outline
Resources
Instructions
Coaching Points
Page 13
Coach the attacking team, not the defenders ( this can also be a
great game to practice defensive jockeying, but make that a
separate session)
Better Coaches,
Better Players.
Perfect practice
makes perfect!
other skills documents that together, will make up the basic coaching
manual for HPW junior coaches.
Coaching skills
Passing
Goalkeeping
Dribbling
Shooting
Heading
Each of the skills documents will outline the basic skill breakdowns, and a
range of static drills, dynamic drills and small training games that can be
used to coach the skills.
If you would like further information or clarification on the content of this
document or others in the series, please contact Dermot Crowley on
[email protected]
Happy coaching!
Page 14
Better Coaches,
Better Players.