Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): U13-U21 Session - Dribbling 2

1 v 3 Dirbbling Game (20 mins)

Setup:

In groups of 4 or 5. Four gates that are 4-5 yards apart. are set-up. Gates are across from each other. The space between the gates is room for the attacker to dribble back into the grid. Balls are positioned in between the gates, outside the grid.

How It Works:

Player with ball is trying to dribble through as many gates as possible in 45 seconds, each time is 1 point. There are 4 gates and 3 defenders so there is always an open gate.

The attacker always has to come from between the gates and not through it when coming back in. Defenders have to transition quickly to stop easy points.

Allow players multiple tries. 

Defender Restrictions:

Defenders cannot kick the ball away from the attacker in the middle of the grid or as they are dribbling into the grid. Defenders can only kick the ball when the attacker is within 1 yard of a gate. (Imagine a circular line that goes around the inside the grid, 1 yard inside the gates- defenders can kick the ball once the attacker goes outside of the circle.)

Keys:

1. 1st touch into space

2. Dribble with far foot

3. Use fakes in covered direction to open up more space. (You will see players trying to score in guarded gates).

4. Change of direction/change of pace.

5. Keep eye on ball and defender

6. Confidence in your move/ability

1 v 1 Transition Game (20 mins)

Set Up:

Goals are 20 yards apart (can use small goals with no goalkeepers). One team is lined up beside one goal and the other is lined up beside the other. Each player in line has a ball.

How It Works:

Attacker comes out against defender waiting. Attacker is trying to beat defender 1 v 1 and finish. Once the attacker loses the ball or shoots then the attacker becomes a defender with a new attacker coming out. Defender goes to back of line after sequence. If attackers stop going forward or slow to make the attack unrealistic then end the sequence.

Keys:

1.Close down quickly with stutter step to slow down before attacker

2.Block one side by having back leg farther inside than front foot.

3.Be on one side of ball (don’t be in line or attacker can go both ways)

4.Stay on toes and stutter step (stutter step allows for defender to react quicker when attacker tries to accelerate).

5.Keep Distance (2 arms lengths away), back up at same pace as attacker moves forward.

6.Knees and back bent

7.Back up on angle (not straight back)

8. Tackle when opportunity arises (bad touch, slow pass, etc...)