Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Dribbling

Movement Prep (15 mins)

Organisation:

35x35 square with a 8x8 box in the center.

3 sets of 3 cones and 3 sets of 2 cones (gates).

Instruction:

Players work in pairs with 1 ball per pair. One player stands in the center box while the player on the ball dribbles through a set of 3 cones and a gate before passing to teammate inside box and switching places, the player on the ball now repeats the sequance.

Challenge:

First pair to go through cones and gates the quickest wins a point

Progression 1:

Players now have a ball each and must dribble through cones, gates and center box.

Progression 2:

Defender added into center box who must try to tag players as they go through

Players can award themselves 1 point for successfully dribbling through box wouthout being tagged

Progression 3:

Players must dribble through cones and a gate before attempting to go through center box

Progression 4:

Defenders added into outside area where they must look to tag a player, they cant tag a player while they are dribbling thorugh cones or gates.

Coaching points:

Small touches with front of the foot

Use upper body/arms for movement

Stay light on your feet

Focus:

Master the basic technique

High tempo when on the ball

Fun, enjoyment!

Lots of touches on the ball

Part 2 (20 mins)

Organisation:

5 4x4 boxes

6 teams of 3 players with a ball each

Instruction:

Each team must start in a box, how quickly can you get through all boxes and back to where you started? (team challenge)

Progressions:

You cannot be in the same box as your teammate at the same time

Try and find a diferent way to enter and exit each box! (north, east, south, west)

Perform a skill or a turn inside the box

Must go through middle box before going through a corner box

Opposed progression:

1 team are now defenders and must try and tag players as they are dribbling through boxes.

If players are finding it too easy to get away from defenders add another defending team

Regression:

If success rate of dribbling through boxes decreases, defenders are not aloud to go in and can only tag players when they are in the main area.

Coaching Points:

Keep ball close to feet, head up looking for space

Be aware of where defenders are

Look to change direction and speed when under pressure from defender

Focus/intended outcomes:

Be creative

Progression through the areas

Players are able to dribble in an opposed situation

Decision making weather to be brave and dribble towards or away from defender