Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): U8 Roots - Week #2 - Dribbling & Change of Direction

Dribbling Warm Up (10 mins)

Organization: 15x15 area; All players with ball

Educate: What four parts of the foot can you dribble with? Inside, Outside, Top (Laces), Bottom (Sole)

Instructions:

• Players dribble their ball using all parts of the foot; goal is to use all parts

• Start with an open dribble (Both feet)

Coach calls out different commands (May need to stop and demonstrate): 

• Left foot only
  
• Right foot only

• Inside/Outside of the foot

• Laces (Top)

• Sole Rolls (Bottom)

• Toe taps

• Happy Feet/Tick Tocks

Moves to Change Direction: Focus on the following (Demonstrate)

• Pullback

• Inside Chop (turn with inside of foot)

• Outside Cut (turn with outside of foot)
• L-Turn

Coaching Points for Successful Dribbling:

• Keeping ball close (provides more control)

• Head up

• Spatial awareness - Is there anyone behind you before you turn?

Game:

SHARK - Players attempt to steal teammates balls as they aim to maintain possession of their own. If a players ball gets kicked out of bounds, they are out. Last player with their ball, wins!

Pullback/Turns (15 mins)

Organization:

1. 4 cones in the middle of the area

2. Each player has a ball

3. Separate players into 2 teams (can make 4 teams if needed)

Instructions:

1. On Coaches command, players dribble out to the cones, perform turn and return to their starting point.

2. When they reach starting point the next person in line goes.

3. Turns to focus on: pull back, inside chop and outside cut.

Coaching Points:

1. Close Control

2. Head Up (check over shoulder to assess space and pressure)

3. Accelerate after the turn

Progressions:

1. Make into a race

2. Challenge more advanced players to perfrom Cryuff turn/L turn.