Dribbling-the-Ball.pdf

7/25/2019 Dribbling-the-Ball.pdf

1/14

Dribbling the ball

Hurlstone Park Wanderers

Skill Guide

Better Coaches,Better Coaches,Better Coaches,Better Coaches,

Better Players.Better Players.Better Players.Better Players.

Dribbling the ball is both a skill and an art. Some of the best playersin football, like Messi and Maradona, have dazzled the world and

stunned their opponents with sublime dribbling. Good dribbling re-

quires an intimate touch with the ball and an awareness of every-

thing 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


2/14

2

Dribbling principles

The end purpose of dribbling the ball should be to move the ball forwardtowards 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 whendribbling 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 whilethey 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.

If a player dribbles the ball in a straight line at a constant speed, it wont

take a defender long to predict where and when they can best intercept or

tackle. Therefore, good dribbling requires changes in direction and pace,

creating an unpredictable pattern. This is what makes players like Messiso hard to manage, they can think extremely quickly, and can get their feet

to move in an extremely unpredictable way, whilst maintaining total control

over the ball.



Looking up

Use both feet

Ball close to feet

Unpredictability

Page 2


3/14

3

Close Dribbling

Close dribbling is a technique used in tight spaces or when moving theball over a short distance. A soft touch is used to move the ball forward

(or indeed, backwards or to the side). The ball should not move outside of

the reach of the player, and should look and feel like an extension of the

players foot. The key to this is having a relaxed foot, and moving the ball

with soft pushes or taps rather than kicks.

The side of the big toe (inside foot) or the side of the little toe (outside

foot) should be used

The player should be on their toes, slightly crouched to achieve a low

centre of gravity, with arms held out to aid balance

The ball should pushed forward with every step, using both feet

The foot should be relaxed! If tense, the ball will bounce forward and

not be controlled

The player should be looking up, keeping the ball in their lower

peripheral vision

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!



Description

Skill Breakdown

Coaching Points

Page 3


4/14

4

Close Dribbling VariationsInside foot dribbling

Outside foot dribbling

Dribble with both feet

The inside of the big toe is used to move the

ball forward. The foot should be angled

slightly outwards, but not held as square as

when passing the ball. Player should move

forward keeping the ball within easy reach.

Body balanced and in a slight crouch

Both feet should be used to dribble

Foot should be relaxed

Player should feel the ball with big toe


Better Players.Better Players.Better Players.Better Players.Page 4

The outside of the foot is the preferred part

of the foot to dribble with for top players as it

allows faster running with control. The

outside of the little toe is used this time, with

the foot turned inwards to allow a forward or

sideway push.

Foot held inwards at about 45 degrees

Ball can be dribbled forwards or to the

side of the foot being used

Foot should be relaxed

Player should feel the ball with little toe

It is extremely important to ensure that young players learn to dribble with both feet from

early on. If a player favours their strong foot for dribbling, they limit the movements they

can make, the speed in which they can move the ball, and they become more predictable

for defenders. A good dribbler will use both feet, and use both inside and outside of each

foot to move the ball where they want to with the most efficient movement.


5/14

Running with the ball

Running with the ball is different to dribbling. Running with the ballinvolves 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.

The player should start the run by pushing the ball forward firmly and

building speed quickly

The instep or laces part of foot is used to push the ball forward

The ball should not go too far aheadthe player should be able to

touch the ball with every second running step

Direction changes should be made using the inside or outside toes

The player should be looking up, and the foot relaxed

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.



Description

Skill Breakdown

Coaching Points

Page 5


6/14

Changing Direction

A key to effective dribbling is the ability to change direction suddenlyand unpredictably. Changes in direction can be made using several

techniques, and are often disguised so that it throws defenders off

balance, allowing the attacker to move past them quickly.

A cut is made by using the inside or outside of the foot to suddenly

stop the ball, and drag it back in the opposite direction. This sudden

movement can take advantage of a defenders momentum, and allow

you to pull the ball back while they keep moving forward. The foot

should be placed in front of the moving ball, and the ankle used to stop

the ball, dragging it back in the opposite direction.

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.

When dribbling past a defender, it is often necessary to trick them into

thinking that you are going one way, but you go the other. Players

should drop their shoulder before moving in the opposite direction,

which tricks the defender into thinking you are going in the direction that

the shoulder dropped. Stepping over the ball at the last minute and

pushing the ball off with the outside foot can also work well.

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!



Description

Inside and out-

side cuts

Sole drags

Feints

YouTube Links

Page 6


7/14

Warm-up

Dribbles and sprintsDribbles and sprintsDribbles and sprintsDribbles and sprints

This exercise gets players to practice both dribbling and running with

the ball whilst warming up and getting the heart rate up. Players should

move around a rectangle in turn, dribbling the ball on the short sides

and running with the ball on the long sides. This is a great exercise as

it forces the players to change pace and direction.

116 players; 4 cones; 1 ball each.

Set up a rectangle approx. 10m x 5m with cones or poles. Have the

players go around the rectangle in turn, keeping some distance

between each player. Players should dribble on the short sides, and

then run with the ball on the long sides. The focus should be on

maintaining control of the ball, and moving smoothly between the slower

dribble and the faster run.

Keep them movingthis is a warm up

Make sure they are looking up

Watch out for kicking and chasingfoot should be relaxed

Progress from one foot to both feet, and inside or outside foot

only



Warm-up Outline

Resources

Instructions

Coaching Points

Page 7


8/14

Warm-up

Follow the leaderFollow the leaderFollow the leaderFollow the leader

This warm-up activity gets the players running and dribbling, but also

forces them to concentrate on looking up, as they need to follow your

lead. The idea is to have the players follow you in a line, dribbling the

ball where you dribble it.

116 players; 1 ball each.

Line the players up behind you, or behind a competent dribbler in the

team. Each player should have a ball at their feet. Start dribbling the

ball, and instruct the players to dribble behind you in a snake. They

should mirror every move you make with the ball, so mix it up and

change pace and direction frequently. Stop periodically and make sure

they stop with their foot on the ball. Use feints, drags and cuts to

change direction.

Make sure they are looking up and watching your movements

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

Split into 2 groups if you have more than 10 players



Warm-up Outline

Resources

Instructions

Coaching Points

Page 8


9/14

Dribbling Drills

Dribbling in the squareDribbling in the squareDribbling in the squareDribbling in the square

Players dribble around inside a square, avoiding other players and

using as much space as possible.

68 dribblers; 8 cones to mark square; 1 ball per dribbler

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.

Players should be looking up to see other players

Ensure they are using both feet, and inside and outside of foot

Encourage players to use full square. Call stop periodically andpraise those that are in space rather than huddled with the pack

Change the technique they use by issuing specific instructions

such as inside foot only, or left foot only

If they are bumping into each other too much, make the square

bigger, or take a player or two out



Drill Outline

Resources

Instructions

Coaching Points

Page 9


10/14

Drill ProgressionsDribble and Tackle

Dribbling Statues

Toe Taps

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.

Last player in square is winner

Players need to control their own ball

when tackling


Better Players.Better Players.Better Players.Better Players.Page 10

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 ballbetween their legs. This can be used as a

small game exercise.

Provide tacklers with bibs

Tacklers win

Players switch after 5 mins

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 for-

wards 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 confi-

dence as they will have an intuitive feel for the ball.


11/14

Dribbling Drills

Dribble and JockeyDribble and JockeyDribble and JockeyDribble and Jockey

An attacker and a defender face each other across a line, with the

attacker trying to lose the defender with side to side feints and dribbles.

216 players in pairs; 1 ball per pair; 2 cones per pair

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.

This drill is all about tricking the opposition, so encourage feints

and exaggerated body movements

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

Encourage using inside and outside cuts to change direction



Drill Outline

Resources

Instructions

Coaching Points

Page 11


12/14

Dribbling Drills

The Dribbling BoxThe Dribbling BoxThe Dribbling BoxThe Dribbling Box

Players dribble the ball into a square and have to get past a defender

and dribble the ball into one of two goals.

2-8 attackers; 2-8 defenders; 1 ball per attacker; 8 cones or poles

Set up a 10m x 10m square using cones or poles. Set up 2 x 1m mini-

goals 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.

The ball must be dribbled through the goal, not shot or kicked

Put a time limit on if needed

Encourage the attacker to get past the defender using creative

dribbling rather than just shielding the ball using their body

Put double points on one goal to increase the pressure



Drill Outline

Resources

Instructions

Coaching Points

Page 12


13/14

Small Game

Beat the DefendersBeat the DefendersBeat the DefendersBeat the Defenders

Players enter a series of boxes and have to beat a defender in each

before getting to shoot at goal.

3 Defenders; 3-6 Attackers; 1 Goalie; 1 ball, 14 cones to mark grid;

Set up a grid of 10m x 10m squares leading up to a goal box and goal.

Set one defender on the back line of each box, and goalie in the goal

box. The attackers dribble the ball into the first box, and once in the

box, the first defender can come off the line to defend. The objective is

for the attacker to get past all defenders and shoot at goal once in the

goal box. The attacking team gets a point for scoring, the defending

team gets a point for kicking the ball out of the square.

Start off with passive defending (pressure but no tackles) and

work up to full pressure

Encourage use of dummies and fakes to trick defenders

Coach the attacking team, not the defenders ( this can also be a

great game to practice defensive jockeying, but make that a

separate session)

Vary the amount of pressure by calling a % to each defender;

0% = no pressure, 100% = full pressure



Game Outline

Resources

Instructions

Coaching Points

Page 13


14/14

Putting it all together

The coaching strategies outlined in this document focus on one specificskill-set in football.

This coaching skills document is designed to sit alongside a number of

other skills documents that together, will make up the basic coaching

manual for HPW junior coaches.

Coaching skills

Controlling & receiving

Passing

Goalkeeping

Dribbling

Shooting

Tackling & defending

Heading

Free kicks, corners and throw-ins

Team positions and structureEach 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!

Practice does notmake perfect.

Perfect practice

makes perfect!

Page 14Better Coaches,Better Coaches,Better Coaches,Better Coaches,


Dribbling-the-Ball.pdf

Documents

Transcript of Dribbling-the-Ball.pdf