Anatomy Dribbling

             

Setup
While players dribble, coach calls out a body part such as "left foot". Players put that part of the body on the ball as quickly as possible. Let anticipation build between calls. Body parts can include hand, elbow, shoulder, nose, ear, knees, buns, etc.

Progression
1) Use two or more parts, such as "nose, right elbow and left knee".
2) For older players, include combinations that require teamwork such as "two left hands" or "six right feet and three knees".

Coaching Points
Focus
Reaction
Dribbling
Control

Age Group
5yrs+

Bases

                           

Setup: Setup a playing area similar to the diagram using cones.  Have one player begin wearing a Bib to distinguish him as ‘It’.  The rest of the players all have balls and must dribble around the grid with the ball under control.  The ‘It’ player is allowed to chase the other players and attempt to tag them.  Players are allowed to use the 4 corner ‘Bases” as safe zones but only 1 player is allowed in each zone at one time. 

Progression
Increase or decrease the size of the playing area or add / remove bases.  Introduce different stipulations for players who get tagged.  They must stand still, they become the ‘It’, they help the ‘It’, they can be freed if a team mate crawls through legs etc etc.

Coaching Points
Awareness, Control, Communication, Movement

Age Groups
5yrs+

Pinball



Setup
Set up a rectangle of cones 15 yards by 8 yards, depending on the ability of the children. Divide the children into two teams with each team standing outside the long side of the rectangle. Each child has a ball. A ball that is a different color (object ball) from all the rest is placed in the center of the area. Children should try to pass their ball to hit the object ball and knock it over their opponent's line. Players may not stop the object ball with their feet; they can only pass their own ball into it. Play is continuous until the object ball has passed outside the area. If the object ball is knocked out the side the coach can pass the ball into the center again. Players may retrieve soccer balls from anywhere on their own side of the area. Balls can only be kicked from behind the end line. Soccer balls are to be passed using the inside of the foot only.

Progression
Add an extra target ball.
Create a goal from two cones for the teams to try and maneuver the ball through.

Coaching Points
Accurate Passing
Control
Communication

Age Group
8yrs+

Dynamic Passing Setup

Set up 2 cones about 10 yards from each other as shown in the diagram.  Have two players stationed 5 yards away from each cone.  The idea is to have Player A pass the ball towards the cone located near player B.  Player B must run to meet the ball before it meets the cone.  This encourages players not to stand and wait but to come and meet the ball when it is passed to them.  Once player B has possession of the ball, he should then return the pass to player A’s cone and Player A repeats the process. 

Progression
Introduce extra cones to prevent the game slowing down and going back to the start.  Have a defending player start behind Player B to increase pressure on B to get to the ball quickly. 

Coaching Points
Timed Passing
Meeting the Ball
Anticipation

Age Groups
8yrs+

Blob Tag

                                                
SetUp
Have a suitable size playing area marked out depending on age and number of players.  Every player except 3 start by dribbling around the area with their football.  The three players without a ball form the ‘blob’ by holding hands or linking arms.  They move around the grid attempting to tackle other player’s balls.  If a player is tackled by the blob, they join with the chain.  Once a blob reaches 6 players, they should split and create two smaller blobs.  The process is repeated until there is only one player left dribbling. 

Progression
Change the size of the grid. Bigger grid makes it easier for dribblers.
Have blobs break into two players per blob. (Harder for dribblers

Coaching Points
Movement
Dribbling
Control
Team Work (blobs)

Age Groups
8yrs+

Black Hole Keep Away
           

Setup: Mark out a playing area similar to the diagram approximately 30yards in diameter.  Have the players split into two teams.  One ball is introduced and the teams must maintain possession by passing amongst their team mates.  The players may move freely inside the black hole, however they may not touch the ball inside this area.

Progression
Implement touch restriction such as 1-2-3 touches.  Increase or decrease the playing areas.  Use the black hole to introduce further stipulations e.g. you may intercept a pass inside the black hole, but must be standing outside the hole at the point the pass is made.  This works on cutting out passes as opposed to standing in the circle waiting for the ball to come to you.

Coaching Points
Team work
Communication
Passing
Decision Making

Age Groups
10yrs+