Dribbling to beat an opponent

Organisation 

• Use the full length of the pitch and ensure that the overall pitch size is suitable for the age and ability of the players. For example, you would not use a full 40x20m pitch for u'9s.

• Mark out wide channels along the full length of the pitch being used on either side of the pitch. On a full-size pitch this can be 3m wide, however for younger ages and abilities on smaller pitch sizes make the channel proportional to the pitch being deployed.

• Place a goal at each end of the pitch as with a normal game, ready for transition to an unrestricted game as the session evolves.

• Set up as a 5v5 game.

• Every attack starts with the goalkeeper distributing the ball to a team mate in their own half.

Developments/ Progression

• Within the attacking half there is no limitation on touches however gradually release the constraint of 2 touch in the defensive half but the ball carrier has to go past an attacker before they can pass unless they progress the ball over the half-way line and then they can take-on or pass.

Variation 

• Only one player can enter the wide channel at once.

Coaching points 

• Attacking players are encouraged to perform shimmies, feints and other movements to beat their defender.

• When an attacking player engages a defender, it can free up space for team-mates to exploit.

• When possible, players should dribble at pace to progress towards goal more quickly.

• Using a range of dribbling techniques helps to make the attack unpredictable for the defenders.

• For the in-possession team, impact the players without the ball, can they engage a defender and 'drag' them into areas that free's up space for the ball carrier to progress.

• Creation of passing lines in tight spaces.

• Blocking defenders who threaten the ball carrier.

• Observe the constraints whilst they are in place.