1 | P a g e

Dribblingtechnique

Iain Sankey

The Session

4 zones.

In the safezone each player has a ballpractising the 'double touch' (shiftingthe ball from left-to-right foot or viceversa) as they approach each otherwith the ball.

It is then up to the players to in turnpass the ball out of the safezone toeither of the attacking players in zones2 & 3 who can practise taking onpassive defenders.

In Zone 1 each player uses anytechnique to zig zag through or dribbleround the cones.

In Zone 2 players attempt the 'StanleyMatthews' technique, i.e. the playerwith the ball feints to move in onedirection by shifting body weight,before flicking the ball with the outsideof the foot into the opposite direction.

In Zone 3 players are encouraged touse the 'Ronaldo' or 'Scissors' stepover technique, to try and catch thedefender off balance.

Players can exchange roles.

Key Points:

The organisation by coachesneeds to be specific andcontrolled.

In each zone close ball controlshould be stressed.

Coaches should try and improvethe tempo of the practice.

2 | P a g e

Dribblingskill

Iain Sankey

The Session

An area 40m x 30m:

Divided into zones, see the diagram.

Two players in the safe zone (inyellow), three defenders (in white).Opposing them are 5 attackers (inblue) who are aiming to dribble the ballinto the end zone.

The two servers standing on theoutside of the main area, on thehalfway line also in yellow - start thepractice by serving to the players inthe safe zone alternately, maintaininga decent pace in the practice.

The receiving player in the Safe Zonethen has to decide which of theattacking players they bring into theexercise.

In two of the zones players play 2 v 1,whereas in the centre zone theattacker has to go it alone and dribblepast the defender in an attempt toscore.

To progress the exercise coaches canjoin together two zones making a 3v2or even a complete 5v3 situation usingthe whole area.

Key Points:

The two servers and the playersin the safe-zone must keep thepractice moving, those in thesafe-zone must work to adjusttheir positions.

The safe-zone players mustmake the servers work.

3 | P a g e

Dribblinggame

Iain Sankey

The Session

Establish a good team shape withplayers learning to consider width anddepth in attack. Players away from theball should look for space and supportthe player on the ball, ensuring theteam retains some depth in case of acounter attack.

Players should adopt a balanced bodyposition to receive the ball, a good firsttouch, and then a positive attitude toattack the defender.

Attackers maintain a controlledapproach to the defender and selectwhich 'trick' to use and how to throwthe defender off balance. The attackermust then accelerate away past thedefender.

Key Points:

Establish a good team shapewith players learning to considerwidth and depth in attack.Players away from the ballshould look for space andsupport the player on the ball,ensuring the team retains somedepth in case of a counter attack.

Players should adopt a balancedbody position to receive the ball,a good first touch, and then apositive attitude to attack thedefender.

Attackers maintain a controlledapproach to the defender andselect which 'trick' to use andhow to throw the defender offbalance. The attacker must thenaccelerate away past thedefender.