Pass or dribble?

WHY USE IT

Improves players’ decision-making, specifically around when they should retain the ball or pass to a team-mate.

SET UP

Create a rectangular area, split in half and suited to the age and ability of your players. Divide players into three teams. One team acts as servers/target players at each end of the area. The other two play against each other in the area, with players split evenly between the two halves and locked into their designated half.

HOW TO PLAY

Teams win a point if they transfer the ball from one set of target players to the other. Before doing so, the ball must be touched by at least one player in each half. When a team wins a point, they keep the ball. The ball can be passed into the next half of the area or a player can dribble into it. When a player dribbles into the next half, they can stay there until the ball goes out, the team wins a point or they lose possession. Rotate which team acts as the target players regularly.

Coaching points

• Identify the right moments to pass the ball or retain it. Is a team-mate in a better position? Will the risk of dribbling be rewarded with a point? Can you dribble and attract the attention of an opponent before releasing it? How can the players off the ball help the player on the ball either dribble or pass it?