Practice 2: Master the dribble

WHY USE IT

Defenders are now added to significantly increase the difficulty. Players have to try and get past a defender, without a team-mate to pass to or support them.

SET UP

Use the same grid from the previous practice, but remove the cones and add two defenders. Remaining players are distributed as in practice 1, with two sides of the grid having one player less. These cannot be sides directly opposite each other.

HOW TO PLAY

Two players, from the two lines that have extra bodies, enter the grid and attempt to get to the opposite side. Instead of avoiding cones, they need to get past a defender. On reaching the other side, the new player entering the grid must wait until the defender positions themselves in the centre of the area. If the defender wins the ball, they look to dribble out of the area to win a point. Attackers win a point each time they successfully reach the opposite side. Rotate the role of the defenders regularly.

COACHING POINTS

• Play with confidence and speed, always look to go forward, do not turn back. 
• Use both feet and all parts of the foot to manipulate the ball and get past the defender.