Practice 2: To pass or to dribble

WHY USE IT

In this opposed practice, players have to make a decision in terms of whether they dribble or pass the ball to achieve success.

SET UP

Use same pitch as before, with all players situated within the central third, apart from two who become goalkeepers. The players remain in their teams but are no longer paired up against an opponent. Just one ball is now required.

HOW TO PLAY

Teams must complete two or three passes before they try to enter one of the end thirds and attempt to score a goal. The practice is multi-directional, so they can score in either goal. To enter an end third, a player can either dribble into it or release a team-mate with a pass into it. Depending on the players, the line separating the central third and end thirds can be used as an offside line. Once a player has entered an end third, all other players from both teams are released.

Coaching points

When is the correct time to dribble and when you should release it to a team-mate? Awareness of space for both yourself and your team-mates. If you do decide to pass the ball, do you pass it into the player’s feet or into space for them to move onto?