Small-sided game: Master the dribble

WHY USE IT

A small-sided conditioned game that places players in an environment closely replicating the full game of soccer, while emphasising the need to dribble and go past a defender.

SET UP

The size of the area needs to be relevant for your players. Scatter a number of cones throughout. Just next to the area, mark out three smaller areas and fill the middle one with balls.

HOW TO PLAY

Play a normal game, but teams are restricted to a maximum number of 2-3 passes. If the ball goes out of play, the game restarts with a player dribbling the ball into the area. If a player touches a cone while dribbling, they must leave the ball in play and collect a new one from the middle area at the side. They then complete a set task inside one of the other areas (such as a set amount of keepy-ups or toe taps) before re-entering the main area. Change the level of difficulty by altering the number of cones, the number of passes a team is restricted to and/or the ‘penalty’ tasks.

COACHING POINTS

• Players are encouraged to dribble with confidence and speed, and to go forward. 
• Use both feet and all parts of the foot to manipulate the ball and get past the defender. 
• Players should only pass the ball if they really need to.