Running with the ball

WHY USE IT

Helps players learn to run with the ball and beat a player in a dribble. This involves technical execution and speed. It will help with accelerating and decelerating with the ball, as well.

SET UP

Balls, bibs, cones and goals. Set up two 10x10 yard boxes, 25 yards apart, just above the 18-yard box. You need three players in each box. Set up more boxes if needed. Have at least 10 yards in between additional boxes.

HOW TO PLAY

The three players pass the ball around inside their own box, playing one or two touch. On a visual cue, one player from each grid runs with the ball across to the other grid – it’s now a race! When they arrive with the ball, they continue passing using one or two touch, waiting for the next visual cue. The coach can vary this visual cue, and include a verbal one, such as “Go!”. To progress the session, a defender can be added to defend the grid. A helper can also be added to make it 2v1.

COACHING POINTS

• Running with the ball. 
• Accelerating and decelerating with the ball. • Beating a player on the dribble. 
• Combining to beat a player.