Dribbling Skills | Coaching by Skill Focus
🏃 Dribbling Skills
Build confidence, creativity, and control on the ball. Each age group follows the Play-Practice-Play model to help players learn through play, repetition, and game application.
👶 U6–U8: Movement & Joy
🔁 Play 1: Red Light, Green Light
Players dribble and freeze on command. No coaching—just fun and movement.
🎯 Practice: Cone Maze
- Zig-zag cones with fun names (“snake,” “river,” “tunnel”)
- Coach prompt: “Can you stop the ball like a superhero?”
- Success: Smiles, ball contact, change of direction
⚽ Play 2: Shark Attack
One player defends while others dribble across the zone. Rotate defenders every 30 seconds.
⚽ U9–U11: Technique & Decision-Making
🔁 Play 1: 3v3 Free Play
No coaching—observe and identify needs.
🎯 Practice: 1v1 Channel Challenge
- Players compete in narrow lanes using feints and shielding
- Coach prompt: “Can you fake left and go right?”
- Success: Controlled feints, shielding, purposeful movement
⚽ Play 2: Dribble Escape
Players must break out of a grid under pressure. Add defenders as players improve.
🧠 U12–U14: Tactical Dribbling & Shielding
🔁 Play 1: 4v4 with Zones
Observe spacing and ball movement. Encourage scanning and switching zones.
🎯 Practice: Shield & Turn Drill
- Players protect the ball, then turn and accelerate
- Coach prompt: “Can you draw the defender in, then spin away?”
- Success: Shielding, scanning, directional control
⚽ Play 2: Counter Break
Transition-focused game with dribbling triggers. Reward successful breaks with bonus points.
🛠️ Coach Prompts & Success Markers
- “Can you beat the defender with a move?”
- “Try using both feet!”
- “Where’s the space?”
- Look for: Head up while dribbling, controlled touches, confidence in 1v1s