Hurlstone Park Wanderers

Skill Guide
Dribbling the ball
Dribbling the ball is both a skill and an art. Some of the best players
in football, like Messi and Maradona, have dazzled the world and
stunned their opponents with sublime dribbling. Good dribbling requires an intimate touch with the ball and an awareness of everything that is happening around you. This guide focuses on the key
skills required for good dribbling, as well as a range of drills and
games that can help your players to become comfortable when
dribbling.

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Better Coaches,
Better Players.

Dribbling principles
Looking up

The end purpose of dribbling the ball should be to move the ball forward
towards the oppositions goal, and get into a scoring position. This means
a player needs to move whilst controlling the ball. If they don't want to give
the ball away, and want to be able to pass the ball to a team-mate, the
dribbler needs to look up and be aware of the surrounding players, and of
their location on the pitch. This requires using peripheral vision to keep
the ball in view while looking up. This can be difficult for young players,
but with practice, should become natural and comfortable.

Use both feet

Many player have one foot that is dominant, and will favor that foot when
dribbling the ball. It is crucial that players are encouraged to not only use
both feet, but to use both the inside and outside of each foot to move the
ball forward. This ensures that the player is able to use the most efficient
movements to control the ball, and do not waste precious time getting the
ball onto the favored foot. It also allows the player to keep the ball away
from defenders by using the furthest foot to dribble the ball.

Ball close to feet

A dribbling player must be in control of the ball. Many young players tend
to kick and chase, which means that the ball is out of their control while
they are chasing, leaving them open to an interception. The ball should be
kept close to the feet using a relaxed foot, and a soft but purposeful
movement. The side of the big toe or little toe is the best area of the foot
to use to maintain control.

Unpredictability

If a player dribbles the ball in a straight line at a constant speed, it wont

take a defender long to predict where and when they can best intercept or
tackle. Therefore, good dribbling requires changes in direction and pace,
creating an unpredictable pattern. This is what makes players like Messi
so hard to manage, they can think extremely quickly, and can get their feet
to move in an extremely unpredictable way, whilst maintaining total control
over the ball.

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Better Coaches,
Better Players.

Close Dribbling
Description

Skill Breakdown

Close dribbling is a technique used in tight spaces or when moving the

ball over a short distance. A soft touch is used to move the ball forward
(or indeed, backwards or to the side). The ball should not move outside of
the reach of the player, and should look and feel like an extension of the
players foot. The key to this is having a relaxed foot, and moving the ball
with soft pushes or taps rather than kicks.
The side of the big toe (inside foot) or the side of the little toe (outside

foot) should be used

The player should be on their toes, slightly crouched to achieve a low

centre of gravity, with arms held out to aid balance

The ball should pushed forward with every step, using both feet
The foot should be relaxed! If tense, the ball will bounce forward and

not be controlled
The player should be looking up, keeping the ball in their lower

peripheral vision

Coaching Points

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Page 3

To help young players to look up and trust their peripheral vision, get them
to stand looking straight ahead with a ball between their feet. Get them to
take small steps back until they can see the ball (without looking down).
They should find the ball about a foot from their feet, which is the perfect
distance for control!

Better Coaches,
Better Players.

Close Dribbling Variations

Inside foot dribbling
The inside of the big toe is used to move the
ball forward. The foot should be angled
slightly outwards, but not held as square as
when passing the ball. Player should move
forward keeping the ball within easy reach.
Body balanced and in a slight crouch
Both feet should be used to dribble
Foot should be relaxed
Player should feel the ball with big toe

Outside foot dribbling

The outside of the foot is the preferred part
of the foot to dribble with for top players as it
allows faster running with control. The
outside of the little toe is used this time, with
the foot turned inwards to allow a forward or
sideway push.
Foot held inwards at about 45 degrees
Ball can be dribbled forwards or to the

side of the foot being used

Foot should be relaxed
Player should feel the ball with little toe

Dribble with both feet

It is extremely important to ensure that young players learn to dribble with both feet from
early on. If a player favours their strong foot for dribbling, they limit the movements they
can make, the speed in which they can move the ball, and they become more predictable
for defenders. A good dribbler will use both feet, and use both inside and outside of each
foot to move the ball where they want to with the most efficient movement.

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Better Coaches,
Better Players.

Running with the ball

Description

Running with the ball is different to dribbling. Running with the ball
involves running at speed, moving the ball at a greater distance in front
to allow a fast pace. This does not mean that the player should lose
control of the ball thoughthe ball should never go more than a running
step or two in front of the player. Of course, a running step is going to
be longer than a dribbling step. Running with the ball should be used
for fast breaks up the wing or through the middle. To be most effective,
the player should be prepared to change the pace and direction of the
run, and should be looking up to see threats and opportunities.

Skill Breakdown

The player should start the run by pushing the ball forward firmly and

building speed quickly

The instep or laces part of foot is used to push the ball forward
The ball should not go too far aheadthe player should be able to

touch the ball with every second running step

Direction changes should be made using the inside or outside toes
The player should be looking up, and the foot relaxed

Coaching Points

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Running with the ball can be hard as most young players over-kick the
ball and lose control. Encourage keeping the foot relaxed, and the use
of a firm pushing action rather than a kicking action. Watch for the ball
being kicked with the toe, which maintains little control, or with the side
ankle (used for passing) which can slow the running action.

Better Coaches,
Better Players.

Changing Direction
Description

A key to effective dribbling is the ability to change direction suddenly

and unpredictably. Changes in direction can be made using several
techniques, and are often disguised so that it throws defenders off
balance, allowing the attacker to move past them quickly.

Inside and out-

A cut is made by using the inside or outside of the foot to suddenly

stop the ball, and drag it back in the opposite direction. This sudden
movement can take advantage of a defenders momentum, and allow
you to pull the ball back while they keep moving forward. The foot

side cuts

should be placed in front of the moving ball, and the ankle used to stop
the ball, dragging it back in the opposite direction.

Sole drags

Another way to move the ball in a changed direction is to drag the ball
with the sole of the foot. The ball can be dragged back, or to the side
using the sole of the foot. This takes practice as a firm movement on
top of the ball is needed.

Feints

When dribbling past a defender, it is often necessary to trick them into

thinking that you are going one way, but you go the other. Players
should drop their shoulder before moving in the opposite direction,
which tricks the defender into thinking you are going in the direction that
the shoulder dropped. Stepping over the ball at the last minute and
pushing the ball off with the outside foot can also work well.

YouTube Links

These techniques are quite advanced and can be hard to master. They
are an important part of the mix, but should not be taught to young
players before they can demonstrate a basic ability to dribble the ball.
Once you are ready to teach these skills, there are many videos and
tutorials on the web that can show you the technical breakdown of each
move. Type any of the above terms in the search bar on
www.youtube.com to find a treasure trove of videos!

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Better Coaches,
Better Players.

Warm-up
Warm-up Outline

Dribbles and sprints

This exercise gets players to practice both dribbling and running with
the ball whilst warming up and getting the heart rate up. Players should
move around a rectangle in turn, dribbling the ball on the short sides
and running with the ball on the long sides. This is a great exercise as
it forces the players to change pace and direction.

Resources

116 players; 4 cones; 1 ball each.

Instructions

Set up a rectangle approx. 10m x 5m with cones or poles. Have the

players go around the rectangle in turn, keeping some distance
between each player. Players should dribble on the short sides, and
then run with the ball on the long sides. The focus should be on
maintaining control of the ball, and moving smoothly between the slower
dribble and the faster run.

Coaching Points

Keep them movingthis is a warm up

Make sure they are looking up

Watch out for kicking and chasingfoot should be relaxed

Progress from one foot to both feet, and inside or outside foot
only

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Better Coaches,
Better Players.

Warm-up
Warm-up Outline

Follow the leader

This warm-up activity gets the players running and dribbling, but also
forces them to concentrate on looking up, as they need to follow your
lead. The idea is to have the players follow you in a line, dribbling the
ball where you dribble it.

Resources

116 players; 1 ball each.

Instructions

Line the players up behind you, or behind a competent dribbler in the

team. Each player should have a ball at their feet. Start dribbling the
ball, and instruct the players to dribble behind you in a snake. They
should mirror every move you make with the ball, so mix it up and
change pace and direction frequently. Stop periodically and make sure
they stop with their foot on the ball. Use feints, drags and cuts to
change direction.

Coaching Points

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Make sure they are looking up and watching your movements

They should stay in their position in the line, not pass you or their
teammates

Ensure they are using both feet, inside and outside. Call out
instructions as well as doing it yourself

Split into 2 groups if you have more than 10 players

Better Coaches,
Better Players.

Dribbling Drills
Drill Outline

Dribbling in the square

Players dribble around inside a square, avoiding other players and
using as much space as possible.

Resources

68 dribblers; 8 cones to mark square; 1 ball per dribbler

Instructions

Set up a square 10m x 10m. Instruct the dribblers to dribble their balls in
the square, avoiding the other dribblers. They should use a range of
dribbling techniques, and should change direction and pace frequently.

Coaching Points

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Players should be looking up to see other players

Ensure they are using both feet, and inside and outside of foot

Encourage players to use full square. Call stop periodically and

praise those that are in space rather than huddled with the pack

Change the technique they use by issuing specific instructions

such as inside foot only, or left foot only

If they are bumping into each other too much, make the square
bigger, or take a player or two out

Better Coaches,
Better Players.

Drill Progressions
Dribble and Tackle
Whilst dribbling and controlling their own
balls as before, players now need to try to
cause other players to lose control of their
balls as they pass close by. They will need
to look up to see threats and opportunities.

Last player in square is winner

Players need to control their own ball

when tackling

Dribbling Statues
Introduce 2-3 tacklers into the square. They
have to tackle and kick the dribblers ball
outside the square. A tackled dribbler has to
stand still with legs wide until another
dribbler can free them by passing their ball
between their legs. This can be used as a
small game exercise.

Provide tacklers with bibs

Tacklers win

Players switch after 5 mins

Toe Taps
A great way to help the kids get a feel for the ball is to get them to do toe taps. Get them to
place a ball between their feet and tap the ball back and forth between their big toes. This
requires s soft touch and build control. Once they are comfortable, get them to move forwards and backwards while toe tapping. Highly competent toe tappers can move in circles
or other shapes. Regular toe tapping practice will soon help them to dribble with confidence as they will have an intuitive feel for the ball.

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Better Coaches,
Better Players.

Dribbling Drills
Drill Outline

Dribble and Jockey

An attacker and a defender face each other across a line, with the
attacker trying to lose the defender with side to side feints and dribbles.

Resources

216 players in pairs; 1 ball per pair; 2 cones per pair

Instructions

Set the cones up along a line about 5m apart. Have the players face
each other, the attacker (dribbler) with the ball. The players cannot
cross the line. The attacker must dribble the ball back and forth along
their side of the line, and the defender must mirror their movements.
The objective is for the dribbler to lose the defender by reaching a
cone with the ball whilst leaving the defender behind.

Coaching Points

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This drill is all about tricking the opposition, so encourage feints

and exaggerated body movements

The sole of the foot should be used to drag the ball sideways as
well as the inside and outside of foot

Watch for players just standing still with the ball, deciding which
way they will go. Keep them moving all of the time

Encourage using inside and outside cuts to change direction

Better Coaches,
Better Players.

Dribbling Drills
Drill Outline

The Dribbling Box

Players dribble the ball into a square and have to get past a defender
and dribble the ball into one of two goals.

Resources

2-8 attackers; 2-8 defenders; 1 ball per attacker; 8 cones or poles

Instructions

Set up a 10m x 10m square using cones or poles. Set up 2 x 1m minigoals at one end. The attacking team should line up and one at a time
dribble the ball into the square. The defenders should line up outside
the square and one at a time run in and defend. The attacker scores a
point by dribbling the ball into one of the goals. The defender scores a
point by kicking the ball out of the square. The team that scores the
most points wins.

Coaching Points

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The ball must be dribbled through the goal, not shot or kicked

Put a time limit on if needed

Encourage the attacker to get past the defender using creative

dribbling rather than just shielding the ball using their body

Put double points on one goal to increase the pressure

Better Coaches,
Better Players.

Small Game
Game Outline

Beat the Defenders

Players enter a series of boxes and have to beat a defender in each
before getting to shoot at goal.

Resources
Instructions

Coaching Points

3 Defenders; 3-6 Attackers; 1 Goalie; 1 ball, 14 cones to mark grid;

Set up a grid of 10m x 10m squares leading up to a goal box and goal.
Set one defender on the back line of each box, and goalie in the goal
box. The attackers dribble the ball into the first box, and once in the
box, the first defender can come off the line to defend. The objective is
for the attacker to get past all defenders and shoot at goal once in the
goal box. The attacking team gets a point for scoring, the defending
team gets a point for kicking the ball out of the square.

Start off with passive defending (pressure but no tackles) and

work up to full pressure

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Encourage use of dummies and fakes to trick defenders

Coach the attacking team, not the defenders ( this can also be a
great game to practice defensive jockeying, but make that a
separate session)

Vary the amount of pressure by calling a % to each defender;

0% = no pressure, 100% = full pressure

Better Coaches,
Better Players.

Putting it all together

Practice does not
make perfect.

The coaching strategies outlined in this document focus on one specific

skill-set in football.

Perfect practice
makes perfect!

other skills documents that together, will make up the basic coaching
manual for HPW junior coaches.

This coaching skills document is designed to sit alongside a number of

Coaching skills

Controlling & receiving

Passing

Goalkeeping

Dribbling

Shooting

Tackling & defending

Heading

Free kicks, corners and throw-ins

Team positions and structure

Each of the skills documents will outline the basic skill breakdowns, and a
range of static drills, dynamic drills and small training games that can be
used to coach the skills.
If you would like further information or clarification on the content of this
document or others in the series, please contact Dermot Crowley on
dermot.crowley@bigpond.com

Happy coaching!

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Better Coaches,
Better Players.