Dribbling session: effective dribbling techniques

Session

England Football Learning

2 mins - Sep 2, 2024

Session intentions

This is week one of the turning and dribbling to score session programme. Check out the whole six-week programme here.

This session aims to teach players effective dribbling techniques. It emphasises close control, using both feet and changing direction quickly.

It will help players:

control the ball while moving at various speeds and directions
gain confidence in their dribbling abilities
take on opponents more effectively during matches.

If you like this idea, download the session plan and give it a go. And don't forget to share your experience on the England Football Community. We'd love to know how you got on.

Session setup

In our example, this is what we’ve used to set up this session. But adapt it to suit your team and the space available to you.

Half a pitch

Flat cones

Bibs

Effective dribbling techniques

Carousel activity one is set up on a 15x25-yard pitch with an end zone at one end. A defender and an attacker are inside the area. Two bounce players position themselves outside of it. The attacker receives the ball from a bounce player and must beat the defender to reach the end zone.
The second activity in the carousel is the same as the first but on a longer pitch. This allows the attacker to experience running with the ball into bigger spaces. Whereas the first activity is more about close control.
Create a pitch with an end zone and two mini-goals on one side. Two attackers and one defender are in the middle. One defender is in the end zone. Bounce players are on the outside. The attackers combine to try to score. Progress this with a 2v2 in the middle and a third attacker in the end zone.
Split a pitch into thirds, with three mini-goals at one end. Have two attackers and one defender start in one third. Put 1v1s in the others. The attackers look to combine and move through the zones to score in one of the mini-goals.
The activity uses the 18-yard box, six attackers, five defenders and a keeper. The attackers start outside the box and work the ball out wide. The wide player dribbles inside the box and tries to set up a teammate to score. The defenders try to win the ball back to clear or play into mini-goals.

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Tactics board

Looking for a bit more detail? Check out Pav's tactics board video for this session.

How to make it easier

Using the STEP framework (Youth Sports Trust, 2002) can help keep things fun, engaging, and appropriate. For this session, an example would be to make the area bigger to give your players more space for turning.

How to make it harder

You could try limiting the number of touches your players can take. Or try increasing the number of turns before they can play the ball forward.

Have your players turn to change direction to ensure repetition of the skill.

Make every player touch the ball before scoring in the practices with goals.

Coaching points

Work on the technique of each turn. Ensure players use correct body positioning, footwork, and timing.

Encourage players to scan the pitch to assess their options. This will help them anticipate pressure and identify passing opportunities.

Promote quick decision-making based on the location of opponents and teammates. This will help players to choose the most effective turn or pass to keep possession or advance the play.

Highlight the importance of smooth transitions from defence to attack. Emphasise the role of turning in initiating offensive opportunities.