Gafferbook
Dribbling ยท U6 to U14

Ball mastery circuit

One ball each: a sequence of short 30-second moves (sole rolls, inside-outside, drag-backs, step-overs). The quickest way to build comfort on the ball and a great start to any session.

U6 to U14Ages
Any numberPlayers
Each player in a 5 x 5 m spaceArea
10 minsTime

Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.

โž• Put it in tonight's session๐Ÿ—“ Build my season around itโœ๏ธ Make my own version

Set-up

  • Each player has a ball and their own space.

Equipment: 1 ball each

How it works

  1. Coach demonstrates a move; players repeat for 30 seconds, rest for 15.
  2. Six to eight moves, both feet.
  3. Finish with a challenge: how many in 30 seconds?

Coaching points

  • Soft touches, ball close.
  • Use both feet equally.
  • Head up between touches.

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Slower tempo, simpler moves

Make it harder

  • Combine two moves
  • Add a partner who copies

AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ†’ Passโ†’ Runใ€ฐโ†’ Dribble

Questions about this drill?

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More dribbling drills

Sharks and minnows

Minnows dribble from one end to the other while sharks try to kick their balls out. Tackled minnows become sharks.

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Dribble the gates (with defenders)

Attackers score by dribbling through gates while a few defenders try to win the ball. Teaches when to dribble, when to turn and how to protect the ball.

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Robin Hood's treasure

Teams dribble balls out of the centre treasure chest back to their corner, then raid other teams' corners. A fun game that gets young players dribbling with their heads up.

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Turns square (inside, outside, drag-back, Cruyff)

Players dribble to the edge of a square and turn back in using the turn the coach calls. Builds a toolbox of turns and the confidence to change direction under control.

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Dribble relay race

Teams race to dribble round a cone and back, handing over to the next player. Easy to run, very competitive and gets young players dribbling at speed.

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Slalom dribbling

Players weave through a line of cones using both feet. A simple, repeatable way to build close control, and easy to make competitive.

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