Dribbling Using Different Surfaces of the Foot -- http://www.insidesoccer.com/is-web/movie?id=518&pro=1 -- This is an exercise that helps young players explore the different surfaces of the foot to use when dribbling. Have them go at their own pace so that they get the technique correct. As explained in the video, the laces are used for dribbling at a fast pace, the bottom of the foot is used more for dribbling in tight places, and the inside of the foot is a general, all-purpose dribbling technique used all over the field. Don’t space out the dribblers too much (you don’t want too many people standing around) and make sure you switch out the players acting as cones frequently.
Dribbling Practice -- http://www.insidesoccer.com/is-web/movie?id=456&pro=1 -- This is another exercise that allows the players to practice proper dribbling technique with multiple surfaces of the foot. Make sure the players understand that when they are trying to dribble in a straight line at a fast pace, they should have their toe pointed down and should be touching the ball with their laces. With the other dribbling techniques, encourage your players to really focus on their touches and control of the ball.
Follow the Leader -- http://www.insidesoccer.com/is-web/movie?id=484 -- This is a simple exercise that gives young players the opportunity to get many touches and encourages them to keep their head up while always remaining in control of the ball. Don’t allow the partners without the ball to go too fast, however they do want to challenge their teammates.
Ball Familiarity -- http://www.insidesoccer.com/is-web/movie?id=376 -- This is an enjoyable game for players to get in many touches and become comfortable on the ball. The players need to dribble with their heads up so that they don’t collide with one another. When you call out a body part, make sure the players are controlling the ball by stopping it quickly with their foot before touching it with the specific part of the body. Once the players get comfortable with the exercise, try calling out a body part and asking your players to quickly stop the ball with their foot, touch the ball with the specific part of the body, and then get up and continue dribbling, trying to execute the entire process as fast as they can. To advance the exercise, incorporate several dribbling moves (see the “1v1” section), alternating between calling out body parts and a specific move, as demonstrated in the video.
Dribbling Line Game -- http://www.insidesoccer.com/is-web/movie?id=485 -- This is a fun game that promotes quick footwork, dribbling with your head up, and constant ball control. With young players, it is always ideal to work in beneficial games between technical exercises. These games should be enjoyable and also encourage the practice of soccer concepts.
King of the Ring -- http://www.insidesoccer.com/is-web/movie?id=235 -- Many of us know this game and have used it before to coach young players. It is best if this game is played after a technical dribbling exercise where the players explore and practice using different surfaces of the foot (see “1v1” section). It is also probably a good idea to have previously introduced the idea of shielding (keeping your body between the ball and the opposing player), as players must utilize this skill to be effective in the game.
Stuck in the Mud -- http://www.insidesoccer.com/is-web/movie?id=241 -- This is another fun game to practice ball control. Rotate the tagging players appropriately.
Chasing Game -- http://www.insidesoccer.com/is-web/movie?id=596 -- Before playing this game, your team should be comfortable with the different ways to change direction and turn while dribbling (see “1v1” section). This is a fun game of chase where one player is trying to tag the other player. Ideally, coaches want to match players of equal skill with one another. Make sure to rotate the players who are “it.”
