Dribbling drills are very popular among players as they allow them to perform various cool moves.

One thing you should keep in mind is that you need to make your players aware of that they should always try to pass the ball on the first touch (during the game).

In other words, they should only dribble when they have no other passing options.

1 vs. 1 with Finish at the Goal

Purpose

The purpose of this drill is to improve your players’ abilities to beat their opponents in 1 vs. 1 situations and to improve their finishing skills as well.

Drill Set Up

Place your defenders at the left side of the penalty box and your attackers one yard outside the half circle (see image). Each of your attackers should have a ball at their feet.

Execution of the Drill

One of your defenders at the left starts the drill by jogging into the area between the two cones. Once the defender is on the place, the first standing attacker should start to dribble the ball forward.

When the attacker passes the line between the 2 cones and enters the 18 yard box he should start to challenge his defender by performing different moves. Once he manages to get around his defender, the attacker should directly finish at the goal.

Equipment Needed

Balls, practice vests, 2 cones

Variants

A variant on this drill is to instruct your defenders to act passive which means that they should not necessarily clear the ball (even if they have the chance).

Summary

This drill is one of my top three dribbling drills. As I said before; it is great for improving your player’s ability to beat their opponents in 1 vs. 1 duels while practicing on their finishing skills as well.

1 vs. 1 with Cones and Finish

Purpose

This drill is aimed to improve your players speed with the ball, their dribbling skills in 1 vs. 1 situations and ability to finish efficiently.

It is pretty similar to the drill above but in this case I have added an extra moment.

Drill Set Up

Your defenders should be standing in a line at the right side (grey) of the penalty box while the attackers (red) should be at the left and in a line as well (see image above).

Place 5 cones in the front of your attacking line with a half yard space between every cone.

Execution of the Drill

The first standing attacker starts the drill by performing a quick run between the cones while keeping the ball under control.

When he is at the third cone, one of your defenders should perform a quick run into the penalty box and place himself on the same way like on the image above.

When the attacker enters the 18 yard box, he should try to dribble his defender and finish at the goal.

Equipment Needed

5 cones, practice vests, balls

Variants

Possible variations on this drill are to exclude your defenders and replace them with a cone.

Summary

This drill is similar to the 1 vs. 1 With Finish at The Goal drill but will beside improving your players dribbling and finishing skills also increase their ability to control the ball under run.

1 vs. 1 Race

Purpose

Practicing on your player’s ability to perform several different moves in a row while maintaining the control of the ball

Drill Set Up

Place the cones on the same way like on the image above. The space between the cones should be one yard or so. Separate your players into 2 equal lines. Create also a finish line at the end of the last cone.

Execution of the Drill

Two of the first standing players take a starting position just like on the image above.

Once your blow the whistle they should perform an optional move at the first cone, quickly run with the ball to the second cone, perform an optional move again and continue to do so until they pass the finish line.

When both players are over the finish line two new players take their positions and the drill starts over again. The team with highest amount of won races is the winner.

Equipment Needed

Balls, 16 cones

Variants

You can vary this drill in several different ways. One thing you can do is to force your players to perform a different move at each cone.

For example, if they perform scissors at the second cone they are not allowed to use it again.

You may also increase the space between the cones to three yards (or more) depending on the age of your players.

Summary

This soccer drill will force your player to take quick decisions during high pressure which is a crucial skill when facing experienced opponents.

Your players will also compete against themselves which is a great way to increase their overall soccer skills as well!