Square in the circle dribble

Players dribbling with the ball should be able to change direction at speed – either to beat or avoid a defender – and still keep it under close control.

What this session is about

1. Improving dribbling skills and close control.
2. Improving ball familiarity and touch.
3. Changing direction with the ball.
4. Moving the ball from one foot to the other.

What to think about

• Keep the ball within playing distance.
• Use inside and outside of both feet.
• Take quick, small steps.
• Players to dribble with their head up.
• Technique first, speed later.

Set-up

• Mark out a circular playing area approximately 15m in diameter, with a square inside approx 5m wide. The size of each area is dependent on the number of players involved. The dimensions above should be used as a guide for 6 players.
• You will need a minimum of 6 players.

What you get your players to do

Players stand evenly spaced around the perimeter of the circle.

The 1st player dribbles into the square, changes direction, then dribbles towards another player who moves forward to receive ball and repeats the drill.

When players change direction they must exit through one of the three other sides of the square and not the side they entered on.

Player dribbles through the central square, keeping the ball under close control and out to another player.

Development

Get players to increase the speed of the dribble.

Introduce a second player dribbling at the same time. Dribbling players now have to keep their head up in order to avoid colliding with the second dribbler.

This also reduces the options of where a player can dribble out to.

Two players go at once and must avoid each other, and find a team mate.

Game situation

Play a small-sided game in a pitch approx 30x20m. The two teams play across the width of the pitch, defending their own line and attacking the one opposite. Teams score a point for dribbling across any part of the line they are attacking.

Play a small-sided game where teams score a point by dribbling across their opponent’s line.

What to call out

• “Keep the ball close”
• “Be light on your feet”
• “Keep your head up”
• “Don’t bump into each other.”