Ball Control in Youth Soccer with the Thieves' Game

Fun game to offer in soccer school, which will help work on dribbling while incorporating a team component with a relay system. Drill recommended for your U7 players

Ball Control in Youth Soccer with the Thieves' Game
Durée de l'exercice

Durée

15 min
Nombre de joueurs

Joueurs

8-16
Thème de l'exercice

Thème

Technique
Animation: Ball Control in Youth Soccer with the Thieves' Game
Mark out a 20x20m square, where you will place 4 gates on each side. Then place a small square in the center of 5x5m. Form 4 teams of 3 players and place 12 balls within the small square. (see animation).

The objective of the 4 teams of thieves is to recover as many balls as possible and bring them back to their zone by passing through their gate. The exercise will proceed as follows:
  1. The 1st player of each team starts at your signal. He/She must get to the square as quickly as possible and then return dribbling with a ball into their zone. 
  2. Upon arrival, the 2nd player can start to perform the same route.
  3. The team that has brought the most balls into their zone at the end wins the round.
  4. Conduct several rounds depending on the number of players present.

Reminder: passing is prohibited, only dribbling is allowed.