dribbling soccer drills

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Athletic work in 30-15 with the ball on 4 stations

In the form of 4 stations, this exercise is ideal for interval training (30-15) while including a fun element with the ball. Perfect for the start of the season or after the winter break.

On a large field, set up 4 stations in each corner of the field. Then ask your players to divide into 4 groups. The stations will consist of:

Station 1: poles (or constri-foot) to create a series of slaloms, with a supply of balls. Players must slalom between the poles.
Station 2: 5 to 6 hoops randomly placed on the ground with a supply of balls. Players must maneuver around the hoops.
Station 3: a few balls. Players must perform a series of passes using multiple balls simultaneously.
Station 4: only a supply of balls, with one ball per player. They must perform a series of juggles.

The exercise will proceed as follows:

Each group starts at a different station.
Each station lasts 30 seconds.
Along the length of the field, players move from one station to another in a 15-second fast run.
Across the width of the field, players move from one station to another in a 15-second active recovery.
You can complete 5 full rounds with 2 minutes of recovery between each round.

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Passes Dribbling Circuit

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What is ball control?

When playing soccer, ball control is one of the fundamental aspects of the game. It is a crucial skill, an art in itself that distinguishes great players from amateurs. Like control or endurance, ball control is considered one of the most important foundations of soccer.

Mastering the ball allows for total control of the game, thus creating decisive offensive situations. Let's break down this vital aspect of the game to help you improve your players' technical skills during your training sessions.

Description of ball control in soccer

Ball control in soccer involves the manipulation of the ball using the feet, thighs, chest, or even the head to keep the ball close to the player. The goal of ball control is to move fluidly and precisely with the ball to be as effective as possible in the flow of the game.

Ball control requires a subtle blend of technique, coordination, and timing. It's no coincidence that world-class players like Zinédine Zidane, Andrea Pirlo, or Andrés Iniesta seemed to be one with the ball, as they mastered ball control perfectly.

How to work on ball control in soccer?

Like any technical aspect, ball control in soccer improves with practice. Players need to dedicate time to specific exercises aimed at developing their touch, control, and ability to maneuver the ball in various situations.

This work can involve juggling exercises, dribbling, precise passes, or quick ball receptions while evolving the game conditions.

What is good ball control?

Good ball control is characterized by several key elements:

Close proximity to the ball;
The ability to accelerate or slow down quickly;
Peripheral vision to anticipate the movements of teammates and the opposing team;
The ability to change direction and speed fluidly.
Good ball control combines technique and game sense.

General tips on ball control

Here are some tips we offer to improve your players' ball control:

Keep the ball close to you: avoid letting it stray, which gives the opponent the opportunity to recover it;
Use both feet: to be truly versatile, develop ball control with both feet;
Be unpredictable: vary the pace, angles, and movements to confuse defenders;
Work on ball touch: sensitivity to touch is essential for precise ball manipulation;
Stay focused: even under pressure, maintain concentration to make the best possible decisions.

What exercises to work on ball control?

Here is a non-exhaustive list of exercises to improve ball control:

Progressive juggling: start by juggling with the ball using alternating feet, then progress to using thighs and chest;
Dribbling with cones: set up cones at varying distances and dribble through them while maintaining ball control;
Quick passes and receptions: work with a partner to perform quick passes at different heights and angles, focusing on clean reception and quick control;
Small-sided games: set up exercises where your players dribble around defenders or pass in tight spaces, mimicking real game situations.

Ball control is thus a pillar of modern soccer, requiring dedication, practice, and technical mastery. By engaging in targeted training and following our proven tips, players can refine this vital skill and become creative forces on the field, capable of changing the course of matches with their technical ability and game vision.

dribbling soccer drills

Athletic work in 30-15 with the ball on 4 stations

Our drills on the dribbling theme

Ball control and space occupation on 6 colored zones

Running, game awareness, and passing in a circle formation

Cognitive work with colored gate choice in 1v1

Athletic training: slalom and ball control in 2 columns

Dribbling: imitation and sequence to be repeated by the team

Progress with our drills

What is ball control?

Description of ball control in soccer

How to work on ball control in soccer?

What is good ball control?

General tips on ball control

What exercises to work on ball control?

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Athletic work in 30-15 with the ball on 4 stations

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