This month's practice is aimed at the younger age groups - U7 & U8 - and can also be used as a ball mastery warm up for U9's and above. It begins unopposed to allow players to have a large amount of touches on the ball, while adding some competition with points scoring. It progresses to include some defensive pressure and finally, incorporating 2v1's to allow players to decide whether to dribble or pass.
Players will develop their ball control in tight spaces, decision-making in terms of which direction to dribble and their awareness as they navigate past the defender and other players.
Set Up
Set up a 10x10 square. All players stand on the outside with a ball each.
Players attempt to dribble to the far side of the square as many times as possible in 1 minute. Repeat and see if they can beat their score.
Progression 1
Place a defender in the middle who tries to steal one of the balls and switch places.
If dribblers go out to the side of the square it's worth 1 point. Straight across is worth 3.
Progression 2
1 ball between 2 and players combine to reach the far side.
Coaching Points
Close, controlled touches
Look forwards and sideways to observe the other players, space and defender
Width and movement from support player when 2 v 1
Use of fakes, feints and disguise to beat the defender
Considerations
Increase the number of defenders
Set up an outside square that players cannot dribble out of
Suggested Ages
U7-U10