Dribbling
Dribbling is one of the fundamental skills which all soccer players should have a strong grasp of. Dribbling is running with the ball at your feet while in total control of it. When running with the ball you should have your head slightly faced down so you can see yourself controlling the ball. But it shouldn't be so far down that you can't glance up and see your opponents.
The key to being a good dribbler is the ability to keep the ball close to your feet at all times. You carry the ball at your feet by giving the ball small touches with the inside and outside of your foot. A good dribbler is able to have the ball within close contact of his feet even when he is in a full-out sprint.
| Dribbling Drill Set up a row of obstacles (e.g. plastic bottles, cones, rocks) and move the ball through the obstacles with a series of light taps. Use the inside and outside of your foot. Time yourself and see if you can beat your own speed. |
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Passing
A pass with the inside of the foot is a good way of getting the
ball over a fairly short distance accurately and quickly.
Basic steps:
1. Plant non-kicking foot beside ball.
2. Bring head and body over ball.
3. Keep kicking foot's ankle stiff and kick the ball squarely.
| Passing Drill Take 2 obstacles (e.g. rocks, shoes) and place them as if they were making a small goal. Kick the ball through the goal using your passing kick. Try not to hit the obstacles. As you become better, create a greater distance between yourself and the goal. |
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Shooting
A shot is used usually around or inside the 18 yard box in an attempt to score.
| Basic Steps: 1. Plant non-kicking foot beside the ball. 2. Bring head, body, and knee over the ball. 3. Glance at the goal and the goalie. 4. Wind up and drive the ball with your instep (toes pointing down). |
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Shooting Drill
Have a player roll, bounce, or spin a ball on the top of the 18 yard box. The shooter will emerge from outside the 18 yard box and take a shot on net. If possible, try to shoot to the corners of the goal using your shooting kick. Make sure the shooter is alternating kicking legs between shots.
Long Kick
A long high kick is useful in
clearing the ball from the defence, kicking a goal kick, or sending a
foward to the opponent's goal.
Basic Steps.
1. Plant non-kicking foot slightly behind ball.
2. Keep your body leaning slightly backwards.
3. Power through the base of the ball kicking it with your laces.
Dribbling & Fine Ball Control
For a look at how experienced soccer players handle the ball, check out our Demonstration Instructional Videos. They give you an on-hands look at how to dribble, move the ball, and control the ball.
