| One of the many challenges for coaches of junior | | | | Organization |
| soccer is getting players to have an awareness of | | | | - Mark out a square about 20 yards by 20 yards (the |
| what is going on around them while they have the | | | | size of the square depends on the number of |
| ball at their feet. | | | | players, and their age) |
| How many times have you seen players with the ball | | | | - Have an equal number of players spaced evenly |
| at their feet and then dribble into a pack of players, | | | | along each side of the square |
| only to lose the ball, when (from the sidelines at | | | | - The players face inwards |
| least) it was obvious that they should have just | | | | - Each player has a ball On the coaches command |
| dribbled the ball to the left where there was plenty | | | | each player dribbles to the opposite side and stops |
| of space? | | | | the ball on the line opposite them |
| Well it is very common, especially for younger | | | | Its a simple but effective way to make players |
| players to concentrate totally on the ball, and be | | | | dribble with their heads up to avoid colliding with each |
| completely unaware of what is going on around | | | | other as they travel across the square |
| them. | | | | Progression |
| This is one of the best drills that I use to teach | | | | To make the drill a bit more fun, make the players |
| players to keep their heads up whilst dribbling, and | | | | dribble across the square and back again, forcing |
| has always been fun for the players as well as | | | | them to turn 180 degrees with the ball |
| teaching valuable skills. | | | | - Vary the number of times players have to dribble |
| The kids will love it as they avoid collisions and have | | | | across the square |
| competitions to find out who is the best dribbler, and | | | | - Have a competition where the last player is |
| this drill can be used for any age player. | | | | eliminated until there is only one player left |
| This drill is so much better than have players dribble | | | | (As there gets to be less players, you can introduce |
| in and out of cones as it will teach them to get a | | | | the concept of running with the ball as opposed to |
| feel for the ball and a feel for the space near them | | | | dribbling with the ball) |
| that they can exploit | | | | You can have a tremendous amount of fun with this |
| The players find this particular drill quite challenging, | | | | drill and teach a number of important aspects of |
| and the competitive nature of the drill ensures | | | | dribbling with the ball. |
| enthusiastic participation | | | | |