Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): NSCAA Level 4 Diploma - Dribbling

Warm Up I (10 mins)

Organization:

40x30 yard area

Each player with a ball

Players dribble their ball like 'Messi' anywhere inside the area

Coach can instruct the players to 'switch' their ball with another player

After switching, dribble the ball into space like 'Ronaldo'

Dribble for 30 seconds then rest

Coaching Points:

Toe is down

Use the outside or instep of the foot

Head Up

Look for spaces between players

Try to touch the ball with every step - Messi

Take bigger touches into space - Ronaldo

Positive 1st touch after switching

Main Theme II (10 mins)

Organization:

40x30 yard area divided into 4 channels

2 players in each channel

1 ball per team

Instructions:

Player with the ball Messi dribbles to half way

After passing half way, Ronaldo dribble past defender

Defending player shadows their movement backwards - do not attempt to steal the ball

Coaching Points:

Drive forward with positive touches

Keep the ball just in front of the defender's front foot

Touch the ball as often as you can

Take bigger touch when Ronaldo dribbling

Accelerate past defender

Use both feet

Conditioned Game (35 mins)

Organization:

30x20 yard area

2 teams of 3 (Plus GK, if available)

Instructions:

- Regular scrimmage game

- If ball goes out of play, defending team must 'check' the ball into attacking (as shown)

- Gives attacking player opportunity to beat defender with 1st touch

Coaching Points:

- Use condition to gain 3v2 advantage (A)

- Movement of team mates to create space to drive into (B)

- Third man run to support play (C)