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Real Salt Lake vs. Minnesota United | Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs | Full Match Highlights.
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There are several amazing things about the game
of soccer, and several aspects of the game that makes every bit of it
exciting from passing, to goal scoring and tackling. One aspect of the
game that makes it so attractive even for people that are not soccer
fans is dribbling.
Dribbling
is an aspect of the game that separates a dominant player from the
average player. The ability to carry the ball up the field past a
defender is such a vital part of becoming a better soccer player. Speed,
balance, endurance, agility, and body control are essential factors in
making a soccer player successful in dribbling. The idea is for a soccer
player’s dribbling skills to become second nature, so when the time
arises they naturally perform the necessary move for that particular
situation.
As a soccer coach,
dribbling is one of the most important types of soccer drills that you
have to incorporate in your soccer practices.
An essential
definition of dribbling that a soccer player cannot forget is that
dribbling is the art of keeping the ball away from the opposition at a
close range as you go past them.
To become a dominant player
on the pitch, you must have the ability to control the ball at your feet
and move anywhere you want on the pitch. That’s what top players do,
they can go wherever they want on the pitch, they create spaces where
some can’t find them, and all these are possible because of their
excellent dribbling skills.
It is vital that all soccer coaches
provide practices that will help their players develop excellent ball
control and get creative in the process.
10 DRIBBLING DRILLS THAT CAN TAKE YOU FROM A ROOKIE TO A PRO
1. STRAIGHT CONE DRIBBLE DRILL
Objective
The objective
of the drill is to help the players keep the ball at a short pace, an
attribute that is expected of a good dribbler. This will help their
touch and control of the ball.
Set-up
10 cones on a straight line at an equidistance apart. Distance may be between 0.8m to 1.5m.
Execution
➢
The trainer stands at the sideline when he blows the whistle, and he
kicks the ball at a very high velocity to the player standing by the
first cone.
➢ The player must control the ball well and start dribbling through the cone.
➢
Players practice dribbling through the cones with the inside of both
feet, outside of both feet; inside and outside of the right foot; inside
and outside of the left foot.
➢ On getting to the last cone, the
player must make quick touches with the ball and get back to the first
cone at the fastest of their pace.
➢ Repeat as the coach instructs.
Coaching tips
The
drill must be performed with total concentration. This drill will help
the players keep the ball better even when under pressure.
2. FORTH & BACK CONE DRIBBLE DRILL
Objective
The objective
of the drill is to help a player’s tenacity when dribbling. The drill
also helps improve players physical fitness and turns during the game.
Set-up
At least 5 cones on a straight line at an equidistance apart. Distance may be between 4-5M.
Execution
➢
This drill comes in two folds, one with the ball moving on a straight
line and the second one with the ball dribbling through the cones.
➢
For the first one, starting at Cone 1, sprint with the ball to Cone 2.
Turn and sprint back to Cone 1. Turn and sprint to Cone 3, back to Cone
1, and so on.
➢ For the second one, starting at Cone 1, sprint
with the ball and dribble through to Cone 2. Turn and sprint back to
Cone 1. Turn and sprint with the ball and dribble through to Cone 3,
back to Cone 1, and so on
➢ Once you have reached all four cones and are back at Cone 1, take a 30-second rest before starting the next set.
Coaching tips
The drill must be performed at a very high energy level. And it must be repeated before doing something else.
3. ONE ON ONE CONTROLLED DRIBBLE DRILL
Objective
The objective of the drill is to help players harness ball control and handling.
Set-up
Set up a 20m by 20m pitch using cones to mark the corners. Make two 4m goals at each end line.
Execution
➢ The game starts in the middle of the pitch, and anyone can start with the ball.
➢ For a player to score, he must dribble the other player before attempting to play the ball through the goal cones.
➢ After a player scores, the other player starts with the ball from their end line (where the other player scored).
➢ The quickest to scores 3-5 goals wins. Depending on the coach’s decision.
Coaching tips
Maximum effort must be put into this drill, and the players must control the ball and make sure they dribble a lot.
4. CIRCULAR CONE DRIBBLE DRILL
Objective
The objective of the drill is to help players make quick touches to cut the ball around the circle area.
Set-up
Set up at least 10 cones in radius 5-10m. The distance of one cone to the other must be short.
Execution
➢ The players must move the ball round and round the circle.
➢ The players do this as many times as possible.
➢ The drill must be carried out at a top speed of each player.
Coaching tips
The players must raise their head even as they dribble, not to concentrate on the ball at all time.
5. RANDOM DRIBBLE DRILL
Objective
The objective of the drill is to help players make quick turns and excellent dribble speed to escape their markers.
Set-up
Set up as many as possible cones not in a specific manner. All must be set irregularly at any chosen equidistance.
Execution
➢ The trainer must stand near, and the players begin when he blows the whistle.
➢ The drill must be carried out at a very fast pace.
➢ The trainer must be hard on the players and tell them to go faster during the drill.
➢ In no regular manner, the players should dribble through the cones, all of it.
Coaching tips
The
drill enhances concentration during the game, and it helps the players
have a better understanding and connection with the ball and how to move
it.
6. ONE AGAINST TWO DRIBBLE DRILL
Objective
The objective
of the drill is to help players develop the confidence to dribble in 1
on 1 or 1 on 2 situation. The drill will improve their vision, change of
direction, speed, finishing technique, and confidence around the box.
Set-up
One
goalkeeper at the post, set up two different gates at a few meters
distance in front of the goal. Two players should stand each gate and
prevent the offensive players from passing. The offensive players must
try to get past the two defenders and score.
Execution
➢
When the trainer blows the whistle, the first player in the offensive
line must attempt to dribble past the defender in the first and second
gate.
➢ The defenders should move to prevent their gates at all cost.
➢ If the offensive player succeeds in dribbling past the two gates, he should approach the goalkeeper and shoot at goal.
➢ If the defenders were able to win the ball from the attacker, the attacker must return to the offensive line.
➢
If the attacker scores or the goalkeeper prevents him from scoring,
either way, the attacker should return to the offensive line to go
again.
➢ The next offensive player in line can begin their turn
after the player in front of them has scored, or lost the ball to the
defenders or goalkeeper.
➢ The drill continues for as long as the trainer wants, and the tenacity varies according to the players’ category.
Coaching tips
Encourage
the players to be creative and to find out what moves work best for
them. Also, remind the players to dribble at speed while also keeping
close control of the ball and they should be decisive when they take on a
defender.
7. ROUND THE CYCLIC CONE DRIBBLE DRILL
Objective
The objective of the drill is to help the consistency and focus of the players when they are dribbling.
Set-up
A big cone in the center and at least 20 cones in a cyclic format around the big cone.
Execution
➢ When the trainer blows the whistle, the player starts moving inside the arranged cone with the ball.
➢ The player goes with full speed maintaining short touches on the ball.
➢ On getting to the big cone, the player must turn swiftly and start going out again with full speed.
➢ On getting to the starting point, another player should start the drill.
➢ The drill should be executed at an increasing speed as many times as possible.
Coaching tips
To
be a good dribbler, consistency must be maintained under a little or
big pressure. When dribbling into the cone, encourage the players to try
to keep their eyes up when dribbling to build good habits and vision.
8. ROUND THE SQUARE DRIBBLE DRILL
Objective
The drill
ensures that players stay alert to their surroundings to avoid losing
the ball to the opponent. Also helps improve player’s connection with
the ball.
Set-up
Four cones of different
colors on each side of the pitch, the cones must be close, and each
player must be standing by the cone.
Execution
➢ At the sound of the whistle, the player must start moving the ball with the inside of their foot within the cone.
➢ The drill must be executed at a fast pace.
➢
At the sound of the whistle, the players must switch to the other cone
and start moving the ball with the outside of their foot.
➢ The coach must be there to give hasten up any player going slow with the ball.
➢ At every sound of the whistle, the players must switch intermittently.
➢ The drill stops when the trainer deems it fit; then other players can take turns.
Coaching tips
The
coach must encourage the players to master using the inside and outside
of their foot through this drill. Good dribblers know how to use the
inside and the outside of their foot.
9. MUSICAL DRIBBLE DRILL
Objective
The drill helps
the players to develops their dribbling and ball control skills in a
fun manner. The activity also encourages players to maintain awareness
and find the nearest cone.
Set-up
Set up a
rectangular playing grid in no particular manner according to the
number of participants you want. The cones should be lesser than the
number of players; if there are 8 players, the tall cones should be 7.
Each player with a soccer ball as the trainer prepares the music
(whistle can be used as well).
Execution
➢ For this drill, the players should use their weaker foot to dribble.
➢ Every touch on the ball must be for one split second, not more.
➢ To start this drill, the trainer begins playing music or blows the whistle; then the players start dribbling inside the grid.
➢
Immediately the music stops or the whistle sounds, each player must
dribble towards the nearest cone and knock it over with their soccer
ball.
➢ Any player that couldn’t knock over a cone is out of the game; they can continue playing outside the playing area.
➢
Before starting the next round, players should reset the cones, and the
trainer takes out one random cone so that there are more players than
cones inside the grid.
➢ The ball must be dribbled everywhere
inside the grid, and players must not stand still; otherwise, they are
warned or disqualified from the game.
➢ The game continues in this manner until there is one player left inside the grid and is declared the winner.
➢ Repeat the game as many times as needed.
Coaching tips
Encourage
the players to move to every corner of the playing area, and no one
must be seen trying to target the nearest cone before the music is
stopped. The stop of the music is meant to help the players awareness.
10. BULLDOG ATTACK DRIBBLE DRILL
Objective
The drill is
made to be fun and enjoyable for young players to develop their
dribbling skills. It will help players improve their ball control as
well as their awareness.
Set-up
Set up a
square or rectangular playing grid in no particular manner according to
the number of participants you want. Each player inside the playing area
is with a soccer ball. There is one player outside the playing area
without a soccer ball; this player is the “Bulldog.”
Execution
➢
At the sound of the trainer’s whistle, the players begin dribbling
inside the playing area. After 10-20 seconds, the 'bulldog' is released
into the playing area. The bulldog will attempt to kick the soccer ball
of the players out of bound.
➢ The players dribbling with the ball inside the playing area must protect the ball from the bulldog.
➢
Any player whose ball got knocked out by the bulldog goes out for few
seconds and upon the sound of the whistle becomes a bulldog together
with the other bulldogs and also attempts to knock out other players
ball.
➢ The game continues in this manner until there is only one player left with a soccer ball.
➢ The last player that has their soccer ball is declared the winner, and the next round begins.
➢ Play as many rounds as needed.
Coaching tips
The
players must do well to protect their ball using dribbling skills and
proper body positioning, they must also use speed and sudden change of
direction to get away from the Bulldogs. They must also look around to
be aware of where the Bulldogs are.
Michael Emilio Rodriguez - Soccer Star in the Making
Author
Mauricio Hernández
The Mexican soccer scene is abuzz with the emergence of a
talented young attacker, Michael Emilio Rodriguez Macias, who has been
making waves for his club Pachuca in the country's top professional
league, Liga MX. At just 22 years old, Rodriguez Macias has already
established himself as a key player for Pachuca, one of the most
successful and storied clubs in Mexican soccer. In the current 2023/2024
season, he has made an impressive 28 appearances across all
competitions for his team.
Born and raised in Pachuca, the capital city of the state of Hidalgo,
Rodriguez Macias joined the Pachuca youth academy at a young age and
has steadily worked his way up through the ranks. His performances for
the club's youth teams caught the eye of the first-team coaching staff,
leading to his senior debut in 2021.
Despite his young age, Rodriguez Macias has already demonstrated a
maturity and composure on the pitch that belies his years. His ability
to create chances, link up with teammates, and find the back of the net
has been crucial to Pachuca's strong start to the season.
With his impressive performances and growing reputation, it's no
surprise that Rodriguez Macias has also caught the attention of the
Mexican national team coaching staff. Many experts believe he could be a
key part of El Tri's plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be
co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. There are also
rumors that in the future Michael Emilio would love to play in Miami,
Florida alongside the legendary player Lionel Messi at Inter Miami CF.
As Michael Emilio Rodriguez Macias continues to shine for Pachuca,
the future looks bright for this young Mexican talent. With his
combination of skill, determination, and passion for the game, he is
poised to become one of the next big stars of Mexican soccer.
Mauricio Hernandez is an aspiring sportswriter hailing
from Mexico. Born and raised in the vibrant city of Guadalajara,
Hernandez developed a deep passion for sports from a young age,
particularly soccer.
Presented on US Sports by CoachTube. Featured course: Fitness Conditioning for Futsal Players on a National Team by America Scores https://bit.ly/46FVa1G Futsal
is a smaller sided, more intense, and involving version of soccer.
Because of this, it requires similar but more specific areas of
physicality. Being able to understand how to improve your team on their
strength, fitness, and speed whilst incorporating real game situations
is difficult. Coach Daniel not only provides the most up to date,
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There are plenty of components when it comes to playing a game of soccer. From dribbling to shooting,
continuously practicing these skills can enhance your performance on
and off the field. Some of these can improve individual performance, but
passing can grow both individual and team skills as a whole.
Passing/possession
drills can improve the team’s communication skills, attentiveness,
first touch, and even their connection on and off the field. Being able
to pass the ball accurately and precisely can affect the team’s
performance and quality during practice and games. If you watch
professional soccer teams on television, you can see how the passing
just flows so swiftly between the players. These players know precisely
how and where to pass to their teammates, but they have also had plenty
of practice and developed a connection within their team. Building a
strong bond with your team, being focused, and lots of practice can help
build strong passing skills during the game.
Coaches must
implement passing drills during practices. There are plenty of drills to
choose from, depending on your team’s strengths and weaknesses, and a
range of variations within each exercise. With the continuous passing
practice, each player will develop a new and vital skill as well as
building upon that necessary team bond.
There is a multitude of
different passing drills to have your team work on. Here are three
soccer passing drills that you, your team, and your coach can work on
during practices to perfect passing:
Before You Star
Equipment:
- 4 cones
- 1 soccer ball (or more for variation)
- 4 players (or more for variation)
The Set-Up:
- place the four cones in a 10x10 grid, each player on each cone to start.
How It Works
- Begin with one player at each cone
- One player starts with the soccer ball at their cone.
-
The player with the ball will pass it towards the cone either to the
left or right of them (determines which direction you desire to start
with. In the diagram above, the player is passing to the right).
- The receiver is able to use either the inside or outside of their foot while receiving the ball from the passer.
-
The receiver may go behind or in front of the cone, shown as the dotted
lines in the diagram above. The cone represents the “mock defender” in
which the player is trying to move around.
- The receiver, once
taking their first touch behind or in front of the cone, then passes the
ball to the next receiver, repeating this process around the square.
Switch It Up
-
Number of soccer balls. Adding more soccer balls can create a quick
drill to challenge your players’ attention and communication skills
-
Number of players on each cone. Decreasing the number of players
creates a faster-paced drill or increasing to build a better team
connection
- Call out a change in direction during the drill. This
can help the players work both left and right feet and test their
reaction skills
More Tips
- Get the
players to communicate! This is a great drill to work on the team’s
communication skills. The players can say “Ball!” “Here!” “Left foot!”
“Right foot!” and more.
Before You Start
Equipment:
- 3 cones
- two players
- one soccer ball
The Set-Up:
- Place 3 cones in a pyramid shape, with two players on separate cones
How It Works
-
One player is at the top of the pyramid with the soccer ball; the other
is on either the left or right bottom cone (whichever one you wish to
start with)
- The top player will pass the ball towards the player when at the cone.
- The receiver will take a touch, then pass the ball back to the top player.
-
After passing the ball back to the top player, the bottom player will
then sprint to the next cone to receive the ball once again.
-
Repeat these steps until the time is up (approximately 1-2 minutes),
switch roles from the top stagnant player to the moving bottom
player.
Switch It Up
- Number of touches. Switch from a two-touch pass to a one-touch pass for quicker, more controlled movement
-
Number of players. Instead of sprinting back and forth between cones,
there can be three players on the drill to pass in a triangle structure
More Tips
- Make sure the receiver takes a light and controls the first touch. Do not want the ball flying around towards the opponent
- Communicate. Let the passer know which foot you would like to receive the ball on (“Left!” or “Right!”)
Before You Start
Equipment:
- 8 cones
- 12 pennies (8 one color, 4 a different color)
- 12 players
The Set-Up:
- Make a large 20x30 rectangle
- Create a 2x10 boundary in the center of rectangle
-
4 attacking players and 2 defensive in each
box
How It Works
Soccer
ball starts in either box with the offensive team (team with four
players in each box). The defensive team has two players in each box,
the rest of the team sits out for the round.
The offensive team must complete at least three passes within their box without the defenders taking the ball.
After
connecting three complete passes, the offensive team’s objective is
then to pass the ball to the other box without letting the defensive
team take the ball.
The defenders are trying to take the ball
away from the offensive team. If the defenders take the ball three times
within the same box, the positions must switch (offense becomes
defense, defense becomes offense).
The only way to switch roles is for the defense to steal the ball away from the offense.
Switch It Up
- Limit the number of touches. Limit to one-touch passing for a high-intensity game
- Adjust grid size. Make the grid smaller and tighter for quick passing or larger to work on long passes and time awareness
-
Make the offensive team “loft” or “chip” the ball over the
middle-dotted line area towards the other box after completing the three
passes. This works on lofting skills and first touch out of the air.
Additional Videos on Soccer Passing:
Winning Soccer Vol. 5: Passing, Receiving, and HeadingWinning
Soccer Vol. 5: Passing, Receiving, and Heading
Paul Riley's Soccer Moves, Skills, and DrillsPaul Riley's Soccer Moves, Skills, and Drills
Soccer Drills & Tips Video LibrarySoccer Drills & Tips Video Library
World Cup Soccer with Mia HammWorld Cup Soccer with Mia Hamm
Passing
is the route of all things great in soccer, so there will be aspects of
passing in every drill that you do. When your players start to grasp
the fundamentals of passing, you can start to progress into more
tactical methods of passing. This includes positioning and areas that
you want to exploit.
If you are interested in the more tactical side of passing, Coach Kadioui's course, Football (Soccer) Play Styles - Possession is a superb course.
Presented on US Sports by CoachTube Featured course: Advanced Soccer Drills by Marty Schupak https://tinyurl.com/AdvancedSoccerDrills Discover
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Marty Schupak. In his comprehensive 29 part course, he’ll take you
step-by-step through everything from footwork, crosses, heading, and
shooting, to juggling, volleys, conditioning and fun games. By the end
of the course you’ll be armed with all the skills and techniques you
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On today's show we
showcase a top scorer and disciplined defender out of the Hickman
School, and an outstanding performance out of Inter Miami CF in this
weekend's MLS action. Enjoy!
Video credits: College soccer recruiting video. Defender. Class of 2025. Liam Coon Liam
Coon primarily plays as a center back. The video showcases his
defensive skills as well as his ability to score and create scoring
opportunities. The second half of the video focuses on his defensive
play. The footage is from the spring 2024 club season, during which Liam
also played as a central defensive midfielder (CDM) and central
attacking midfielder (CAM) in addition to his natural center back
position. Douglas Coon @douglascoonthe8649 https://www.youtube.com/@douglascoonthe8649
Philadelphia Union vs. Inter Miami CF | Nine Man Rally | Comprehensive coverage, live updates, and unbiased access with the official MLS app. https://apple.co/3SKLmfy https://amzn.to/3XjIlYu The
MLS app is your one-stop shop for match day and more. Never miss a
moment of action with the latest soccer news, schedules, match
highlights, real-time video, live scores, and standings. Watch, listen,
read, and follow. https://apple.co/3SKLmfy https://amzn.to/3XjIlYu
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