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Dribblers vs. Defenders Challenge

Drill Quick Glance
Age: 4-8 Field: 20X15
Players: 6+ Focus: DRIBBLING
Difficulty: EASY Time: 15 mins.
Goalkeeper: NO INDIVIDUAL
Rating: 0 / 5 Views: 641
Published: 2/16/2025 Author: Chris Johnson
Drill Objective

This drill develops dribbling under pressure, defensive tackling skills, and quick decision-making. Dribblers learn to protect the ball while defenders work on pressing and winning possession.

A competitive dribbling drill that improves ball control, defensive pressure, and quick decision-making as dribblers try to maintain possession while defenders attempt to steal the ball.
Drill setup
  1. Field Size: 20x15 yards
  2. Players: 8 total (4 dribblers, 4 defenders)
  3. Ball Supply: 4 soccer balls
  4. Roles:
    Dribblers (4 players): Start with a ball and attempt to keep possession.
    Defenders (4 players): Try to steal a ball from a dribbler.
Drill Instructions
  1. Dribblers move around the grid, keeping the ball away from defenders.
  2. Defenders attempt to steal a ball from any dribbler.
  3. If a dribbler loses possession, they become a defender and must steal from another dribbler.
  4. The round lasts 1 minute, and players in possession of a ball at the end earn 1 point.
  5. Repeat rounds until a player reaches 5 points to win the game.
Drill Variations
  • Smaller Grid: Reduce space to increase pressure on dribblers.
  • Weak Foot Challenge: Dribblers must use their weaker foot to maintain possession.
  • Time Restriction: Defenders must win the ball within 10 seconds of engaging a dribbler.
  • Double Points: Award an extra point if a dribbler uses a skill move before the round ends.
  • Extra Defender: Start with 5 defenders and 3 dribblers to increase defensive pressure.
Drill Coaching Points

This drill sharpens individual dribbling and defending skills while reinforcing quick transitions and competitive intensity in a fun, game-like environment.

  • Dribblers: Use body positioning, shielding, and quick changes of direction to keep possession.
  • Defenders: Apply pressure quickly and look for opportunities to poke or tackle cleanly.
  • Scanning & Awareness: Dribblers must recognize space and anticipate defender movement.
  • Controlled Touches: Encourage dribblers to keep the ball close for better control.
  • Transition Speed: Players must quickly adjust from dribbler to defender when losing possession.
Drill Equipment Drill Ages Drill Topic
Soccer Drill Titled: Dribblers vs. Defenders Challenge
Tagged:
  • DRIBBLING
  • BALL CONTROL
  • DEFENDING
  • TRANSITION
  • POSSESSION GAME
Published by: Chris Johnson

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