Pirates of the Pugg
This soccer dribbling drill is a great soccer drill using a Pugg Goal that can be tweaked to focus on many aspects of the game. For younger players ages 8-11, the primary focus should be on proper dribbling technique in traffic which requires vision and awareness. The coach can also focus on the transition from offense to defense if the ball is lost, or recovering from a tackle and finding safety. Defensively, this allows defenders to steal the ball from attackers and play to a particular goal or target.
Pirate Game, Pirates of the Pugg Goal
This drill is an excellent drill for younger players ages 8-11 and focuses on dribbling technique in traffic which requires vision and awareness.
- Build a circle approximately the size of the center circle. The actual size of the circle will vary depending on the age and skill level of the players.
- Place a Pugg Goal in the middle of the circle.
- All players start in the playing area.
- Dedicate 9 players with the ball, and 3 players without a ball are the "Pirates."
- Instruct the "Pirates" without the ball to defend the players with the balls.
- Once the Pirate wins the ball, they attempt to score on the Pugg Goal in the middle of the circle.
- If the Pirate scores the goal, that player becomes a Pirate.
- Play continues until the last player with the ball wins.
- If the pirates have a hard time getting started, the coach can help the pirates at first.
- N/A
Attacking: keep the ball close with head up so the players are aware of defenders and safety areas (space). If the ball is lost, recover quickly and fight to win it back.
Defending: Transition quickly from defense to offensive and stay focused once the ball is won, and find the target.
- Disc Cones - Mini or Full-Size Disc Cones are a critical piece of equipment that every soccer coach must have in your equipment bag.
- Scrimmage Pinnies/Vests - Scrimmage vests, also called bibs or pinnies, are also another must-have in your soccer coaching equipment bag.
- Soccer Practice or Training Balls - Every player should have a soccer balls at practice to have a successful training session.
- Pugg Goal - Pugg Goal or Mini Soccer Goal
Top Rated Soccer Drills
7v7 Scrimmage
Sharks and Minnows
1v1 Diamond Shooting Drill
Pirates of the Pugg
Alien Tag Soccer Game
4v4 Soccer to a Small Gate
The Flag Game - Dribbling in Tight Spaces
Four Corners Passing Game
1v1 Competition
