Objective

The primary focus of THE SOCCER GAUNTLET is centered around proper dribbling technique in traffic which requires vision and awareness.

Equipment Needed

Disc Cones/Markers Scrimmage Vests Soccer Balls

Setup

  1. Create a grid approximately 20x15 yard.
  2. Instruct one defender to stand inside the grid without a ball.
  3. The remaining players will start on the end line with a ball.

Instructions

  1. On the coaches command, all of the attacking players dribble at speed to the other sideline avoiding the defender.
  2. If the defender wins the ball and kicks the ball out of the grid, that attacker becomes an additional defender (without a ball) on the next series.
  3. The last player to make it through the gauntlet wins the game.

Coaching Points

  • Keep the ball close to the dribbler
  • Stay in control of your body and ball
  • Keep your eyes up to avoid pressure
  • Dribble into space avoiding pressure
  • Dribble with speed when in open space

Variations

  • Limit the foot the attacker can dribble with (the right foot, the left foot, and the bottom of the foot).
Coach's Tip: Train Vision & Scanning Use the free SoccerXpert Scanning App during this drill to flash colors or numbers, forcing players to shoulder-check and scan before receiving.
SoccerXpert App Build a whole practice around this drill. Start with this drill in the Practice Planner, add a warm-up and a scrimmage, and save it for next week. Print it or share it with your assistants. New: Coach Assistant, our AI practice builder, can lay out the whole session from your goals. Start a Practice Plan