Team Tactics Dribbling in the Attacking Third

Chris Johnson 81,771 Views Rating 4.08 (24 Reviews)

This soccer attacking drill is a great team tactic dribbling drill that focuses on when and where to dribble in the attacking third.

dribbling in the attacking third, dribbling tactics, soccer dribbling tactics

Drill Setup

This drill requires the attacking third of the field with a full-size goal.
Split the team into six attackers, six defenders, a goalkeeper, and a server.
The server will start around midfield with a supply of balls.
Assign each defender an attacker. These defenders are restricted to defending this attacker only and should play tight man-to-man defense.

Drill Instructions

Attackers move to get free from their defender to receive a pass from the server.
As the attacker receives the ball, they must immediately face his defender before dribbling.
The attacker's decision at this point is to:
(1) take a shot if an opportunity exists;
(2) make a pass to a player in a more advantageous spot;
(3) dribble to beat the defender.
If the defensive team wins the ball, the play is dead, and the server quickly starts with a new ball.

Drill Variations

Drill Coaching Points

The tight defense will create a risk in going forward, but a risk that must be taken to score.
Players work together to create space.

Decisions:

Dribble - Players must dribble in the offensive third when a pass or shot is not available. Look to beat the defender and get to the space behind the defense.
Pass - when a shot is not available in the attacking 3rd, a player must pass. It's critical that supporting players always create space from their defenders and support the player with the ball.
Shoot - A player misses all shots that they do not take. Encourage players to beat the defender and get a shot on goal. A half-chance is a better option than no shot.

Equipment

Drill Ages

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