SoccerXpert Soccer Drills

Dribbling to Beat a Defender

Soccer Drill Diagram: Dribbling to Beat a Defender
SOCCER DRIBBLING DRILL TO BEAT A DEFENDER
Drill Equipment

Disc Cones/Markers, Scrimmage Vests, Soccer Balls

Drill Quick Glance
Age: 4-12 Field: 10X20
Players: 3+ Focus: DRIBBLING
Difficulty: EASY Time: 10 mins.
Goalkeeper: NO INDIVIDUAL
Rating: 4.14 / 5 Views: 100,812
Published: 7/11/2007 Author: Chris Johnson

The Dribbling to Beat a Defender soccer dribbling drill is wonderful when teaching young players when and where to dribble, and how to beat the defenders on the dribble. This dribbling drill is best for U8-U12 Soccer Players. The emphasis is on allowing the dribbling player to unbalance the defender while approaching unchallenged.

Drill setup
  1. Create a grid 20X10 yards.
  2. Mark the halfway with a line of cones about 5 yards apart.
  3. Split into groups of three players.
  4. A group of three players needs two balls.
Drill Coaching Points
  • Focus on a controlled approach by the attacker.
  • Sell the fake/faint to the defender.
  • Make sure the dribbling players change direction.
  • Make sure the player accelerates to the other end line once past the defender.
Drill Instructions
  1. Position the defender in the middle line in the grid.
  2. The defender in the middle is restricted to only move side to side on the middle line in an attempt to stop the dribbling attacker.
  3. Instruct the attacker to approach the defender under control, make his move after making the defender commit, and accelerate to the other side of the grid.
  4. If the defender wins the ball, he switches role with the player that lost the ball.
Drill Variations
  • None
Drill Focus

Dribbling, Attacking