Soccer Coaching - Dribbling

When coaching soccer, an important soccer skill to teach is DRIBBLING a soccer ball. Dribbling is simply the ability of a player to move the ball at a reasonable pace while keeping the ball close and under control. Soccer coaches will agree that an effective dribbler can make the game of soccer more exciting and often can break down the best organized defenses.

As soccer coaches, it is up to us to provide an environment that helps players grow and develop good dribbling skills.

Soccer coaches should instruct soccer players to dribble with all parts of their foot: inside, outside, top, and sole.

When coaching soccer dribbling, players must have a low center of gravity and keep the ball close to them in order to effectively change direction, stop quickly, or change pace. Good soccer dribblers are also very aware of their surroundings and always scanning the field for opponents or opportunities. Good dribblers also have to have an arsenal of moves and feints to shake defenders in order to off balance a defender.

Soccer Coaches should always correct players who dribble with their head down or touch the ball too far ahead of them. These are common mistakes that are easily corrected.