Though using your weak foot is frustrating, it is vital to your dribbling ability. Using both feet will allow you to easily go in all directions and execute all moves. Also, switching feet can help make a defender lose balance.
When defenders get more advanced, they defend your strong side more. If you cannot use your weak foot to beat defenders, you will have a very tough time getting past them.
Use all the surfaces of your foot.
This will allow you to use more soccer moves and dribble in all directions. Using all the parts of the foot, you can dribble gracefully.
Shield
Don’t be afraid to use your body; shielding effectively can really help you keep the ball. The best dribblers integrate shielding with dribbling. Learn how to shield.
Don’t stare at the ball.<script>
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You need to be constantly looking up, or you will not be able to pass, shoot, or do anything else. This takes practice, but it will make you a much better player in every way.
Balance yourself.
You need to be on the balls of your feet, ready to cut in any direction. Balance is a huge part of dribbling; in fact, the entire point of doing moves is to throw a defender off balance.
Learn soccer moves.
Having a variety of soccer moves will allow you to get past defenders in all kinds of situations.
Put the right amount of touch on the ball.
If there is open space you can touch the ball forward more, and in a tight space, keep the ball close to you. Make sure you master your touch.
Remember, you can run faster when you don’t have the ball.
While it is important to learn how to run almost as fast as you would without a ball at your feet, you still can’t be as fast as you are without it. Passing allow you to get rid of the ball, and make runs.
Dribble with a purpose
Dribble when you have open space, are making room for a shot, making room for a pass, or are trying to get in a cross. Don’t just dribble to dribble.
Move your body.
It’s the little things that fake a defender out. Maybe leaning left before cutting right will give you the advantage you need to get past a defender. Move your arms too, defenders are often distracted by arms.
Always keep a ball with you.
If you are wondering how players like Messi have perfect control, this is how. Wherever Messi went his soccer ball went with him. This is true for almost all professional soccer players. Bring a ball wherever you can, and practice your dribbling.
Practice at different paces.
Try starting slow and rapidly changing to a sprint. You will change speed often in games so this is a useful thing to practice.
One of the most important things to know is soccer passing. Everyone likes to see great dribbling skills, long range shots and flying headers but all professionals know that in order to make this all happen, you need toknow how to pass the ball. Most players, when they receive the ball, will think about passing to an open team-mate. Good soccer passing requires good technique and involves making the right decision at the right time.
A player in possession of the ball should have a a range of passing options open to him. He has to assess all options and decide which is the right pass to make. Depending on how fast the defenders close you down, you may have alot of time to decide, but sometimes you have no time at all.
The game is all about getting the ball into advanced positions. If a forward pass is on, that should be the preferred option. However, if a sideways pass or a backwards pass means that you won't lose the ball then these can be valuable too.
Great soccer players have great awareness of what is going on around them, even before they receive the ball. That way they can make decisions quicker giving them the edge.
Timing a pass perfectly is crucial. Even if a pass is executed perfectly, it can go wrong if it is made too soon or too late. Timing is a responsibility shared by both receiver and passer. The receiver must make himself available to receive a pass and the player with the ball must time the pass precisely.
Side Foot Pass
The side foot pass is the most common and easiest pass to perform. It is highly effective and very accurate.
The non-striking foot should be level with the ball. Strike the ball with the inside of your other foot. Adjust weight and direction of pass depending on how far and where your team mate is.
Try to hit the ball through the center and try not to get any lift on the ball. Short passes are suppose to be accurate and along the floor. This is usually quite hard to do when hitting the ball with pace so don't worry about it too much if the bal gets a little bit of air.
Kepping the ball on the deck improves accuracy greatly and is easier for team-mates to control the ball.
A ball travelling through the air takes longer to control then one that is rolling along the ground.
Make sure to hit the ball with the large area at the side of your foot in the intended direction.
Always looks up for support and know where your team-mates are before making a pass.
The head should be steady with eyes on the ball at all times. Always keep your calm and never panic.
The moment you see a team-mate open and wanting the ball, do not hesitate to play him a short, simple pass.
The Lofted Pass
The lofted Pass or long pass is when a player knocks the ball into the air over their opponents heads and to their team-mate. Long passes usually cover greater distances than the side-footed pass. It is ideal for counter attacking, catching the defence off gaurd and switching sides of play.
To perform a long pass, try to strike the ball with the top of your foot with the instep. Strike from the bottom of the ball upwards, this will send the ball flying through the air.
Hit the ball lower and get your foot right under the ball and remember to follow through as this is where you will generate most of the power for the long pass.
Keep in mind that long passes are easier to intercept then a short, sharp passes along ground. But when done correctly, can create a golden opportunity on goal.
Try not to over hit the pass as the ball might just sail out for a throw-in or goal kick. It would be a waste of possession.
Long pass take longer to pull off then short passes so make sure there is enough room for you to get the height. Defenders will most like close you down quickly when they see you attempting this kind of pass so creating room for yourself before making the pass is always a good start.
As always, be calm, confident and watch for runs from team-mates. Keep an eye on the oposing teams defenders as well. If they are not ready to intercept the long pass, it makes it that much easier to complete the pass.
The One Two Pass
The one two pass, also known as the give-and go, is used a lot in modern day soccer games. Its quick, decisive and very effective for beating defenders and creating space for yourself. Like any other skii or technique, it takes practice to master this type of pass. Once you have practiced it, you will be able to use it effectively on the pitch in a real game sutuation.
This pass is very simple to perform. When you are in possession of the ball, and a defender is standing right in front of you, getting ready to tackle you, you have a few choices. You can either try to dribble past him or play a pass. Taking on a defender is a much riskier tactic and a much safer route would be to play a pass. Look up and find a team-mate who is relatively close and play a short simple pass to feet.
Once the ball has left your feet, make a darting run forward into open space. Naturally, the defenders will look at the ball so the focus will not be on you whilst you make the run into open space.
Your team-mate which you passed the ball too, should be able to return you the ball safely with a one touch pass. If the pass is successful, you will most likely have gotten past the defender and created some space for yourself.
The give and go is about team work and understanding each other well. You both have to be thinking on the same wave length for this to work properly and be able to execute it effectively. This takes practice and communication. Talk to each other and don't be afraid to to use your
voice
The Through ball
A through ball is a pass made into space in which a team-mate runs onto the ball.
For this type of pass to work, the player needs to make the run into open space whilst the passer has to be able to execute the pass into space.
Once you get this right you will have no problem in using this technique. This type of pass is used quite a lot in soccer because it is great for breaking past the defensive line to create openings.
A Through pass can be used at any time down the wings, through the centre and on counter attacks. Most teams like to use the through ball on the counter attack as it allows players to break quicker rather then passing to feet.
To execute this pass properly, plant your non kicking foot next to the ball like a pass, look up to see where your team mate is.
Sometimes your team-mate will signal you, telling you exactly where he wants the ball played.
Once you have decided on your pass, with your kicking foot, knock the ball into open space in front of your team-mate. The pass does not have to be played ball too feet.
Using a through pass is great for beating the last line of defence as it allows attackers to run past defenders to create more space for themselves.
You should only use this type of pass when your team-mates have space to run into. It is not really recommended to use in tight areas such as the midfield as this can just give away possession.
Chip Ball
The chip through pass is similar to the through ball but instead of passing the ball along the ground, you chip it over your opponents.
This is harder to do and requires you to be more skilful and have a more of a understanding with your team mates.
To execute a chip ball, plant your non-kicking foot next to the ball.
Look up to spot your team-mates and then, with the instep of your foot, kick the bottom of the ball to elevate it off the ground.
As soon as you chip the ball, your team mate will have to run at the exact same time into space. Timing is important as it could be the difference between being onside or offside..
Shielding the ball is one of football’s most fundamental skills and one that makes an exceptional contribution to your player’s confidence.
When a young soccer player learns that they can hold onto the ball, even under intense pressure from opponents, they will ask for it more in games.
A team of players who are always asking for the ball and are comfortable in possession is a dream to coach because everything becomes easier: the more players that are offering to receive, the easier finding a pass is; the more successful passes a player completes, the more confident they become; the more confident players are, the more enthusiastic they feel about the sport!
Shielding is a particularly useful skill for strikers, who have to be able to receive a ball from midfield and hold it until supporting teammates get forward. Strong forwards can create goal-scoring chances out of the shielding position – by either rolling their defender and getting goal-side or by laying off balls to teammates as they break into the opposition penalty area.
Technique
Get in front of the defender and turn your body so you are slightly side-on to the defender. This creates a barrier between the defender and the football.
If you are right-footed try to turn so that your left-foot is closest to the defender, leaving your right free to control the ball. However, if this will mean your back is to the majority of the field (if you are near to the right-hand sideline, for example) then it is better to control with your weaker foot but be able to see the movement of teammates and opponents.
Control the ball with the outside of your foot. Use the large surface on the outside arch of your foot and cushion the ball as it impacts – transferring the energy out of the ball and into your foot.
Press your arm against the defender to create the largest possible distance between them and the ball – however be careful not to push the defender as this is a foul.
Keep your head up, surveying the field and manipulate the ball with the outside and sole of your foot, adjusting to the defender’s position so that they cannot move around one side and pick up the ball. Look for opportunities to turn the defender and get goalside of them, or to pass to an open teammate.
I find the pre-game warm up is the single most important way to get the goalkeeper ready for a match.
Many coaches believe in visualization and pre-game speeches to inspire their players. While any preparation is good, the opening minutes of the game is the key to goalkeeping success. I also feel it important to do as much as possible to get the backup ready as well--you never know what is going to happen.
Here is how I warm up the goalkeepers for the USA Women's National Team. The first five stints involve both keepers:
Ten volleys into hands
Goalkeeper rolls ball and I hit it back to their hands (10 each)
Goalkeeper shuffles from post to post; when they reach the post I serve ball to their hands (6 each)
Balls served into air (from coaches hand) simulating cross ball. (3 to the right, three to the left)
Balls served on ground, goalkeeper must dive. (4 to the left, 4 to the right)
Shots from the 18-yard box. Coach and back-up alternate shooting from different angles, forcing the goalkeeper to use footwork across goal before saving the shot. (6 to 10 from each side)
Cross balls from each side. (10 from each side)
Back to shots from the 18-yard line, now shots are an attempt to score, forcing the goalkeeper to make more difficult saves.
Play one touch with the feet (back-up is now at midfield), on every third pass the goalkeeper kicks a long ball to midfield.
Goalkeeper works on half volleys and punts.
Goalkeeper and back-up take shots from the team.
It is important that the coach pulls the starter from the shooting exercise after a big time save, sending the goalkeeper into the game with the utmost confidence.
If you notice, this warm up includes many exercises. It is designed to involve the goalkeeper in as many technical situations they will face in the game as possible.
The total time of the warm up should be no more than 30 minutes, so the exercises are short but effective.
I have used this warm up at every level that I have coached at and it has proved to be effective at getting players physically and mentally ready to play.
Goalkeepers are the last line of defense, so their importance to a soccer team can't be overstated. A strong defense is twice as good when it has a good goalkeeper backing it up, and keeping balls out of the net reflects directly on the scoreboard and indirectly through team morale.
There are hundreds of ways to improve a goalkeeper's skill level. Veteran soccer coach Jeff Pill has teamed up with eteamz to share his insight into the game. Here are some of the drills he organizes to help goalkeepers make the big stops when it counts.
BREAKAWAY
The Game
Team A is shooting on team B's goalkeeper, starting from the line that is 40 yards away from the goal.
Players go in one at a time and only get one shot each time.
As soon as the shot is taken, the next player may go.
Players must retrieve their own ball.
Each team gets 90 seconds to take as many shots as they can. The amount of goals scored is recorded and compared to the other team's score.
Teams switch after 90 seconds.
Coaching Points
Keepers must determine how far they can come out without giving up a "chip" over their head.
Keepers should stay on their feet, making themselves as "big" as possible, for as long as possible.
Dive, slide, for the ball, hands first, only when sure of getting the ball. Dive immediately after the attacker's touch on the ball.
Keepers must also work on guiding the ball over the crossbar.
Shooters must decide between dribbling and shooting or chipping the keeper immediately after the save is made.
When dribbling, if the keeper stays in the net, slot ball low, just out of reach of the keeper's feet.
If the keeper come out of the goal, look to unbalance the keeper, then dribble around and shoot.
Fitness for all involved.
DIVING SPEED
The Game
Set up triangular goal with cones 12 feet apart.
Players A, B & C each have a ball.
Keeper starts at D.
Player A rolls ball towards E (No emphasis on scoring!), keeper dives and stops ball, returning it to player A as quickly as possible and then gets into position at E.
Player B then rolls the ball to cone F, etc.
Switch keepers at 90 seconds or when fatigue sets in.
Coaching Points
Look for proper diving technique.
SHOT STOPPER
Organization
Coach stands 5-7 yards away with ball in hand.
Coach simulates shots by rolling soccer ball to the side, lobbing over the head, throwing the ball downwards to replicate downwards header, but always gives the keeper a chance to make the save.
If keeper misses the ball or pushes it away, coach immediately picks up another ball while keeper is recovering.
When save is made, keeper must first throw the ball back to the coach, before doing anything else. Keeper uses the momentum of the throw to aid in the recovery back to the alert and alive position.
Give rest periods when fatigue sets in.
Coaching Points
Throwing the ball back from the side diving position, while pumping back with the upper knee, brings the correct recovery position, forcing proper side diving technique and positioning of hands. This artificial condition has the effect of conditioning the keeper to adopt the open, side diving position when making a save.
Look for these improper diving positions:
Swinging both knees around in front.
Dives backwards.
Belly flops.
Rolls onto the back.
BUBBA'S KEEPER TOSS
The Game
Keeper A tries to throw ball into B's net and vice versa.
First keeper to score wins.
Coaching Points
Proper technique and throwing skills, developing arm strength.
Accuracy of throws will improve.
Heavy psychological factor because the two keepers compete solely against one another.
High work rate for keepers because this match can last a while with talented keepers.
a) The receiver's first touch should protect the ball from challenging players and not give them a chance to regain possession,
b) the receiving player should play the ball into available space to allow for the next touch and to gain or keep momentum.
A poor first-touch will risk taking the momentum out of play and increase the possibility of losing possession. Some players make the mistake of killing the ball dead and not concentrating on getting it out of their feet. The first touch should ensure that a time wasting second touch is not needed to get the ball out ready for the next action.
The general technique for controlling the ball requires several simple skills which can be acquired through correct training practices.
1/ The first element of ball control is to place the controlling surface into the ball's line of flight. The body weight should be well distributed so it is possible to move forwards, backwards or sideways. Keep the head steady and watch the ball carefully to judge it's flight and speed. It is difficult to keep one's eyes permanently on the ball and better players are able to take a quick glance to know what is happening around them before contact is made.
2/ The second step is making an early judgement in choosing the right technique and body surface to control. Wedge control involves a more rigid surface where the player attempts to force the ball downwards or into space so he can move onto it. A cushioned control involves taking the sting out of the ball. This involves pulling the surface back just when the ball makes contact (the body becomes elastic) so that it simply drops at the players feet. This particular technique is very useful when closely marked, for example a forward receiving the ball on the chest with his back to goal.
The different body surfaces often used in controlling the ball are: The foot (sole, inside, outside, instep), thigh, chest & stomach and head. Generally, the part of the body used should preferably be large, flat and able to take the weight of the incoming pass.
Control also requires good mental abilities such as confidence and total concentration. A composed player is one who is calm, relaxed and unhurried in his movements. Confidence does play a big part in this as players who know what they can do and are confident in their ability are more likely to show great technique and succeed. Those who do not have confidence, will be indecisive and their technique hurried.
When training, players can exaggerate the movements to get the feel of the right technique. Younger players can learn from the coach who should demonstrate the technique, break it down and practice the individual elements and eventually, practice the whole technique. Only once the basic techniques have been mastered should a coach move onto more advanced situations. These should concentrate on improving control in pressure situations (defenders coming from the side, front, back), control while moving at pace, control which involves an immediate layoff and controlling the ball for a team mate. The ball should be received from all angles, speeds and heights and all surfaces constantly used.
Some common problems when controlling the ball are described below along with a training method than can be used to improve technique:
Problem 1 - Ball path has been misread and the player has missed the pass.Corrective procedure - Repeated practice using passes from different distances and vary intensity. The coach must encourage player to keep their eyes on the ball at all times and get their body in line.
Problem 2- Player is indecisive when choosing controlling body surface.Corrective procedure - Player shouts the type of body surface they will use and the server provides the pass and vice versa until the player gets the right feeling for the choice of technique.
Problem 3- The player does not get the ball out of their feet and needs a second touch.Corrective procedure - Encourage the player to relax and exaggerate the movement. Repeated practice using passes from different distances and vary intensity.
Problem 4- The ball bounces off the player and control is lost.Corrective procedure - Again, encourage the player to exaggerate the movement, especially the relaxation phase, firstly without the ball and afterwards using gentle service (eventually building up service difficulty). Try using smaller or lighter balls.
Warm Up 5 - 10 minutes. Activity level - Mild. Space: General. 1 - 2 Players per group.
Numbers Passing
The Game
Players pass the ball to the player with the number one higher than their own. (eg. 5 passes to 6, 11 to 1). Ball travels through the entire team. First, allow unlimited touches, then two touches, not allowing the ball to stop, then one touch. Try playing with left foot only, outside of foot only, without talking.
Coaching Points
Eye contact.
Good passing technique.
Angles of support.
Proper weight of passes.
Keep body open to the field of play
Pass and Defend
The Game
Groups of three, one ball per group. Player A rolls the ball (receiving ground balls) or tosses the ball (receiving air balls) to either player B or player C. In this example, player C must control the ball and get a completed pass to player B. While this is occurring, player A immediately challenges player C and tries to win the ball back. After successful pass, player C would then pick up the ball and repeat the activity as the defender. The defender is awarded a point for winning the ball back and gets to throw again.
Coaching Points
Encourage defender to pressure quickly after the toss. Defender needs to work hard at closing down the space while the ball is in flight.
Receiving player's first touch should be away from the pressuring defender.
Player receiving the pass should move to create a clear passing lane.
Do not allow the receiving player to one touch the incoming toss. This is a receiving drill, as well as a drill that serves as a good warm-up for practices dealing with defenders.
Small Game 20 - 25 Minutes. Activity level: Medium progression to high. Space: Defined space "smaller". 3 - 5 players per group.
Numbers Up Keep Away
The Game
A basic keep away game. One team tries to keep the ball from the other team. Because the one team has an advantage, the amount of reps of the skill (ie. passing and receiving) is increased. There are many variations; lose the ball and go in the middle, play for a time limit, if you "split" the two defenders with a pass, you get a goal, play 3 v. 1, 5 v. 2, 6 v. 3.
Coaching Points
Angle and distance of support must be good.
Keep hips facing the play.
Weight and accuracy of passes.
Good passing technique.
Team shape, wide support and at height.
Defending - make play predictable by being patient.
Start with three teams of equal numbers. The space should be rectangular in shape. Team A starts as free target players on all sides of space. Teams B and C play a game of keepaway. Passes can be made to the A players (they must return the ball to the the passer's team). Count the number of consecutive passes. Ten equals one goal. After a specified time period, or a goal, rotate teams. Let the scoring team make the decision whether to become "targets" or stay in the grid.
Coaching Points
Encourage good pace and accuracy of passes.
Pace should be fast enough so defenders can not intercept, and comfortable for the receiver to control.
Accuracy - Ball should be played to players feet.
Players need to make good decision on how to utilize targets to retain possession.
Variations
Targets can only one touch the ball.
Field players must have 1, 2 or 3 touches, depending on skill level.
Award a goal if player can make a wall pass with target players.
Team Game 30 Minutes plus. Activity level: High. Space: half - full size pitch. 7 - 11 players per team.
8 v. 8 with Corner Goals
The Game
8 v. 8 played on half a field. Set up 10 yard squares in each corner of the field. These act as goals. A goal is scored when the ball is passed into the square and then out to a teammate. Each team can attack any of the four goals.
Coaching Points
Keep the team balanced in attack and defence. Don't bunch up around one goal.
Look to attack the goal that is open. See if players can recognize where the pressure is.
It should be easy to keep possession since the defence has so many goals to defend. Be patient in attack and don't take unnecessary risks.
In defence, look to create opportunities to double team.
Variations
Play with two balls to open game up.
Allow a goal if player dribbles in and out of square.
Set up field as shown with a seven yard "Endzone" at each end. Score a goal by getting the ball from one "Endzone" to the other by passing or dribbling. Once a goal is scored, immediately attack going in the other direction. The end zones are "free". Only the attacking team can enter this area.
This is a possession game that uses the keepers. Instead of trying to score, each team tries to pass the ball from one keeper to another. Keepers can play the ball with their hands.
Coaching Points
In attack: Attacking principles of play. Always look to get the ball forward and to the keeper. especially, right when you get it from the keeper. Counter attack often. Since the flow of play changes quickly, players get practice in the back and front.
In defence: Must have pressure on the ball. Quickly get behind the ball when possession is lost. Prohibit counter attacks.
Warm Down 5 - 10 Minutes. Activity level: Low ramping down. Space: General, No specific boundaries. 1 - 2 players per group.
Triangle Passing Drill
The Game
The triangle has sides of one yard in length. Player Apasses the ball to player B. Player B receives the ball at position 2, after it has come out of the triangle. B then touches the ball to the side and returns it to A making sure the ball does not travel through the side of the triangle which it came from. The diagram shows 2 options for the return pass. Try to keep the game going as long as possible without making a mistake.
Coaching Points
Passing and receiving warm-ups.
Preparing the surface before reception, keeping feet active.
Keep body facing the play. Use good technique.
Progression
Allow unlimited touches to develop a feel for the game.
Restrict players to 2 touches, one to prepare ball, one to return it.
Ask the players to determine if there is an easier way to bring their first touch. (This should be towards the nearest cone - the cut becomes determined)
Nearest Cone forces player to take his eyes off the ball and look at the "field" in front of him.
Make the triangle 2 yards apart and see what happens.
Warm Up 5 - 10 minutes. Activity level - increasing. Space: General. 1 - 2 Players per group.
Instep Warm Up
The Game
A good warm up for coaching sessions dealing with instep passing and/or shooting. Start with players sitting down and kicking the football out of their hands. Look for good technique - ankle locked, toe pointed, strike ball with laces, plant foot facing target, leaning forward, no spin on ball, head position.
Progression
Instep Passing
The Game
In pairs, players make instep passes back and forth.
Progression
Small Game 20 - 25 Minutes. Activity level: Medium progression to high. Space: Defined space "smaller". 3 - 5 players per group.
Instep Squares
The Game
Two squares are set up with two players in each square who are teammates. The more skilful the players, the smaller the squares are and the further apart they. are. The game starts when one team kicks the ball into the others' square. The receiving team must control the ball without it going outside of their square. Each player is allowed to play the ball with one touch. The team has 3 touches to get the ball into their opponents square. The ball may not stop at any time. Play stops when a shot misses the other teams grid or is not controlled. Decide beforehand how high a ball may be played to be considered fair.
Coaching Points
Team Game 30 Minutes plus. Activity level: High. Space: Defined for the game = larger space. 7 - 11 players per team.
Steal The Bacon
The Game
Two teams, each player is designated a number. The coach calls out the numbers of the players. These players then run out from the endline to play the game. The coach serves balls from the sideline if the ball goes out of bounds or into a goal. Each group should play for a minute and a half of continuous action. Players waiting to come on should return loose balls to the coach, or act as "support" players, returning passes back to the team who made them. The number of players playing at one time depends on the coach's objectives. This game is best played 2 v. 2 or 3 v. 3.
Coaching Points
Bread & Butter
The Game
Three teams of 4 (A, B, C) and two keepers (X, Y). TeamA attacks against keeper Y. If they score, they then quickly try to attack keeper X. At this time, team B leaves the field and takes the place of team C who were the supporting players on the endlines, supporting both teams. The supporting players support for both teams and can move along the end line. The are limited to one touch one the ball. Have an ample a supply of balls ready in each net.
Coaching Points
3 Goals
The Game
Start with two teams of equal number. Each team has 3 goals to defend and attack. Each team has one keeper who must defend all 3 goals. Play regular soccer rules.
Coaching Points
Central Goal Shooting
The Game
Player 1 starts in goal. Player A dribbles at speed to cone, stops the ball and shoots with the next step. After the shot, player A runs to become the new keeper waiting for player 2 to shoot. Player 1 gets ball and goes back to his side.
Coaching Points
Same game as before but the shooter must strike the ball before the cone and on the move.
Coaching Points
Player A now dribbles directly between cone markers simulating a defender (cones about one step apart). Player chops ball to either side and shoots ball back to far post.
