The Best Soccer Dribbling Drills for Individual or Partner Training
What are the best soccer dribbling drills? Dribbling a soccer ball is one of the most important skills of the game, no matter what position you play, because that is how you get around opponents when the opportunity comes.
The best way to start improving your dribbling skills is by reading our guide on how to dribble a soccer ball and getting familiar with the key points. Once you have done that you can use some of the drills on this blog to start improving your skills, but first it’s important to go over a couple of things.
When it comes to training there is no drill that is going to replicate the game. This means that the best way to improve all of your skills, not just dribbling, is by playing and training against real opponents in soccer practices or small-sided games such as pick up games.
Once you are training consistently with other players, you can use individual training sessions, and include some of the following drills to improve your dribbling skills.
The best individual dribbling drill
As mentioned above, the best way to improve your dribbling is against live opponents, but there are ways that you can improve your dribbling skills on your own. By far the best way to improve at dribbling is by just doing it.
It sounds so simple, but literally go outside, ideally barefoot, and with a soccer ball and dribble around however much space you have. Do this fast, but mindfully and allow your instincts to take over.
Imagine there are defenders coming towards you and you’re just evading them with whatever move comes to mind. This is similar to “Shadow Boxing” which is what boxers do and this is also similar to what a dog off a leash would do, run around the field and have fun.
You can also use a wall or a rebounder to work on controlling the ball first and then dribbling out to space and if you have a goal you can take a shot after dribbling your way down the field. Get creative, have fun, and do the best with what you have.
Training your instincts is by far the best way to improve your skills and much better than dribbling around cones because dribbling is an interaction between the dribbler and the defender. In-game dribbling is about anticipating, analyzing, and deceiving your opponent not creating “muscle memory” by dribbling through cones.
If you really think cone drills are helping you then it’s okay to spend some time doing them, but there will come a point where you will not get much benefit from them, once you have gotten really good at the drills with both feet.
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The best dribbling drills
Small Sided Games
Small-sided games involve fewer players on the field, such as 5v5, 7v7, or 9v9, which creates more opportunities for players to engage in 1v1 situations and dribbling. These games are the closest thing you can get to a real match, which means the skills learned are highly transferable to full-sized games. They are also a great way to build confidence and creativity in dribbling.
Pick-up games
Pick up games are informal matches that can be a variation of small-sided games. These types of games are played without the pressure of formal competition which allows players to experiment and take risks with their dribbling.
Because the teams often vary in skill level, pick up games also offer the chance to dribble against a variety of defenders which means players can try new moves and develop their style of play.
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Futsal:
Futsal is a fast-paced, indoor version of soccer played with a smaller, heavier ball, which demands high technical skills and quick reflexes. The smaller playing area and constant pressure from opponent’s force players to use tight, skillful dribbling moves to navigate through defenders.
Players often find that their footwork and close control improve significantly after playing futsal regularly, which can be seen as the perfect training ground for many players.
1 V 1s:
1v1 drills are the best and most simple drills you can do because there are always 1v1 moments in the field. These drills are essential for building confidence, creativity, and technique in isolation, which are crucial when facing defenders during a game.
During 1v1s, players learn to use a combination of speed, agility, and skill to outmaneuver their opponents. Practicing 1v1 situations where the partners switch, or both are trying to score on pop-up goals, sharpens both attacking and defensive dribbling skills, making it a versatile training method.
Dribbling Relay Races:
As you read above, dribbling against live opponents is the best way to improve, however there are some ways that you can still benefit from cone drills. Dribbling relay races combine speed with ball control as players race against each other while maintaining control of the ball.
If you are in a team environment, relay races can not only help build your dribbling skills, but the chemistry of your team as well.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to improve my dribbling skills?
The best way to improve your dribbling skills is by practicing in game-like situations, such as small-sided games or pick-up games, where you can face real opponents. This helps develop your instincts, decision-making, and creativity. You can complement this with individual drills throughout the week, ideally barefoot.
Are cone drills effective for improving dribbling?
Cone drills can be useful, especially for beginners, to develop basic ball control and technique with both feet. However, they have limitations because they don’t replicate the unpredictable nature of real-game scenarios. As you advance, focus more on drills that involve real opponents to develop the ability to anticipate and react in dynamic situations.
How often should I practice dribbling to see improvement?
For noticeable improvement, aim to practice dribbling at least 3-4 times a week, incorporating a mix of individual drills and small-sided games. Consistency is crucial, but quality practice is just as important, so focus on drills that challenge you and replicate game-like conditions. Over time, you’ll see improvement in your touch, control, and confidence on the ball.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of dribbling in soccer is important for any player looking to make an impact on the field. Although you may think that dribbling is only for the attacking players, every single position on the field must know how to dribble the ball when that is the better option than passing the ball.
Dribbling is one of the skills that is best trained when playing against live opponents, but even during individual sessions you can improve your dribbling skills if you are training mindfully and at game speed. So now that you know what the best dribbling drills are, go out there and train!
