Mirror the Dribbler

Objective

• -Stay balanced in front of an opponent
• -Match movement and direction
• -Improve body shape for defending

Setup

1. 1Set up a square with a cone lane down the middle.
2. 2Players work in pairs, one attacker and one defender.
3. 3Pairs start opposite each other in the lane.

How to play

1. 1The attacker moves left, right, forward and back with the ball or without it.
2. 2The defender mirrors the movement at the same speed and distance.
3. 3On the coach's call, the attacker tries to dribble to the outside and the defender tries to block the route.
4. 4Swap roles after 30 to 40 seconds.
5. 5Keep the work light and sharp.

Progressions

• +Switch To Score: two switches before scoring
• +Five Second Counter-Press: three seconds to win it back
• +Target Zone Bonus: only goals started from a pocket count
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Switch To Score: switch earns a bonus point rather than being compulsory
• -Five Second Counter-Press: eight seconds and fewer opponents
• -Target Zone Bonus: widen the pocket zones
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Switch To Score — A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
• -Five Second Counter-Press — On losing the ball the team has five seconds to win it back before dropping into shape.
• -Target Zone Bonus — Extra points for playing into marked pockets between the lines before finishing.
• -Overload Rotation — One team plays with an extra player for two minutes then the overload rotates.
• -Restart Realism — All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
• -Two-Goal Decision — Each team attacks two small goals, so defenders must decide which threat to cover.
• -Limited Touch Build-Up — Maximum three touches in your own half, unlimited once you pass the halfway line.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Crossing feet
• -Lunging forward
• -Looking only at the feet