Treasure Island Dribble

Objective

• -Beat a defender with the ball
• -Protect possession while moving
• -Recognise when to carry the ball forward

Setup

1. 1Mark a rectangle and place several cone 'islands' inside it.
2. 2Split players into two groups and give each group a set of bibs.
3. 3Half the players start as dribblers, half as defenders.

How to play

1. 1Dribblers score by carrying the ball to and through an island zone.
2. 2Defenders try to win the ball and take a touch into open space.
3. 3If a dribbler loses the ball, they swap roles with the defender.
4. 4Rotate players often so everyone has repeated turns.

Progressions

• +Two-Touch Limit: drop to one touch in the central area
• +Weak Foot Only: add a defender to raise the pressure
• +Tempo Clock: cut the clock to four seconds
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Two-Touch Limit: allow three touches while the picture is learned
• -Weak Foot Only: static, unopposed reps before adding movement
• -Tempo Clock: extend the clock to ten seconds
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two-Touch Limit — Players are limited to two touches — one to control, one to release.
• -Weak Foot Only — Every touch, pass and finish must be with the weaker foot.
• -Tempo Clock — The ball must reach the end action inside six seconds or the rep restarts.
• -Scan and Cue — The coach shows a colour or number and the receiver must call it before their first touch.
• -Shadow Pressure — A shadow defender applies half pressure and can win the ball only after the first touch.
• -Score Challenge — Run it as a timed competition — pairs or teams count successful reps and compare scores.
• -1-to-1 Session — Run as an individual session: coach serves, one player works through the reps with rest built in.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Dribbling straight into pressure
• -Standing upright when shielding
• -Stopping after the first touch