Dribbling

Slalom To Goal

Dribble at speed with control

Dribbling
Speed & Agility
Finishing

Dribble at speed with control. Set up the area, follow the steps and use the coaching points below.

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Dribbling
Speed & Agility
Finishing
Technical Practice
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Foundation Phase
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Goals Needed

Age

Under 5 to Adults

Duration

12 min

Players

4-16

Area / pitch size

25 x 10 yards

Difficulty

Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced

Equipment

Balls, Cones, Mini Goals

Coaching focus

Dribble at speed with control

Objective

  • -Dribble at speed with control
  • -Link dribbling to a finish
  • -Work both feet through the slalom

Setup

  1. 1Set six cones two yards apart in a line running towards a mini goal.
  2. 2Balls at the start cone.
  3. 3Two lanes so more players work at once.

How to play

  1. 1Dribble through the slalom then finish into the mini goal.
  2. 2Alternate lanes and feet each round.
  3. 3Time the group total for a competition.

Coaching points

  • -Touch on every stride through the slalom
  • -Widen the last touch to set up the finish
  • -Stay low through the changes of direction

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

  • -Big touches through the cones
  • -Slowing to a walk
  • -Rushing the finish

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