1 vs. 1 Dribbling - U8 Practice Plan

Set Up:

• Make two (or more) fields of 20 x 10 yards.
• Place small goals on each endline.
• Players play 2 v 2 on field.
• On goals and balls put out of play, use a kick-in to get ball back in play.

Coaching Points:

None. Let the players play and make mistakes. Only intervene if it is taking too long to get ball back in play.

Set Up:

Two teams start on the end lines of a 10 x 16 yd field, with a 2yd end zone on each end. The defending team begins play with a pass to the first attacker, creating the 1v1. Goals are scored by dribbling into the opponent's end zone. If the attacker gets into trouble, they can pass back to the next person in their line. When he does, that attacker goes off and it’s 1v1 again with the new attacker versus the same defender. After a goal is scored or the ball goes out of bounds, the players return to their lines. The team that was in possession now becomes the defending team and plays the next ball in. Play for 5 minutes and keep score.

Coaching Points:

1.  Use body feints to sell a dribbling moves and get the defender off balance.

2.  Accelerate away from the defender after performing dribbling move.

3.  Once past the defender, take the dribble into his path in order to shield the ball from him.

Progressions:

1.  Each time a back pass is made to a teammate, it brings him onto the field along with a defender. Play goes to 2v2, 3v3, etc.

Set Up:

• Expand your field to a 15 x 20yd field, and add restraining lines 5 yards from both goals. There are two small goals on each end line.
• Split team into two lines, one for defending and one for attacking.
• The ball starts at attacking line. The attacker dribbles on and the defender comes on with his first touch.
• Players must dribble past restraining line before they can shoot on goal.
• After a goal is scored or the ball goes out of bounds, the next two players come on. Players return to their own lines upon completion.
• Play for 2 minutes, and then the teams switch sides.
• This can be set up for 1v1, 2v2 or 3v3.

Coaching Points:

1.  Attack the defender with pace and creativity.

2.  The attacker should not turn their back to the defender.

3.  Attack the defender’s front foot with the dribble.

Progressions:

1.  Progress to 2v2.

Set Up:

• Use a 30 x 40 yd field with 10 yd. end zones, and play 4v4 with small goals.
• Play begins in the central zone. In order to score, the attacking team must dribble into the end zone before shooting on goal.  
• Defenders can follow the ball into the end zone to win it back. If they win possession, they can dribble or pass back into the central zone.
• If a team passes the ball into an end zone, an indirect freekick is awarded to the other team.

Coaching Points:

• Encourage players off the ball to move into open space, so when the get the ball they have more room to dribble.
• Attack 1v1 situations at speed.
• Encourage players to consistently be looking for opportunities to dribble into space or attack 1v1.

Set Up:

• Play 4v4. If your numbers are short, decrease size of field to 25x15 and play 3v3.
• Cones for goals are 2yds wide (same as for a game).
• There are no goalkeepers.

Coaching Points:

None. Just sit back and let them play. Use this as an opportunity to talk about the rules of the game for your league. If a goal is scored, bring ball back to center of field and show the players where they should stand to restart.