Soccer Dribbling Drills
Dribbling is learned with the ball at your feet as often as possible, and then against a real defender. These soccer dribbling drills start with every player on a ball, move into quick-feet work, and finish with 1v1 and 2v1 games where players have to beat someone to score.
Every drill is animated so you can see the setup and movement before training. For young players, keep the ratio of balls to players as close to one each as you can.
Dribbling Gates Drill
Everyone with a ball, dribbling through as many gates as they can.
Ladder and Pass Drill
Quick feet through a ladder, then a one-two with a partner.
1v1 Soccer Drill: Beat the Defender and Score
A defender serves in and closes down; the attacker tries to beat them and score.
2v1 Soccer Drill: Attack to Goal
Two attackers commit one defender and finish.
Coaching tips
- Give every player a ball for the technical part; queues kill dribbling practice.
- Encourage both feet and all surfaces: inside, outside and sole.
- Add a defender as soon as players are confident, because dribbling is about beating someone.
- Praise brave attempts, not just successful ones.
Turn these drills into a session
Add any drill to the free session planner with one click: it arrives with its diagram, setup and coaching points, ready to print as a PDF. To change the numbers or animate your own version, open it in DrawTactics.
Open the free session plannerFAQ
What is a good dribbling drill for beginners?
A gates drill, where every player dribbles through as many small gates as they can in a set time, is ideal for beginners. Everyone is busy, it rewards close control, and you can add challenges such as using only the weaker foot.
How do you make dribbling drills more game-like?
Add a defender and a goal. Even a simple 1v1 to a goal forces players to change speed and direction the way they would in a match.