Dribbling or running with the ball is the precursor to scoring goals in football. It is a skill that can be honed with regular practice. In this post, you will learn how to improve your pace and accuracy while dribbling the ball on the field.

Designate an area on the field and start running with the ball – use the inside and outside of the foot to keep the ball in play while in motion. Try to incorporate slight turns, stepover, 180 degree turns, and dribbling around each other to bring in an element of dynamism which mimics what would happen in a real game.

When you turn back while dribbling the ball, ensure you put in a burst of speed. This variation in pace or acceleration mimics how you would clear the ball from a defender standing in your way. Practise change of direction while dribbling using the inside of the foot first, and then with the outside of the foot. Next, try to trace the outline or shape of the numeral ‘8’ while dribbling and changing direction.

It’s important to keep your head high and look up while dribbling, so you can see the ball as well as have an eye on your opponents. You’ll appreciate the importance of this in the next exercise.

Dribbling Exercises

Four players at four diagonal points start dribbling the ball to the opposite end of the diagonal, without clashing into each other. Next, we place a marker at the intersection of the diagonals, representing an opponent. The four players dribble the ball towards this marker, turn back (mimicking evading the defender) and dribble to their starting position.

Now repeat the previous exercise, but instead of turning back at the marker, change direction to the right in a 90-degree turn. Repeat the same exercise but with change of direction to the left.

For the final drill, in pairs of two at opposite ends of a diagonal, run towards each other with the ball, and dribble past each other to swap starting positions. The dribble at the centre to avoid clashing into each other will help you make quick decisions, which is very important in a game situation.

Ensure you practise this well on-field by following the instructions mentioned here. Dribbling is an important skill to master as you progress on this journey of learning football. Keep reading to learn more advanced techniques and nuances with respect to dribbling.