Step 3: Learn Dribbling

Step 3 of 12

Learn Dribbling

Move with the ball, use both feet, and change speed only when you can keep control.

Safety first: Use a clear practice area, age-appropriate equipment, and adult supervision. Stop if anything hurts. Adapt activities to the child and local youth rules.

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Dribble in a straight lane

Age: adapt to the child · Level: beginner · Duration: about 5–10 minutes

Goal: Move forward with light touches and keep the ball within playing distance.

Equipment and setup: Mark a 10-yard lane with cones and leave a clear run-off space.

Dribble in a straight lane practice diagramSmall touches around each cone; accelerate into clear space
Dribble around cones with close touches

Practice steps

  1. Start slowly with the ball close.
  2. Use the inside and outside of both feet.
  3. Look up briefly between touches, then stop under control at the end.

Coaching cue: ““Touch, look, touch.””

Make it easier: Shorten the lane and walk.

Try a challenge: Dribble back using the other foot first.

Fun game: Beat your own smooth-control time, not another player’s speed.

▶ Watch video demonstrations

Opens YouTube search results for this lesson. Choose a safe, age-appropriate demonstration with a coach or parent.

Weave through cone gates

Age: adapt to the child · Level: beginner · Duration: about 5–10 minutes

Goal: Change direction with the inside and outside of the foot without knocking cones.

Equipment and setup: Place five cones 2 yards apart in a straight line.

Weave through cone gates practice diagramSmall touches around each cone; accelerate into clear space
Dribble around cones with close touches

Practice steps

  1. Approach the first cone slowly.
  2. Use a small touch around each cone.
  3. Accelerate only after the final cone.

Coaching cue: ““Slow at the cone, go after it.””

Make it easier: Increase cone spacing to 3 yards.

Try a challenge: Complete the route using the weaker foot for the first touch at each cone.

Fun game: Cone clean run: collect one point for each cone passed without contact.

▶ Watch video demonstrations

Opens YouTube search results for this lesson. Choose a safe, age-appropriate demonstration with a coach or parent.

Change speed: Red Light, Green Light

Age: adapt to the child · Level: beginner · Duration: about 5–10 minutes

Goal: Speed up and stop the ball safely on a cue.

Equipment and setup: Players and balls start along a line facing a coach 8–12 yards away.

Change speed: Red Light, Green Light practice diagramSmall touches around each cone; accelerate into clear space
Dribble around cones with close touches

Practice steps

  1. Green means dribble forward.
  2. Yellow means slow with tiny touches.
  3. Red means stop the ball and freeze in balance.

Coaching cue: ““Control first; speed second.””

Make it easier: Let players walk and use wider spacing.

Try a challenge: Add a turn on a blue cue.

Fun game: Play cooperative rounds; celebrate safe stops, not eliminations.

▶ Watch video demonstrations

Opens YouTube search results for this lesson. Choose a safe, age-appropriate demonstration with a coach or parent.