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Dribbling Dribbling is the skill of running with the ball at your feet. The player is speeding forward through open space, maneuvering out of tight situations and feinting to beat opponents. It is perhaps the most expressive and exciting part of the game.   Athlete Readiness The beginner player typically kicks the ball some yards away and runs after it, rather than keeping it close and under control. Dribbling under control tends to be difficult because the player dribbles with the toe. These players can change direction slowly but will often lose the ball when pressured by an opponent.   The intermediate player can move the ball forward with the toe pointed down, keeping the ball close and under control. The player can change direction, using the inside or outside of the foot to beat opponents, but may have difficulty executing fakes to beat opponents.   Teaching Dribbling When dribbling, the most important aspects are balance and coordination. To be able to go around a player, the body must be flexible enough to change direction by shifting weight quickly, while still maintaining balance and the ability to think quickly. When asking a player to jog round the field to warm up, it is better to do this with a ball at his/her feet to help increase confidence in ball control when running. A lot of skill in dribbling develops from players' confidence, therefore it is important to praise and motivate at training. Dribbling essentials are close control, changing direction or pace, and disguise. Players are not robots; always encourage them to express themselves. To help develop touch and control of the ball, the player dribbles forward using the top of the foot along the outside of the laces. Point the toe down toward the ground. Keep the ball close, within one yard from the body. Key Words Keep It Close — Light Touches Toe Down       Encourage players to use the inside of the foot to quickly change direction and beat an opponent. Use short even strides, while keeping the ball close to the feet.     You want athletes to progress from using a line marker to practice going in a straight line to moving up to a quicker pace without cones or having to follow a line marker. Dribbling Line Drill (Dartfish)     Key Words Inside of the Foot Change Direction Chop Across The Ball       Encourage the player to use the outside of the foot to shield the ball from opponents and evade their tackles.   Key Words Keep It On The Outside Spin Away       Teach players to use the sole of the foot to change direction with the ball, then move the ball to the outside of the foot. By keeping the ball on the outside, the player is in a better position to pass the ball to their teammate when dribbling up the field.             Key Words Balance Reverse Dribble Cones (Dartfish)

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