The Numbers Game | 1v1 Dribbling Drill

1v1 Dribbling Drill – The Numbers Game

Set Up The Drill

Set up a 20×25 grid area and make a small goal at each end of the field as shown in the diagram. You can use pug goals, tall cones or small cones for the goals. Place two more tall cones on a third side of the field for the players to line up behind. Be sure to have a supply of balls ready so you can facilitate quick re-starts at the beginning of each round.

Split the players into two teams and have each team line up behind one of the tall cones that you placed on the third side of the field. Next, give each player a number between 1-6 (or 1-5 or 1-4 depending on the number of players) and tell them to remember it. Each player should have a corresponding number on the opposing team. So, for example, there will be two ‘number 1’s’ two number 2’s etc.

Instructions

The coach will call out a number at which point the appropriate player from each team runs around the back of their own goal before entering the field of play. At the same time, the coach kicks a ball into the grid and the players play a 1v1 game against each other. Play continues until a goal is scored or the ball leaves the grid. At which time the players re-join their lines and the coach calls out a new number. Play for a designated time or until one of the teams scores a certain amount of goals.

Top Tip

Give each of the teams a team name and have them come up with their own chant to cheer their teammates on as they are playing! Award extra points for the best chant and loudest cheering!

Progression

Call 2 numbers and play 2v2. Award additional points for players who execute a ‘Matthews’ or a ‘scissors’ before scoring a goal.

Coaching Points

Encourage players to:

• Be positive and attack the defender.
• Keep their heads up.
• Look to get into space behind the defender.
• Focus on decision making regarding when to shoot vs when to dribble.
• Use inside and outside cuts to beat the defender.
• Use Matthews or scissors to beat the defender.
• Accelerate after each move to get away from their opponent.