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Gate Dribbling Defense

Enhance dribbling and defending skills in a confined space.

Dribbling15-16U189-1011-1213-14group2 players minimumstarstarstarstarstar4.1 (49)
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Equipment, Setup & Instructions
Equipment
  • Balls (one per player)
  • Cones for marking the boundaries and gates
Setup
  1. Area: 20x20 yard area marked with cones
  2. Group: 1 blue outfield player, each with a ball, starting spaced evenly across the area
  3. Neutral: 1 black defender with their own ball, starting in the centre of the area
  4. Equipment: cones marking the 20x20 yard boundary, plus additional cones or poles forming several gates spaced throughout the interior of the area
Instructions
  1. Players attempt to dribble through as many gates as possible within a set timeframe.
  2. The defender tries to prevent them by making contact with the ball using their own ball.
  3. The defender scores a point for each successful touch on another player's ball.
  4. Rotate the defending role after each round, ensuring everyone has a turn.
  5. The player with the most points as a defender at the end wins.
Coaching Points
  • Maintain close ball control
  • Make quick decisions about when and where to dribble
  • Focus on a quality first touch
  • Keep your head up to improve spatial awareness
  • Adopt a positive and confident mindset
  • Use proper dribbling technique
  • Accelerate effectively when needed
  • Practice shielding and turning to protect the ball
  • Aim for a fluent and fluid movement
  • Dribble using both feet
  • Encourage creative and smart play
Variations
Make it harder:
1. Reduce the size of the gates to increase difficulty.
2. Increase the time limit to test endurance.
Make it easier:
1. Enlarge the gates to make dribbling easier.
2. Allow defenders to handle the ball without dribbling for more focus on defense.
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