
Drill that starts with basic dribbling and running with ball to each corner. Then progresses trying to beat the opposite player and get between the red cones. Set Up (Start) Grid marked with cones, Cone in middle Player on each corner One ball with player on bottom two cones One corner starts with dribble to middle cone / then run with ball from middle to opposite corner. Player on opposite corner takes ball and repeats. Other pair start after 2nd player finishes Set Up (End) One ball with player on bottom two cones One corner starts with dribble to opposite cone then tries to dribble past opposite player, inside the red cones. Attacking player scores if they gets past defender, keeping control of the ball. Players return to start positions whilst opposite players repeat. Progression/ Regression (Start) Start with just dribble (Messi / small touches) Progress to run with ball (Bale / Out of feet) Add a skill in the middle (step over/ drag over etc) Progression/ Regression (End) Start with trying to get between each side of grid Make red cone area smaller
Start Dribble/ Messi - inside of foot, small touches, keep close Run with Ball/ Bale - outside of foot, few touches, out of feet (change of pace) End (Attacker) Points above Change of pace Drop shoulder (dummy) defender End (Defender) Out to player quickly Dont dive in Stand side ways on Try to marshal player outside of grid Try to marshal onto weaker foot
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
Deliberate heading is now out of U11 grassroots matches. Here is how to coach chest, thigh and foot control so your players still win the ball in the air.
Long-range goals doubled at the 2026 World Cup as teams sat deep. Here is how to coach when to shoot from distance, the technique, and the follow-up.
Under FutureFit, your Under-9s stay at 5v5, your Under-11s stay at 7v7 and your Under-13s stay at 9v9. Same pitch, same numbers, one more year. Here is how to make sure that year feels like a step forward rather than a repeat.