CONTROL SHOOTING PASSING DRIBBLING TURNING HEADING CREATE SPACE INDIVIDUAL DEFENDING SUPPORT PLAY GOALKEEPING CROSSING TACKLING THE THROW IN ATTACKING SET PLAYS DEFENDING SET PLAYS THE FREE KICK

A BASIC INTRODUCTION

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Dribbling is an important part of attacking play and by its nature is very exciting to watch. It is the ability to go past an opponent using a number of elements that make up good dribbling technique.

These elements are:-
Close control
Ability to unbalance or 'wrong-foot' an opponent
Change of direction
Change of pace

The best dribblers combine these elements with a positive attitude and a good understanding of 'when' and 'where' to dribble. Invariably this is in the attacking half of the pitch where the rewards are the greatest as opposed to the defensive half where the risk of losing the ball can have greater consequences.

To become a good dribbler it is important to be able to 'wrong-foot' the opponent using close control and body movement. The 'Matthews Move,' named after Sir Stanley Matthews, is a simple but effective technique

Organisation
Area - 10 x 10 Equipment - 4 balls Players - 4 players All 4 players in the 10 x 10 area with a ball each. The players dribble around the area keeping close control of their ball, making sure they do not collide with another player and at all times staying within the confines of the square. On the command of the coach the players attempt the 'Matthews Move'.
Technique
Move the ball across your body with the inside of your right foot. Lean to your left, dropping your left shoulder, bending your left knee and taking all of your weight on your left foot. Move your right foot quickly behind the ball and with the outside of this foot play the ball diagonally to the right. As you play the ball with the right foot, push off with the left foot and accelerate away. Repeat this exercise using your left foot.
Progression
Area - 10 x 20 Equipment - 2 Balls Players - 4 Players 2 players at each end of the area. The front player at each end has a ball. Both front players dribble towards the middle of the area at the same time. Before the reach the middle, they perform the 'Matthews Move', making sure they do not bump into the on-coming player. Both players then accelerate away to the opposite end of the area where they pass the ball to the next player. Repeat this exercise using either foot.