Things That Work For Me
Dribbling

Simple Dribbling Practice

Using a defined area - could be the center circle or cones set out in a square. For youngest ages, about 5yds x 5yds will do. For older ages, perhaps 10yds x 10yds.

Everyone dribbles around in the area. Heads need to be up to avoid collisions. Ask them to change directions and speeds. Use different parts of their feet.

The tendency is to go at one pace and everyone swirling in the same direction. Let this happen for a few minutes and then impose restrictions.

1) At irregular intervals say "stop" - they must stop their ball as quickly as possible by putting their foot on it. A popular variation, which requires careful listening, is to call out a body part (left foot, right elbow, head, etc) that they must stop the ball with. This variation is extremely popular with the youngest children. You may let "player/volunteers" call out the body parts. They'll all want a turn.

2) At irregular intervals say "change" - when this happens they must change directions quickly or change speeds, etc.

3) Require that they only use a certain foot or part of their foot. Before doing this I like to ask them "how many feet do you have?" The answer usually is "two." Point out to them that in soccer, they have 4 feet. The inside of the right foot, the outside of the right foot, the inside of the left foot and the outside of the left foot. Now ask them to only use the inside of the left foot (or the outside of the right foot, etc)

Dribbling Relays

Children naturally seem to like an element of competition. You can create any number of variations on relay races.

Set two sets of cones (4 or 5 in each set) out at regular intervals. Divide the team into two groups. Each player must dribble in and out (slalom) through the cones. You can have them go around the last cone and sprint (with their ball) back, or you can have them "slalom" back and stop their ball on the start line. The waiting teammate then repeats, etc.

If you want to make the dribbling more difficult, put the cones closer together. If you want more running (fitness) place the cones further apart.

Rather than slalom around the cone, you can have them do a comlete circle around each cone before going to the next cone.

Another variation, which is less dribbling than it is running with the ball is to race out and around a single cone.

For any and all variations you come up with, you can apply restrictions. "Use your right foot out, and your left foot back." "Use only the outside of your right foot."

Etc.

Dribbling Keep-Away

In a defined area have half the team dribbling around. The other half of the team (without a ball) tries to steal a ball from players with the ball. Whenever you lose your ball, you simply go "hunt" for a new one. If you win a ball, you need to protect it.

Make sure you encourage the hunters to try to win the ball, not simply kick it away.

You can make this more competitive by applying a time limit - say one minute. After the minute say "stop" - everyone must stop where they are. The winners are the ones with a ball. Repeat several times. Notice if the winners are always the same. Offer advise if you can.

Dribble Tag

This works just like tag. Using a defined area - the center circle, a square of cones - have one person start as "it." Everyone, including "it" must keep their ball close (by dribbling). Anyone who runs out of the area, is automatically "it." If someone, slower or less proficient, gets "stuck" as it, rescue them by assigning some else as it (let them try for a short while before changing "its" - just don't let them become overly frustrated).

Dribbling For Goals

Using cones, or other markers, set about 1 yd apart, make several (6 - 12) "gates" around your field. Make sure they are facing in various directions and scattered randomly around the playing area.

Players get "goals" by dribbling through the gates. You may not go through the same gate twice in a row. Encourage the players to use spread out. If one gate is "congested" sprint to another one.

Make this a competition by timing it. One minute for each "game." Players count for themselves. Two challenges for every player - to get more "goals" than they did last time (competing against their own personal best) and get the most on the whole team!

Line Soccer

Make teams. Play a game of soccer, except to score you must dribble your ball (under control) over the "goal line." To avoid confusion, play sideways on the field so that players are not tempted to shoot at the nets.

Scrimmage With Multiple-Touch Requirement

Play a regular game of soccer. The only restriction being that you must touch the ball 3 (or 4) times before you pass it. If you fail to make the required touches, the ball goes to the opposing team.

This restriction helps players develop the confidence to "do something good" with the ball rather than simply kick it away.

Other Ideas for Younger Children

Follow The Leader, Red Light / Green Light, etc.