Speed Dribbling Drill to Improve Ball Control

Speed dribbling drill to increase ball control
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Dribbling at speed while keeping the ball under control is a critical skill for attacking players. This speed dribbling drill improves dribbling technique, agility, and acceleration while maintaining close ball control, and works well early in a session after a light warm-up.

Setup

Split players into two teams and position each team behind the starting cone of their dribbling lane. Players line up facing a zigzag path of cones that they will dribble through before sprinting to the end cone.

Create two zigzag lines of cones spaced about one meter apart. The layout should allow players to dribble quickly through the cones while changing direction and keeping the ball close to their feet.

Players compete against the opposing line to complete their dribbling runs as quickly and cleanly as possible.

Equipment Needed

Rules & Instructions

This drill encourages players to move the ball quickly while maintaining control and balance through directional changes.

  • Start Play:

    • Start: The first player in each line begins with a ball at the starting cone.

  • Flow:

    • Dribble: Players zigzag through the cones at speed, keeping the ball close.
    • Accelerate: After the zigzag, players drive the ball toward the final cone.
    • Turn: Players turn around the final cone.
    • Pass: Players pass the ball to the next teammate at the starting point.
    • Go: The next player begins immediately after receiving the pass.
    • Recover: After finishing the run, players sprint to join the end of their line.

  • Winning Team:

    • Race: The team that completes the agreed number of rotations first wins.
    • Points option: Award 1 point to the team that completes a rotation first.
    • Target: Repeat until one team reaches the agreed target score.

Coaching Tips

  • Encourage players to take quick touches when moving through the zigzag cones.
  • Keep the ball close to the feet to maintain control during direction changes.
  • Focus on body balance and footwork when turning around the final cone.
  • Remind players to accelerate with the ball under control during the sprint section.
  • Reinforce accurate passing to the next teammate to maintain the drill rhythm.

Why It Works for Adult Amateur Teams

Many amateur players struggle to maintain control of the ball when accelerating or changing direction quickly. This drill builds the ability to dribble at speed while staying balanced and composed.

Because the drill includes repeated runs and competition between teams, players also develop fitness, coordination, and confidence when carrying the ball forward.

Key Outcomes

  • Control at Speed: Players keep the ball under control while dribbling fast.
  • Quick Turns: Players change direction quickly while staying balanced.
  • Fast Carry: Players accelerate with the ball without losing control.
  • Clean Pass: Players pass accurately to start the next run.

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