Dribbling · U10+
Two teams compete to see which can get three of their own markers in a straight line first. Build a 3 x 3 grid with cones, one cone in each square. Place a starting cone about 10–15 metres from the bottom edge of the grid, with two lines behind it. Each player has one marker in their team’s colour, and the first player in each line has a ball. Both teams start at the same time. The player whose turn it is dribbles the ball to the edge of the grid, leaves the ball there and runs into the grid. They place their marker in one free square, return to the ball and dribble it to the front of the line. The next player starts as soon as the ball is back, and the previous player goes to the back of the line. A team wins when it has three markers in the same row, column or diagonal. There are three markers per team, so every square is worth thinking about. If neither team gets three in a line, collect the markers and start again. With younger players, shorten the distance. Lengthen it if you want more running.
In open space, longer and fewer touches with the laces, toes pointing towards the ground. Head up with the ball in peripheral vision, eyes on the grid already during the dribbling. Controlled stop of the ball at the drop-off point so that it does not run away. Balance on the balls of the feet and a sharp change of tempo from dribbling to running.
When do you look at the grid: before starting, during the dribbling or only once you get there? What touch length suits open space, and what changes as you approach the drop-off point?
Noughts and Crosses is a football drill on TacticsBoard. Category: Dribbling. Age group: U10+. Browse more football drills or create your own for free.