Down and Back Dribbling Game
Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot
The Down and Back Dribbling Game is a simple racing drill for young players who are just learning to dribble. Two groups cross the same grid from different sides, so every trip is a lesson in keeping the ball close while dodging traffic. It makes a lively soccer dribbling warm-up for U5-U10 sessions and gets tons of touches per minute.
Want more? See all our soccer dribbling drills or jump to U8 soccer drills for this age group.
Setup
- Mark a grid about 20×20 yards.
- Split the team into two groups, every player with a ball.
- Line the two groups up outside the grid on two adjacent sides (one group on one side, the other on the side next to it), facing inward.
How It Works
- On the coach's call, every player dribbles straight across the grid to the far side, then turns and dribbles back.
- Because the groups cross paths in the middle, players must steer through traffic both ways.
- The first player back to their starting spot in each group earns a point.
- First player to five points wins the set.
- Play three or four sets with short rests between.
Coaching Points
- Heads up at all times - awareness prevents collisions and finds open lanes.
- Keep the ball a safe, close distance ahead; a heavy touch in traffic means a lost race.
- Encourage quick recovery when a touch goes wrong instead of giving up on the rep.
- Let players discover that controlled speed beats wild speed.
Variations
- Restrict touches to one foot or one surface, e.g. left foot only or outside of the foot only.
- Add a required turn or cut move at the far side before returning.
- Put groups on all four sides of the grid, enlarge it slightly, and race with even more traffic.