Dribble with Speed
Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot
Dribble with Speed is a soccer dribbling drill that teaches U8-U14 players to run with the ball flat out - and then bring it back under control. Everyone races 40 yards to the far end zone while a handful of defenders hunt them down, so every rep mixes speed dribbling, shielding, and sharp changes of direction.
Find similar exercises in our dribbling drills collection or filter by age with drills for U11 teams.
Setup
- Mark a 40-yard field with a 5-yard buffer zone beyond each end line (about 50×40 yards total).
- With 15 players, give 12 players a ball each and line them up on one end line.
- The remaining 3 players start 5 yards behind them without a ball - they are the chasers.
How It Works
- On your signal, all dribblers sprint-dribble to the far end and must take three controlled touches inside the far buffer zone to survive.
- The chasers try to stop them by winning the ball, knocking it away, or forcing it over the end line.
- Survivors go again next round; anyone who loses their ball joins the chasers.
- Play until one dribbler remains - the last player with a ball wins.
- With 15 players, run the game five times so everyone gets a turn starting as a chaser.
Coaching Points
- Push the ball forward with pace but keep it within playing distance.
- Use the body to shield when a chaser closes in, then change pace or direction to escape.
- The three-touch finish in the buffer zone rewards control, not just raw speed.
- Expect big fitness returns - this game is sprinting disguised as fun.
Variations
- Require the finishing touches with the weaker foot only.
- Add or remove chasers to tune the difficulty to your group.
- Let eliminated players re-enter after five successful ball-steals to keep everyone active.