Hitters and Dodgers

Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot

Hitters and Dodgers is a dribble-and-pass game that young players fall in love with instantly. Hitters dribble through the grid hunting moving targets, which sneaks in the two habits every coach wants: close control and heads-up passing. It is a brilliant warm-up for U5-U9 soccer sessions and works every time.

This drill pairs well with others in the dribbling category, and you can find age-matched sessions under U7 drills.

Setup

• Use disc cones to mark a grid about 15×15 yards - bigger or smaller depending on age and numbers.
• Bring a ball for every player, but give balls to only three players to start; stash the rest just outside the grid.
• The three players with balls are the 'hitters'; everyone else scatters inside the grid as 'dodgers'.

How It Works

1. Hitters dribble around inside the grid and try to hit a dodger with a pass along the ground.
2. Dodgers run, twist, and dodge to avoid being hit.
3. When a dodger is hit, they grab a ball from outside the grid and join the hitters.
4. The game snowballs until the last dodger standing wins.

Coaching Points

• Hitters should keep the ball close while lifting their heads to track the dodgers.
• Coach proper passing form: inside of the foot, with real pace on the ball.
• Aim below the knee - safe, controlled strikes only.
• Celebrate clever dodging too; agility is part of the lesson.

Variations

• Start with more hitters for large groups so nobody waits long.
• Let the last three dodgers become the first hitters of the next round.
• Restrict hitters to their weaker foot for older groups.