Dribbling for Possession

Dribbling for possession is a skill that will be used more during a game for most players than taking on a player 1 v 1. Dribbling for possession can consist of lateral dribbling before passing, or dribbling to create a yard of space to pass, shoot or cross.

Mentality

Dribbling for possession requires discipline and an ability to read the game situation. If you have a defender squared up 1 v 1 with no cover being aggressive and dribbling behind is a good option. However, if the defender has cover or you have no teammates in support heading to the by-line can be a path down a blind alley. Keeping possession and waiting for support may be the most effective form of play at times. Also, if you need to pace yourself as you are fatiguing, a 1 v 1 dribble that will require a 20 to 30 yard sprint is unwise, when you can dribble for possession and pass, making the opposition work defensively.

Defensive Pressure

The angle and distance of defensive pressure will play a large role in deciding the best form of dribbling for possession. If defensive pressure is tight behind you the best form of dribbling for possession is to head away from the pressure. While it may seem unproductive to dribble away from goal, this will allow your teammates time to run forward joining the attack. You will also make room to pass to a teammate. The same concept can apply to defensive pressure from the side, the simplest and best option may be 2 or 3 touches laterally away from the defender before moving the ball on to a teammate, or getting a shot away on target.

Lateral Dribbling

Lateral dribbling is a crucial skill when dribbling for possession. When dribbling laterally keep the ball out to the side rather than in front of yourself. Keeping the ball to the side allows you to shield possession with your body and shoulder, providing you dribble with the foot furthest from the defender. It can be easy to keep possession with this barrier between the ball and the defender.

ACTION PLAN

Drills that work on dribbling for possession require a player to effectively use the ball. Perform the following drills as often as possible. Also test yourself by dribbling for possession during pick up games as practice.

Lateral Movement

• Place two cones 5 yards apart.
• Player with the ball faces defender, neither player can cross over the line, all movement must be lateral.
• Player dribbles side to side, using left foot to dribble left and vice versa.
• Shoulders and hips face forward to keep movement side to side.
• Keep score, award the attacker 1 point for touching a cone before defender can get there. Defender only allowed to block at cone, not tackle. Movement must be side to side and attacker should sue step overs or feints to lose defender.
• Put a ball on cone 5 yards behind defender. Progress game to the attacker trying to make space laterally and hit ball off cone. Defender moves side to side trying to block ball, does not tackle.

Possession box

• Play 2 v 2 in a 20 yard box. Have 4 servers, one on each edge of the box.
• Attacking players score by receiving a pass from outside, taking at least 4 touches before passing to teammate on inside, or another player on outside of box. Ball cannot be played back to the server who passed it.
• The 4 touches require a player to dribble before playing pass, proving the ability to keep possession.

Conditioned Scrimmage

Condition a scrimmage by requiring every player to take a minimum of 3 touches whenever they receive the ball. This encourages players to be comfortable in possession. The forced 3 touches require a player to dribble away from defensive pressure, and shield the ball before moving it on to a teammate or shooting.

Use these skills to improve your ability to dribble for possession in soccer.