footy4kids incentive patches

Here is an activity that works on speed dribbling and also getting the ball under control after dribbling with speed. 

Start with a 40-yard field with a 5-yard “buffer zone” on each end.  If there are 15 players at a practice have 12 players start on the end line, each with a ball.  The other 3 players start 5 yards back without a ball.  See the diagram below for the basic setup.

When the coach tells them all to start, the 12 players with the balls try to dribble at full speed down to the other end line and get three touches on the ball in the far buffer zone.  The 3 other players are trying to stop them by either winning the ball, playing the ball away or knocking the ball over the end line.  If the players with the ball are able to control the ball in the opposite buffer zone with three touches on the ball, they get to go again in the next round.  If the players with the ball lose the ball, they join the defenders in the next round.  The last player with a ball wins. 

With 15 players you can play this game 5 times to have each player have a chance starting as a defensive player and each player has 4 chances starting as an attacking player. 

Not only doesn’t this activity work on speed dribbling but also it’s great for shielding, turns, change of pace and direction, as well as excellent fitness work.