Dribble Into The Endzone
Activity
Field Setup: Set up a rectangular field appropriate for the number of players and their skill level. The field is divided into three main zones with two end zones designated as scoring areas. The end zones should be clearly marked and of a size that makes scoring achievable yet challenging.
Teams: Form two teams, green and blue, with an equal number of players on each. Teams are assigned a direction in which they will attempt to score. There are no fixed goalkeepers or defenders; all players are encouraged to participate in both attacking and defensive play.
Activity: The aim of the game is for players to dribble the ball into the opponent’s endzone and control it by stopping the ball under their foot to score a point. Once a point is scored, the scoring player leaves the ball in the endzone, and the opposing team starts from that endzone, attempting to score in the opposite direction. The game is continuous, with quick changes of possession and direction encouraging fast-paced play.
Coaching Principles
The primary focus is on penetration, encouraging players to find and exploit spaces to dribble through the opposition. This activity also aims to enhance players’ dribbling control, agility, and decision-making skills as they navigate through defenders to reach the endzone.
Coaching Points
Encourage players to constantly scan the field to identify open spaces for penetration and be aware of opponent movements to exploit any defensive gaps.
Focus on players using a variety of dribbling techniques to maintain close control of the ball and protect it from defenders as they approach the endzone.
Stress the importance of quick transitions from offense to defense and vice versa, promoting a high work rate and the ability to react swiftly to changes in possession.
Variations & Progressions
Introduce a time limit in which the team must attempt to score after gaining possession, forcing players to think and act quickly, increasing the game’s pace and intensity.
After scoring in one endzone, the team in possession has the option to keep the ball by dribbling back out or passing out to a teammate. They then attempt to score in the opposite endzone, turning the game into a continuous flow of attacking and defending. This variation not only increases the physical demand on the players but also enhances their awareness and decision-making, as they must quickly assess whether to progress forward or recycle possession to build a new attack.