Learn how to dribble the ball in football / soccer.

Learn Dribbling Skills in Football and Soccer

Dribbling adds to individual brilliance and can well fit into the team picture if the players know when to do it.  A drib ble should never take the place of a pass that can be made to an open spot or teammate.  It might be wise occasionally for a drib bler to get by one man, but to try to dribble through two or three will more than likely end in the loss of the ball.  If a player does elect to dribble by an opponent and is successful, he must know what he is going to do with the ball when he gets by.  A dribble can and should be used when the player does not have anyone to pass to and the logical open spots are pretty well covered.  A dribble should be used to draw an opponent so as to open a team mate for a pass and a march toward the goal.  The use of a dribble is justified if the dribbler has but one man to clear to get in for a shot at the goal.

Dribbling can and should be used in making the team s offense varied and effective.  If used with good judgment in setting up a teammate, or in maneuvering for a good open-spot pass, or for any other reason that will keep the defense jittery and honest, then the dribble is good because it is being used as a team weapon.  On the other hand, its use without any definite objective should be dis couraged.  Dribbling should be blended in as a part of the team and combination play.

In dribbling, the first thing that should be kept in mind is con trol.  The last thing that should happen to the dribbler is to be tackled with the ball and lose it.  The rule of thumb is to keep the ball on the toe; however, the dribbler should use his own judgment in this, since there are times when it is wiser and just as safe to push the ball ahead more than the length of a stride.  Often times if the forwards get the jump on the defense, a couple of long dribbles before he hits the penalty box will make the difference in getting or not getting a clean shot at the goal without breaking stride.

To get by one man, the dribbler should develop a few feints with his body, head and feet.  Also he should learn to use a de ceptive change of direction and pace to outsmart the tackier.  In countering these moves the tackier should keep his eye on the ball or, according to some coaches, on the dribbler s hips, to avoid being faked out of position.

Once the dribbler gets by a man he should not try to outsmart the rest of the team on solo dribbling.  The longer he holds onto the ball, the more time he gives the opponent s defense to get or ganized to stop the offensive thrust.

Fullbacks should dribble only when it is absolutely necessary.

The halfbacks should pass in preference to dribbling, with one ex ception, that is, when the opportunity presents itself to dribble in and take a shot.  The wing forwards should develop the outside-of the-foot dribble for speed, but should be able to use the inside-of the-foot dribble to get by one man.  The inside men and center forward should use the dribble for deception, control and the preface

How to Dribble

Eyes on ball, head and body well over ball.

Ball is tapped forward in a straight line with outside of foot.

Foot pushing ball is turned in so that it contacts the ball near the little toe.

Running strides are not broken when the ball is pushed ahead.  Distance ball is tapped forward each time is left up to the discretion of the dribbler, however^ always keeping in mind that he has the ball under control.