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Drill: Small-Sided Game with Dribbling Emphasis in a Three-Zone Field

Organization:

• Area Setup: Divide a 40x25 meter field into three zones:

  • Zone 1 (First Zone): 3v2 + Goalkeeper.

  • Zone 2 (Middle Zone): Free zone, used solely for dribbling to advance.

  • Zone 3 (Final Zone): 3v3, where attackers aim to score and defenders aim to counter-attack.

• Players:

  • Attackers: Start in Zone 1, aim to move forward through Zone 2 and finish in Zone 3.

  • Defenders: Begin in Zone 1 as chasers (2 players) and counter-attack when winning possession in any zone.

Drill Instructions:

1. Start in Zone 1 (3v2 + GK): Attackers (3) attempt to maintain possession and find an opportunity to break forward.

   • Objective: To move into Zone 2 by dribbling through it.

   • If defenders win the ball in Zone 1, they counter-attack the goal with the goalkeeper.

2. Zone 2 (Dribbling Zone): Attackers who dribble through Zone 1 move here to gain space, with defenders encouraged to press to contain the ball-carrier.

   • Only dribbling is allowed in this zone, creating a dribbling-focused transition and giving the defenders incentive to press, potentially freeing teammates further up.

3. Zone 3 (3v3): Attackers now enter the 3v3 setup and attempt to finish the attack by scoring.

   • If defenders win possession in Zone 3, they counter-attack back through Zone 2.

   • On any out-of-play ball, the play restarts with a goal kick from the team that originally held possession.

Progressions:

1. Limit Touches in Zone 1: Restrict the number of touches attackers have to encourage faster decision-making.

2. Add a Chaser in Zone 2: Add an additional defender to Zone 2 to increase pressure on the dribblers.

3. Dribble with Directional Change: Require dribblers in Zone 2 to change direction or beat a small cone gate, adding a further challenge for defenders.

Key Coaching Points:

• Dribbling with Purpose: Encourage players to recognize when to dribble vs. pass, especially in Zone 2 where they can draw defenders.

• Scanning and Decision-Making: Attackers must be aware of defender positioning to decide when to dribble or shield the ball in Zone 2.

• Supporting Runs: Attackers off the ball should position themselves to receive the ball after a dribble, creating a fluid attack.

• Quick Transition: Defenders should react quickly to win the ball and exploit the counter-attacking opportunity.

Coaching Questions:

• To the players:

  1. "When you’re in Zone 2, how can you use dribbling to draw the defender and open up space for teammates?"

  2. "What cues tell you it’s the right time to advance through dribbling?"

  3. "How can you use body positioning to protect the ball when dribbling under pressure?"

• To the coach:

  1. "Are players taking advantage of the free dribbling zone to create numerical superiority in the final third?"

  2. "Are defenders pressing effectively in Zone 2, forcing attackers to make quick decisions?"

  3. "Is the pace of transition from Zone 1 to Zone 3 maintaining game intensity?"

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