Soccer dribbling refers to the art of ball maneuvering by one player in such a way that he is then able to outdo his opponent and retain ball possession for a longer time. It is one of the most difficult but at the same time most useful attacking maneuvers. If perfected, dribbling allows you to create more space in tight situations through which you can move between your opponents and move the play forward by out maneuvering your opponent. But on the other hand, if amateur dribbling is done then that might result in you losing ball possession and conceding a goal on counter attack.
Beginners Mistake
In order to out do your opponent, dribbling involves making quick decisions and knowing in which direction you are going with the ball. So the most common beginners mistake for dribbling is when you are looking down as when you are constantly looking down you loose track of which direction you are going and may end up bumping with an opponent. In addition to that, looking down means that you will not be able to locate your teammate for a pass and in the mean time you might loose possession of the ball.
Three Important Concepts
Close control: This means to keep the ball as close as possible to you so that it is difficult for the opponent to tackle you and also so that it is easier for you to dodge your opponent and get away.
Speed: Dribbling at a high speed is done so that one can quickly move the ball around and then move with it in quick swift movements, so it becomes even harder for the opponent to take possession of the ball away from you.
Quick change of direction: Changing both the direction of the ball as well as your own direction whilst dribbling will help you confuse your opponent and eventually get away from him.
Improving your Dribbling Skills
Dance with the ball: This refers to using different parts of your foot to dribble the ball while maintaining the balance of your whole body by the use of different body parts such as the arms. Try making a set pattern in a certain rhythm and it will look as if you are dancing with the ball.
Zigzag around cones: This drill of zigzagging the ball between cones is really helpful as it helps you practice how to zigzag your opponents whilst dribbling the ball.
Maneuver for possession: This drill is best done with a partner so that you can learn to be able to dribble the ball as well as shield it at the same time from your opponent so as to maintain possession of the ball.
Pick up speed: Dribbling at a high speed is very important as it enables you to get away from your opponents quicker. So it is always helpful to practice speed dribbling with a teammate, as it will help you attack better.
http://igeeksoccer.com/soccer-dribbling-exercises/
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