Soccer Dribbling

Requirements

• Open and flat outdoor space at least 5m by 5m
• Soccer ball
• 10-20 empty plastic yoghurt containers or other safe, light objects for markers

Instructions

1. In a flat, open outdoor space, create 5-10 one-metre goals or “gates”.
2. Place the gates at odd angles to each other around the area.
3. Have your child dribble the soccer ball through the gates using tiny kicks.
4. Count how many gates your child can dribble through in one minute.

   TIP: Show your child how to dribble using soft, gentle kicks to keep the ball very close to feet.

   TIP: Show children how to dribble using the inside of the foot, outside of the foot, and toe.

   TIP: You can also “dribble” the ball using the bottom of your foot by putting one foot on top of the ball and pushing or pulling it.

Variations

• Challenge your child to dribble using both feet (any surface of foot).
Challenge your child to dribble using only right foot (any surface of foot).
• Challenge your child to dribble using only left foot (any surface of foot).

Benefits

This activity develops leg coordination, strength and fine motor control in the lower body. It also develops balance and rhythmical movement. These skills transfer to sports and activities that involve dynamic balance and rhythmical movement (e.g., soccer, basketball, volleyball, racquet sports, martial arts, dance).