6-Week Dribbling & 1v1 Block (U9–U11)
Six weeks to build confident, creative dribblers for U9–U11. The years where ball mastery and 1v1 confidence are best developed. From close control through to beating a defender in a real game — without coaching the courage out of them.
📅How this block works
Run one focus per week across six weeks. Each week builds on the last, so by week six the concepts combine naturally in match play. Every week links to ready-to-run drills from the library — print the plan or share it to your team WhatsApp. Week six is always assessment: play, observe, and let the habits show.
Close control and ball mastery
Thousands of touches. Build the relationship with the ball through dribbling in tight spaces and changing direction.
Change of direction
Teach the drag-back, the cut, and the turn. The ability to change direction quickly is what beats a defender.
Skill moves
Introduce the step-over and feint. Not for show — as functional tools to commit and beat a defender.
1v1 attacking
Apply it against a defender. Teach inviting the press, then accelerating past. Build the confidence to take players on.
Dribbling in wide areas
The winger's game. Beating a full-back in the wide channel and delivering. Where 1v1 dribbling wins matches.
Match integration
Assessment week. Games that reward taking players on. Celebrate the attempt, not just the success.