We take a road trip to Dacula on Saturday, April 30 for a set of three 7v7 games against GSA North teams. Link: team assignments and schedules (posted Sunday, April 24 @ 5:45 PM).
Game day links:
Dribbling moves of the month:
April:
We practice dribbling moves (changes of direction or fake changes of direction finished with a burst of speed) very often. Our April emphasis is on stop and go dribbling moves.
Stop and go moves are particularly effective when you’re dribbling up the side of the field, or when a defender forces you to change directions when you’re dribbling toward goal. You pretend you are going to turn the ball, but you finish the move by exploding into space with a getaway touch in the same direction you were originally dribbling.
There are a bunch of stop and go dribbling moves, but we emphasize these three moves:
- the pull-push (a fake pullback)
- the cookie (a fake U-turn)
- the yo yo (a fake stop turn)
Parents, we recommend you challenge your daughter to the electric fence and snow cones dribbling games. Both games are well-suited to dribbling turns and stop and go moves. (Sisters and brothers are welcome to join in!) You don’t need past soccer experience of your own, just some time and energy. We’re confident that both you and your daughter will have fun, and your daughter will gain skill and confidence!
March:
We practice dribbling moves (changes of direction or fake changes of direction finished with a burst of speed) very often. Our March emphasis was on three types of dribbling moves:
- pullbacks
- twist-off turns (also called hook turns or shielding turns)
- V-pull moves
All of the above moves are aimed at helping a player keep the ball when under pressure, instead of dribbling into an opponent or teammate (what we call “bones & shin guards”).
These moves rely on ball manipulation, not wizardly body fakes or foot fakes. Some of our players use these moves in games (often with success), but the majority of players either forget them come game time, or lack the confidence to try the moves.
Parents, you can help with your daughter’s development! The key is to take the mindset of being your daughter’s training partner, not her coach. For example, start by asking her about her favorite dribbling moves, or which ones she wants to improve. Then take a ball into the back yard or garage and have her show you. You’ve now opened the door to a productive “fun with a soccer ball” session.
We encourage you and your daughter to spend 5-10 minutes 2-3 times a week to review moves, and then play games (such as Texas Draw or Snow Cones) that reward the use of dribbling moves. (Sisters and brothers are welcome to join in!) You don’t need past soccer experience of your own, just some time and energy. We’re confident that both you and your daughter will have fun, and your daughter will gain skill and confidence!
Check the above links for descriptions and demo videos of the moves and games. Most of the activities can be done in small spaces, such as a 10-yard square. If you’d like a personal demo of a move, or want more details about a dribbling game, feel free to check with your coach after an upcoming practice.