Thoughts on the second "Topical Training" session by Steve Davis

There were just over 50 players in attendance at Tibbetts Brook Park tonight for
the second Topical Training session offered to all players in the club.

The session I set out for tonight was "Pressure Dribbling" and the focus was to
allow players to dribble with confidence despite pressure from the opponent. I
wanted players placed in situations where they had to identify and exploit open
spaces with assertive high speed dribbling and good ball control.

The exercises used throughout the evening were instrumental in helping the
players recognize when and where to dribble, and there was also emphasis placed
on change of direction and surface of foot used when dribbling.

When we broke down the way we were going to approach the session, it was
important that we used the following factors.

Active Dribbling
Directed Dribbling
Purposeful Dribbling
Dribbling with Fakes

Throughout the duration of the session, we were keen to get the following
coaching points across to the players.

1. Teach the difference between close dribbling to maintain possession, and
speed dribbling to cover space.

2. Point out how and when to change pace and direction, cutting the ball and
using fakes.

3. Shielding the ball as a way to maintain possession, and sealing the defender
once by them.

4. Creating numerical advantages by beating opponents in 1v1 situations.

5. Recognizing second and third player runs to create space to dribble into.

Overall, the evening was another great success, and special thanks go out to
coaches John Sanchez, Jeff Fleischmann, and Sarah Dwyer-Shick for their help in
making the evening a great success.

Next week’s topic will be a huge favorite for both players and coaches alike, as
we attempt to work on "Finishing in the Zone"

What goes on in the head of a youth soccer player when they’re in front of goal?
We’ll hopefully have an answer next week, after we work on "Finishing in the
Zone"