If you want to know how to dribble a football properly on your own and prepare for modern game requirements, you could use the help of cones. All youth football academies make use of cones in their drills. Cones help you to improve your ball control and change direction more easily.
Although cones do not resemble a living opponent, do not underestimate the importance of cones because it refines your dribbling skills. You will need to learn how to move and control the ball before you encounter a real-life defender. These dribbling drills help to improve the player’s weaker foot, which will boost his/her overall confidence in the game as well as enhance one’s ball control skills.
Cone Weave
Cone Weave is one of the most popular exercises for the development of dribbling skills, and many have encountered it at an early stage. Ten to fifteen cones need to be set up in a straight
line about a foot and a half apart from each other. Dribble with one foot between the cones in a zigzag pattern. Make as many slight touches as possible and control each touch, ensuring that you do not push out and chase the ball. Even though these drills are simple, they are extremely essential as they teach you how to use all parts of your foot and enhance game-specific agility.
Figure Eight
The Figure Eight drill requires only two cones set about three to five feet apart. You need to dribble the ball in and around the cones, thus creating an imaginary number eight. This football dribbling drill has many variations, but some general rules apply to all of them. Do not take long steps because long steps take more time, and you might lose control of the ball. If you take short quick steps while keeping an eye on the ball, your dribbling practice will benefit you more. Position your body correctly and be ready to change direction fast. Make sure you are always over the ball with slightly bent knees because this allows you to have a lower center of gravity.
Zigzag Slalom
Zigzag Slalom combines ball control and speed. This drill also helps improve agility and quickness as it requires players to make a sharp turn and a short-distance sprint. The Zigzag Slalom focuses on dribbling fast with the inside, the outside, and the bottom of the foot. Set up cones about 15 feet apart in a zigzag pattern. The length of the zigzag should stretch approximately 60 feet. Players must line up at the last cone with a ball each. Start by dribbling the ball around the outside of the cones in a zigzag pattern. Once you reach the end, sprint back the distance of the zigzag course and return to the start.
Diagonal Dribble
Diagonal Dribble is among advanced dribbling drills for football because it imitates real-life movement and going past your opponents one by one. Four cones are required to set up this drill. Place one cone on the ground and put the next about six to eight feet away. The third cone should be around twelve to sixteen feet apart from the second one, and these three cones must form a ninety-degree angle. Keep the fourth cone six to eight feet from the third cone, and cones number two, three, and four must form a ninety-degree angle. Start dribbling from the first cone to the second, make a sharp turn to the third, and once you reach the third, make a sharp turn and move to the fourth cone. From there, return to the starting position.
These are all essential drills a player should know. Whether you play it with your friends on the streets or watch videos of top professionals defeating their opponents, the love for the game is never-ending. Yet, watching games alone will not improve one’s football dribbling skills. Thus, the player must train regularly and work hard until they get better.
For more tips and an opportunity to train with one of the best football academies in the city, call +91 8296170556 or visit www.sufcindia.com.
