Activity
Cone zone dribble
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Football
Technique: Dribbling
Class: Class 4
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Football
Technique: Dribbling
Class: Class 5
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Football
Technique: Dribbling
Class: Class 6
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Football
Technique: Dribbling
Class: Class 7
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Football
Technique: Dribbling
Class: Class 8
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Football
Technique: Dribbling
Class: Class 9
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Football
Technique: Dribbling
Class: Class 10
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Football
Technique: Dribbling
Class: Class 11
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Football
Technique: Dribbling
Class: Class 12
Skill: Specialised Sports Coaching
Sports: Football
Technique: Dribbling
Cone zone dribble
Learning Outcomes
Improve close ball control while dribbling.
Enhance agility and quick footwork in tight spaces.
Develop awareness and decision-making under pressure.
Build confidence in changing direction with the ball.
Description Of Activity
Set up a grid (the Cone Zone) using cones, with cones scattered inside the area (like obstacles).
Each player starts with a ball outside the zone.
On the coachs signal, players enter the cone zone and dribble their ball around while avoiding the cones.
Players must keep the ball close to their feet, using both inside and outside of the foot, to avoid touching cones.
If a player hits a cone, they perform a quick consequence (e.g., 5 toe taps or 3 star jumps) before continuing.
Progressively, the coach can add challenges such as:
Speed challenge: Dribble through the zone as fast as possible without hitting cones.
Weak foot only: Use only the weaker foot to dribble.
Change of direction: Coach calls Turn! and players must quickly turn and dribble in the opposite direction.
Variations
1v1 Pressure: Add defenders in the cone zone trying to steal the ball while attackers keep control.
Time challenge: Players complete as many laps of the zone as possible in 30 seconds.
Gate Dribble: Place small cone gates inside the zone, and players must dribble through as many gates as possible.
Coaching Tips
Encourage soft touches on the ball for better control.
Players should keep their head up to stay aware of cones and space.
Use both feet for dribbling and turning.
Remind players to bend knees slightly and stay on their toes for balance and agility.
Praise creativity in dribbling moves (step-overs, quick turns, body feints).
Equipment/Material Required
Cones (8–12, depending on group size).
1 football per player.
A marked playing area (10m × 10m or larger depending on age/level).