Today’s session is going to focus on one thing and one thing only, when to decide to dribble forward versus passing forward. Both options come with their own set of advantages and challenges and knowing when to make the right decision can be a game-changer for your team.
In a recent coaching session, Blayze coach Mike Semenza one of his athletes through the process of identifying areas in his game where he can decide to dribble forward or to pass forward. Take a look at this segment of a coaching call to see how you can apply some of these concepts to your playing style.
Steps to Know When to Dribble or Pass
One of the best things you can do as a defender when building out of the back is to look up and first analyze which opponent is putting pressure on you first. As the ball comes to you, keep your eyes up to find a little gap on the field that you can exploit.
Of course, you want your teammates to move into the right positions as well, but this trick is to see who is putting pressure on you and what teammate that pressure opens up.
There will be times when you will need to dribble first to open up the passing lane.
Assess the Situation
Soccer players must quickly analyze the positions of their teammates and the opponents, the distance those players are to the goal, and where the greatest pressure is coming from first. If you have space ahead and your teammates are making runs, passing might be the best choice. However, if you have an opportunity to exploit open space, dribbling might be the key to break through the lines.
Individual Skill Set
Players need to be aware of their individual skill set when deciding whether to dribble the ball or to pass it. A soccer player with exceptional dribbling abilities may be more inclined to take on defenders one-on-one. Other players with excellent passing accuracy and vision might opt for a well-timed pass to exploit openings.
Defensive Pressures
The defensive setup of the opposing team plays a significant role in the decision-making process. If defenders are tightly marking passing lanes, or if there’s a chance to exploit defensive weaknesses with skilled dribbling, players should adapt their strategy accordingly. Quick decision-making is crucial here, as delaying the choice can lead to missed opportunities.
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