| That is a big statement, but this is one drill that I have | | | | size of the square depends on the number of players, |
| used over and over again because | | | | and their age) |
| - It is fun | | | | - Have half the players on one side of the square with |
| - It is competitive | | | | a ball each. These players are the Attackers |
| - It is challenging | | | | - Have the other half of the players spread out in the |
| - It teaches the players how to look for space and | | | | square. These players are Crabs |
| exploit it | | | | - The players in the square have to sit down and |
| When I first started using this drill, I was astounded that | | | | support themselves with their hands. These players |
| the players prefer this to a game. Believe it or not, its | | | | are the Crabs and can walk around using their hands |
| true, that my players have demanded to play this drill | | | | and feet |
| rather than have a game | | | | On the coaches command each player dribbles to the |
| One of the many challenges for coaches of junior | | | | opposite side and stops the ball on the line opposite |
| soccer is getting players to have an awareness of | | | | them. "The Crabs" try and get the ball off the |
| what is going on around them while they have the ball | | | | Attackers and if they do so the Attacker becomes a |
| at their feet. | | | | Crab The game keeps going until there is only one |
| This is one of two drills that I have used time and time | | | | Attacker left, who is the winner. |
| again to teach players to keep their heads up whilst | | | | Its a simple but effective way to make players |
| dribbling, and has always been fun for the players as | | | | - dribble with their heads up |
| well as teaching valuable skills. | | | | - get past the defenders(Crabs) |
| This drill is so much better than have players dribble in | | | | - avoid colliding with each otheras they travel across |
| and out of cones as it will teach them to get a feel for | | | | the square |
| the ball and a feel for the space near them that they | | | | You can have a tremendous amount of fun with this |
| can exploit | | | | drill and teach a number of important aspects of |
| The players find this particular drill quite challenging, and | | | | dribbling with the ball. |
| the competitive nature of the drill ensures enthusiastic | | | | A side effect is that the Crabs will also learn the |
| participation | | | | importance of teamwork to deny attackers space and |
| Organization | | | | dispose them of the ball, so it really is a win-win |
| - Mark out a square about 20 yards by 20 yards (the | | | | situation! |