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DribblingBeginner

Cone Slalom Dribble

Players weave through a line of cones using both feet, focusing on close ball control at speed.

10 min
1–4 players
6–8 cones, 1 ball per player

Objective

Develop close ball control and the ability to change direction quickly while keeping the ball close.

Cone Slalom Dribble youth soccer drill demonstration

Visual Concept

PCone SlalomWeave through cones — both feet

Top-down diagram — Dribbling drill layout

Setup

Place 6–8 cones in a straight line, 1 yard apart. Each player has a ball. Players line up at one end.

How to Run It

1

Walk through first

Have players walk through the cones slowly, touching the ball with the inside of each foot alternately.

2

Speed it up

Players now jog through the cones, keeping the ball within one step at all times.

3

Add both feet

Challenge players to use only their weaker foot for one full run through.

4

Race format

Turn it competitive — first player to complete 3 clean runs wins.

Coaching Cues

Keep your head up — scan the field, not just the ball

Small, quick touches — don't let the ball get away from you

Bend your knees slightly for better balance

Use the inside and outside of your foot, not just your toe

Variations

  • Add a defender shadowing the dribbler (no tackling)
  • Use only the outside of the foot
  • Dribble backwards through the cones
  • Add a turn at the end before coming back

More Dribbling Drills

Beginner

Inside-Outside Touch

Alternate inside and outside touches while moving forward. Great for developing natural ball feel.

8 min 1–6
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Intermediate

1v1 Moves Practice

Players practice step-overs, scissors, and body feints before taking on a passive defender.

15 min 2–8
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Beginner

Toe Taps

Players alternate tapping the top of the ball with each foot as fast as they can. Perfect for U6–U8 warm-ups.

6 min 1–10
View Drill