Dribbling and Close Control -- http://www.insidesoccer.com/is-web/movie?id=455&pro=1
Dribbling and Ball Control Technique
Here are two different technical exercises that you can run using the same cone setup. The idea is to get the players as many touches on the ball while emphasizing proper technique. Similar to the other technical exercises, you won't necessary see results after one training session, but repeating these exercises will allow your players to get more comfortable on the ball over the course of the season.
http://www.insidesoccer.com/is-web/movie?id=608 -- This dribbling exercise gives the players a number of differently opportunities to get comfortable on the ball. Remember, in general, great coaches try to limit touches and unnecessary dribbling in POSSESSION situations (the players want to anticipate, move the ball quickly, and let the ball do the work). But all players should be encouraged to improve and perfect their touch on the ball, and there are many situations (going to goal, one-on-one attacking, etc.) where great ball and dribbling control is crucial. In the above exercise, younger teams should be encouraged to start slow and make sure they have the technique correct (they can speed up the tempo once they feel comfortable). With older teams, push the players above their comfort level in order to challenge themselves and get better.
http://www.insidesoccer.com/is-web/movie?id=626 -- Again, know your team and skill level--parts of the exercise might not be appropriate for younger players, although try and figure out where and how you can push/challenge them. Don't be afraid to add your own spin or adaptations to this exercise, whether it is exploring different parts of the foot to use or more difficult ball control techniques. In all of these videos, try to pay close attention to the proper technique used. All of these players use great form in the exercises and can serve as blueprints for our players.
U11-U13 Technique and Fitness for Older Teams -- http://www.insidesoccer.com/is-web/movie?id=322
As simplistic as this exercise looks, it is a great blueprint to build upon as far as technique and other concepts, including fitness. Regarding technique, the drill can be used as a warm-up or a device to focus on form. Obviously, you want to switch back and forth so that the players have to pass with both their right and left feet. Make sure their first touch is a positive one out of their feet, they are dribbling with their head up, and they deliver a pass with the proper weight. You can mix it up to progress the exercise, for instance have them deliver a short pass through the gates with the outside of their foot, have older teams deliver longer balls in the air through the gates to each other, reduce or increase the number of touches each player takes after receiving and before passing (remember, when dribbling with speed with fewer touches, the player should have their toe pointed down and dribble with their laces), etc. You can set up cone obstacles in each channel for the players to dribble around/through before each pass. Don't be afraid to get creative, especially if you are using this as a fitness exercise. For example, you can make the players push themselves and go at a high speed and you can have each player receive the pass with a long touch out in front, drop quickly into two push-ups/sit-ups/burpies/somersault and then sprint to make the next pass.
Passing & Ball Control -- http://www.insidesoccer.com/is-web/movie?id=504&pro=1
This is a great warm-up or can be a high tempo exercise that allows players to focus on their technique. You can adapt the exercise so that it fits the skill level of your team (make it practical, but also don't be afraid to challenge them a little towards the end). The girls in the video practice a number of different passes that are technically difficult, but this exercise can also be highly successful with a variety of simple passes. Allow your players to get a lot of repetitions as this is the best way to fine tune technique.
