26. Two Line Combinations
How the Drill Works:
Two lines of players dribble or pass one soccer ball between the two lines. Players follow their pass or dribble to the opposite line and go to the back of the line. Different patterns and variations can be completed.
Purpose:
Develop passing and dribbling skills in a simple activity. Can be used as a warmup or main activity.
Diagram:
Setup:
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- Have the players divide into groups of four of five.
- Each group needs one soccer ball.
- Have each group form two lines 10 to 15 yards apart from each other.
- Each group should complete four, three-minute rounds of varying patterns and combinations.
Instructions:
- Start with a simple dribbling pattern. Players dribble across to their opposite line and then exchange the ball with the first player in line before going to the back of the line.
- The patterns listed below follow the same rules as the first pattern. The player who passes, or dribbles, from their line to the other line will always end up at the back of the line they just passed or dribbled to.
- Dribbling with a 1v1 move. Scissors, lunge, etc.
- Two-touch passing.
- Up-back-through passing.
- Juggling and passing in the air.
- Headers.
- One-touch passing.
- Complete all, or some, of the patterns during the duration of the activity.
Variations:
Distance – Vary the distance between the lines depending on the skill level of the players.
Coaching Points:
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- Start simple and slow. Let players build into the activity at their own pace. Push the players to increase the tempo as the activity progresses.
- Remind the players to keep the distance between their lines.
- Players should run to the back of the opposite line after they complete their dribble or pass!
- Encourage the players to use their voices to call for a pass and increase the intensity of the session.
- Challenge the players to stay on their toes to react quickly to passes!
- Motivate the players to connect as many as passes in a row as they can and build their confidence!
