U7 Dribbling Drills: 3 Fun Games for Close Control

At U7, “dribbling” often looks like “kick and run.”

Players kick the ball 10 yards ahead and then sprint after it. That works in the backyard, but in a game, they lose the ball immediately.

We need to teach them Close Control (Baby Touches).

But you cannot just say, “Keep the ball close!” You have to give them a reason to keep it close. These 3 games force players to use small touches naturally—because if they do a “Big Kick,” they lose the game.

Navigation Note: Mastering dribbling is step one.

• For a complete session, U7 Dribbling Drills: 3 Fun Games for Close Controlcombine this with our U7 Warm-Up Drills.
• See all our training games in the U7 Soccer Drills Library.

Drill Profile

1. Red Light, Green Light (The Classic)

Why it works: It forces players to keep the ball so close that they can stop it instantly.

• The Setup: All players on a line. Coach is 20 yards away.
• The Story: “I am the Traffic Police. Do not get a speeding ticket!”
• The Action:
  • Green Light: Dribble fast!
  • Yellow Light: Walk with the ball (Baby touches).
  • Red Light: STOP! Foot on top of the ball.
• The Rule: If you are moving when I say “Red Light,” you have to go back 5 steps.
• Coach Tip: Turn your back for Green Light, then spin around quickly for Red Light to make it exciting.

2. The “Ouch!” Game (The Coach Hunt)

Why it works: It teaches players to dribble with their heads up (to see the target).

• The Setup: Coach runs around inside a square grid. Players chase with their balls.
• The Story: “I am a giant monster, but I have a weak spot… my feet! If you hit my feet with your ball, I lose a life!”
• The Action: Players dribble and try to pass their ball to hit the coach’s legs.
• The Reaction: Every time you get hit, yell “OUCH!” really loudly. The kids will love this.
• The Skill: They must keep the ball close to change direction as you move.

3. King of the Ring (Alien Invasion)

Why it works: Introduces shielding and protecting the ball in a crowd.

• The Setup: A large circle (The Spaceship). Everyone has a ball inside.
• The Story: “We are on a spaceship. Don’t fall into outer space!”
• The Action: Dribble around without going out of the circle.
• The Twist: Coach enters as the “Alien” and tries to kick balls out.
• Progression: Players can try to kick each other’s balls out while protecting their own (Last player standing wins).

See It in Action

Watch this simple “Cones” variation. Notice how the obstacles force the player to use the inside and outside of their feet?

A Note to Coaches: Messy is Good

When you run these drills, balls will fly everywhere. Kids will collide. That is okay.

• Don’t line them up and make them dribble through cones one by one (this has low repetition).
• Do create chaotic games where they have to make 100 decisions a minute.
• Correction: If a player kicks the ball too far, simply ask: “Is that a Baby Touch or a Big Kick?” They will correct themselves.

FAQ: U7 Dribbling Questions