Slalom with Shoulder Scan — Carry and Change Exit
The player dribbles through a slalom of cones and checks the shoulder between each cone before choosing the exit direction at the end. The drill combines close-control dribbling with the scanning habit, training players to look up between touches rather than staring at the ball.
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Organization
Set up a 25×12m lane with 8-10 cones in a zigzag slalom (1.5m between cones). Player dribbles through the slalom, performing a shoulder scan (look over the shoulder) between each cone before changing direction. At the end, accelerate 5m and stop. Walk back, repeat 6 times. Rest 45s between sets, 3 sets.
Coaching Points
1. Touch the ball with every step — keep it within 50cm. 2. Scan over the shoulder between cones — not at the cone, but in the gap. 3. Use the inside and outside of both feet to weave through the slalom. 4. Decelerate into each cone, accelerate out of it. 5. Keep the head up as much as possible — don't stare at the ball. 6. The scan should be quick — a glance, not a long look.
Progressions
- Coach holds up a number of fingers during the scan — player must call it out, proving they actually saw.
- Tighten the slalom to 1m between cones — closer control required.
Regressions
- Widen the slalom to 2.5m between cones — more space to control the ball.
- Remove the shoulder scan — just focus on the dribbling technique first.
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