Follow the Dribbler Soccer Drill

When you work with Cub Scouts, you learn quickly that short and active games work best. Many youth have a hard time sitting still for long talks. They need to move. They need to try things with their hands and feet. A simple drill like Follow the Dribbler fits that need very well.

This game works great for a soccer themed den meeting. It also fits into any sports focused activity. You can use it at the beginning of a meeting to burn off extra energy. You can also use it in the middle when attention starts to fade.

Cub Scouting encourages active games. Scouts learn by doing. They build skills through practice and repetition. A game like this lets them practice dribbling while still having fun with their friends.

I like this drill because it is easy to set up. You only need a soccer ball for each Scout and a clear area. You can use a field, a gym, or even a playground. It is flexible, simple, and easy for leaders to run.

Follow the Dribbler is based on the old childhood game “Follow the Leader.” In that game, one person leads and everyone else copies. Children have played versions of it for many years on playgrounds and in backyards. The soccer drill uses that same idea but adds a ball at your feet.

Soccer itself has a long history. It is one of the most popular sports in the world. In many countries, children learn to dribble almost as soon as they can run. Simple drills like this one are common in youth soccer programs.

Youth coaches often use follow-the-leader style drills to teach control. When Scouts copy sharp turns and quick stops, they build foot skills without even thinking about it. They are focused on staying with the leader.

One fun twist I once saw took place on a school playground. The leader dribbled around slides, swings, and benches. The Scouts had to stay close and avoid bumping into anything. It made everyone laugh, but it also improved their control.

Scouts learn several things from this game. First, they practice listening. You set the boundaries at the start. They need to follow those rules. This connects to being obedient and trustworthy. They show they can follow directions and stay within limits.

They also learn respect for others. When one Scout is the leader, the others give that Scout a chance to lead. Then they switch. This helps them practice being friendly and kind. Everyone gets a turn.

Younger Cub Scouts, such as Lions, Tigers, and Wolves, can keep the path simple. Use wide turns and slow speeds. Older Scouts can add harder moves. They can dribble faster or weave through cones.

This game works well for ages 6 to 10. For older youth, you can increase the challenge. Add obstacles. Set time limits. Or ask leaders to use only one foot. The basic idea stays the same, but you adjust the skill level.

In the end, Scouts are active and engaged. They practice a sport. They learn to take turns and follow rules. And they leave the meeting having used their energy in a good way.

Equipment and Materials

• 1 soccer ball for each Scout
• Cones, water bottles, or other markers for boundaries
• Whistle (optional)
• Open space such as a field, gym, or playground

Setup

1. Choose a safe area with plenty of room to move. Check for holes, rocks, or other hazards.
2. Mark the boundaries with cones or other objects. Clearly show where Scouts may and may not go.
3. Have each Scout get a soccer ball.
4. Ask Scouts to spread out inside the boundaries.
5. Choose one Scout to be the first leader. Have the others line up behind the leader.

Game Play

1. Review the boundaries and safety rules. Make sure everyone understands where they can go.
2. On your signal, the leader begins to dribble the ball around the area.
3. The other Scouts follow in a line. Each Scout dribbles their own ball.
4. The goal is to copy the leader’s moves as closely as possible.
5. After one or two minutes, stop the group. Choose a new leader.
6. Continue until each Scout has had a turn to lead.

Additional Notes and Variations

• Remind Scouts to keep their heads up so they do not bump into others.
• Stop the game right away if balls roll out of bounds near streets or parking lots.
• For younger Scouts, keep the speed slow and turns wide.
• For older Scouts, add cones to weave through.
• Challenge Scouts to use only their right foot or only their left foot.
• Use a whistle to signal leader changes quickly.
• If space is small, divide into two smaller groups.

Soccer Marbles

Soccer Croquet

Soccer Zipper Pulls

More Games

If you are looking for more ideas like this, take a look at my Games for Scouts page. I have gathered a wide range of simple activities that work well for Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA. Many of them need very little equipment. Most can be set up quickly. You will find indoor games, outdoor challenges, relays, and skill builders. They are easy to understand and easy to run.

Having a list of ready games makes den meetings much smoother. When you need to fill a few extra minutes, you can pick one and get started right away. When you want to build a theme, you can choose games that match it. Visit my Games for Scouts page and bookmark it. It will save you time and help you keep your Scouts active and engaged.

The Importance of Games in Scouting

How many Scouts can play at one time?

You can have as many Scouts as you have space and soccer balls. A small den of six to eight works very well. If your group is large, divide into two lines with two leaders. This keeps the group safer and easier to manage.

How long should the game last?

Plan for 10 to 15 minutes. Switch leaders every one or two minutes. Stop sooner if the Scouts seem tired. You can also bring it back later in the meeting for another round.

What if a Scout is not good at dribbling?

That is fine. This game helps them practice. Encourage them to try their best. Keep the speed slow at first. Remind leaders to use simple turns so everyone can follow.

Can this be played indoors?

Yes, if you have a gym or large room. Set clear boundaries. Ask Scouts to dribble under control. Make sure there are no breakable items nearby.

What age group works best for this game?

It works well for Cub Scouts, especially ages 6 to 10. Older Scouts can play too, but you may want to add harder moves or obstacles to keep it challenging.

What if the Scouts get too excited?

Pause the game. Gather them together and review the rules. Remind them to keep their heads up and stay in bounds. Start again when they are ready to focus.

Follow the Dribbler is a simple soccer drill that works well for Cub Scouts. One Scout leads while the others follow in a line. Each Scout dribbles a soccer ball and tries to copy the leader’s moves. The leader can make turns, slow down, speed up, or weave around objects. After a short time, a new Scout becomes the leader.

This game is easy to set up. You only need a ball for each Scout and a safe space. You mark the boundaries and review the rules. Then you let them begin. It works on a field, in a gym, or even on a playground.

Scouts stay active the whole time. They practice control and balance without long instructions. They also take turns leading and following. This helps build confidence and respect.

Leaders like this game because it keeps youth moving. Scouts like it because they get to be in charge for a few minutes. It is simple, active, and easy to adjust for different ages.