Exercises to get heads up and make better dribble v pass decisions

I'm coaching a boys U9s team. At least three of the players have a "head down and dribble until run into traffic” approach.

I don't want to force them to pass if there isn't a good passing option open and they've got space to run into. But what's are some good exercises to get them looking around and making smarter decisions as to whether to dribble or pass? And, when dribbling, keeping their heads up and looking for passing options before they run into a wall of four defenders and lose the ball.

Parents
  • For those of you in the South West London area, Surrey Football Coaches Association are running a coach the coach event with the topic "Encourage Scanning & Awareness : get your heads up" on Monday, 19 December 2022 18:00 at Fulham FC Training Ground & Academy, Motspur Park, led by  Frank O'Brien (Academy Player Development Officer Academy Player Development Officer, Chelsea Football Club)and Keith Boanas (Coach Development Manager , Palace for Life Foundation at Crystal Palace FC Palace for Life Foundation). Non-members will be welcome as guests. It is a free event, we shall be working with young grass roots players. www.surreyfootballcoachesassociation.com/

Reply
  • For those of you in the South West London area, Surrey Football Coaches Association are running a coach the coach event with the topic "Encourage Scanning & Awareness : get your heads up" on Monday, 19 December 2022 18:00 at Fulham FC Training Ground & Academy, Motspur Park, led by  Frank O'Brien (Academy Player Development Officer Academy Player Development Officer, Chelsea Football Club)and Keith Boanas (Coach Development Manager , Palace for Life Foundation at Crystal Palace FC Palace for Life Foundation). Non-members will be welcome as guests. It is a free event, we shall be working with young grass roots players. www.surreyfootballcoachesassociation.com/

Children
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