Metadata
Metadata
titleSmall Ball – Dribbling
typescheme
phase
audience
descriptionShort-pass high-tempo scheme that moves defenders through give-and-go dribbling.
tags
last_updated2026-05-12
draftfalse

Small Ball is one of the two schemes that runs through our play style. Use it when handlers can move the disc faster than the defence can re-shape. The companion scheme is Expansive - Deep Game for when the defence sits under.

Focus

Short passes move defenders. Moving defenders create throwing windows. Maintain Flow.

This is the day-in, day-out scheme of our offence. Most possessions, this is what we are doing — short-pass exchanges that produce power positions and a Continuation downfield as the defence chases.

The "Off-line" Reset

This type of reset is typically used by teams to reset the disc when being trapped on a sideline (hence the name). There are some changes in here from the norm to have this work in general anywhere on the pitch.

Dump Handler:

  1. Cuts diagonally up field towards/in front of the player with the disc.
  2. Changes Angle depending on defender:
    • Defender is overcommitted to the cut: Cut back to receive the disc in-field (7 Cut)
    • Defender is lagging to cover the cutback: make a 7 cut to receive the disc in-field

Note: Do not come back into the dump space during the reset unless your defender fully leaves you — leave the rest of this to the secondary handler.

Secondary Handler:

  1. Drop back into the dump space to set up.
  2. Split Cut towards the Active handler.
    • If going into the back field you should angle the cut back on yourself to receive the disc into space if possible. (See the split cut variations.)

Follow the Move The Disc - Coaches Notes decision rules for continuations from here. The receiver on the catch is in a power position — see Playing the Power Position for the read order.

Note: There are some nuances for where to cut as the Dump and Secondary Handlers depending on the Active handler's force. These will be detailed in another doc in the future.

Give-and-Go "Dribbling"

Disregard the normal Move The Disc - Coaches Notes rules. This is pure Give-and-Go motion.

  • Use a Split Cut to receive the disc at pace with momentum.
  • Thrower immediately follows their throw to receive a return pass — this is catching in stride for both players, every catch.

If the defenders counter the dribbling with buzz switches, use a Cutback to create space and get moving again — the switch is only effective if the defence can keep coordinating, and a fast cutback breaks the chain.

See Throw and Go Lanes for the dedicated drill that trains this habit at pair scale.

Connections