Quick answer
To dribble at full speed in floorball, keep the ball a little in front of you, use small pushes rather than big hits, stay low and look up between touches. Train in three stages: control at 70 percent speed, a full-speed lane run with markers and a game-like 1v1. Most dribbling errors come from pushing the ball too far ahead, so speed up only as far as your control lasts.
Key takeaways
- Control comes first. Fast touches on a ball you cannot control are just losses of possession.
- Push the ball about 1–1.5 blade-lengths ahead, then let your next step catch up.
- Run with your knees bent and your shoulders over your feet.
- Look up as soon as the ball leaves the blade, and look down only briefly when the ball returns.
- Change of pace is a weapon: slow-fast beats fast-fast.
- Train dribbling on a surface where the ball rolls cleanly.
What does fast dribbling really look like?
Watch a good attacker in the open and you will see that they do not touch the ball every step. They push, run into the space and touch again. Between touches the ball runs free, which gives them time to look up. Compared to slow stickhandling, dribbling at speed relies on rhythm. In floorball the rink is 40 x 20 m, and a lot of the space you attack is a lane along the side or through the middle after a turnover. Players who can carry the ball 10–15 m at speed create chances that passing alone cannot.
What are the key technique points?
| Element | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ball distance | 1–1.5 blade-lengths ahead | Gives room to run without losing contact |
| Touch size | Small pushes with a soft wrist | Keeps the ball predictable |
| Stance | Knees bent, upper body forward | Balance and quick direction changes |
| Stick | Low, one hand slightly forward | Better feel, safe below the waist |
| Eyes | Up between touches | Reads defenders and space |
| Pace | Vary: slow, then burst | Beats defenders who back off |
Which drills build speed with control?
- 70 percent lane (5 minutes). Set a 10 m lane. Dribble it at 70 percent of your top pace, ball under control. 6 runs with 30 seconds rest. Cue: small pushes. Watch for: the ball rolling more than 2 m ahead.
- Markers at pace (6 minutes). Place five markers 2 m apart. Weave through them at 80 percent speed, finishing with a pass at a wall. 5 rounds. Increase to 90 percent only if you make 4 clean rounds in a row.
- Slow-fast (5 minutes). Dribble 5 m slowly, then burst for 5 m. 8 reps. The change of pace is the point. Cue: push the ball ahead as you accelerate, not before.
- Head-up gates (6 minutes). Set three gates at different distances. A partner calls the gate to go through as you approach. 6 rounds. See heads-up stickhandling for more variants.
- 1v1 breakaway (6 minutes). The attacker starts at the halfway line with a passive defender chasing from behind. Dribble in and finish with a shot. 8 reps each.
- Race with the ball (5 minutes). Two players race 15 m, each with a ball. The winner is the first to cross the line with the ball under control (within a stick length). Best of 5.
Coach Erik's tip: Record your 10 m time with the ball on your phone. Do it again after four weeks. Many players discover that their times improve most when they slow the first touches slightly and sharpen the later ones.
How do you practise speed dribbling in a small space?
Not everyone has a hall. In a garage, you can build speed in short bursts: five or six steps of acceleration on a straight line, then turn and repeat. Use a smooth surface to avoid bumps. The Extreme Floorball Tiles 30-Pack (€254) covers about 3.2 m² and the 45-Pack (€379) covers about 4.9 m². Both are Made in Europe, and Better Floorball, a Swedish brand, designs its products in Sweden and tests them for maximum durability. For slower control work between sprints, the Extreme Floorball Stickhandling Trainer (€69) is a practical add-on.
How do you read defenders when you are at speed?
Speed makes decisions shorter, so you need a simple checklist before you reach the defender. First, where are the defender's feet pointing? If they are square to you, a change of pace or a pull-push usually works. If they are side-on, they are already guiding you toward the boards, and a quick inside move may open the lane. Second, where is the second defender? A fast carry into two players is rarely a good idea, so have a pass ready. Third, where is your finish? Start the run knowing whether you will shoot, pass or hold the ball up.
Most players I coach make the mistake of deciding at the last moment. A good habit is to give yourself a "decision point" about 3 m before the defender. Up to that point you accelerate and scan. At the decision point you commit to the move. This one rule removes a lot of panicky touches.
What does a speed dribbling week look like?
| Day | Focus | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Control at 70 percent: lane and markers | 20 minutes |
| Wednesday | Slow-fast and head-up gates | 20 minutes |
| Friday | 1v1 breakaways and races | 25 minutes |
After dribbling comes the finish, so combine this with shooting on the move. For the technical foundation, see how to improve your stickhandling.
How do you test your speed with control?
Set two markers 10 m apart and dribble the ball between them with a stopwatch on your phone. Run the test three times at 80 percent effort, then three times at full speed, and record the best clean run. A clean run means the ball never gets more than a stick length away from you.
Compare the two results. If your full-speed time is not better than your 80 percent time, you lose control when you speed up, so do more reps at a controlled pace. If you gain a lot, add a defender or a turn at the end. Repeat the test every second week, in the same place and with the same ball.
Common mistakes
- Pushing the ball too far. Fix: aim for 1–1.5 blade-lengths and touch again before the ball slows.
- Standing upright. Fix: bend the knees and lean slightly forward.
- Staring at the ball. Fix: look up after every push.
- Always sprinting. Fix: use slow-fast changes so the defender cannot time you.
- Big swings with the stick. Fix: use short pushes and keep the stick below waist height.
- No finish. Fix: end every run with a shot or a pass.
FAQ
How do I dribble faster in floorball?
Push the ball about 1–1.5 blade-lengths ahead with small, soft touches, keep a low stance and look up between touches. Build speed in stages: 70 percent lane runs first, then markers, then 1v1.
How far ahead should the ball be when I run?
Roughly one to one and a half blade-lengths. That is far enough for you to keep running, but close enough to touch again before a defender can step in.
Why do I lose the ball when I speed up?
Usually because the touches become too big or the stance too upright. Slow down to 70–80 percent and focus on small pushes and bent knees. Add speed gradually.
What is the best drill for speed dribbling?
A 10 m lane run at 70 percent, then 80 percent, then full speed, with markers to weave through. Add a passive defender chasing from behind to simulate game pressure.
Can I practise speed dribbling indoors?
Yes, in short bursts of 5–8 m on a smooth surface. Tiles help, and the lane can run along a hallway or garage. Keep the stick low and clear obstacles.
How often should I train dribbling at full speed?
Two or three times a week for 15–25 minutes is enough. Fast work is demanding, so keep a day between sessions and always warm up first.
Summary
Dribbling at full speed in floorball is about rhythm: small pushes, a low stance, head-up moments and smart changes of pace. Train in three stages and finish each run with a shot or pass. For more, browse the Stickhandling hub.
