Every player has a ball, inside the square. These pairs of cones are the gates. Each player dribbles through as many gates as they can, in one minute. One point for each gate.
The 3D view could not load. You can still read each step below.
10 players, 10 balls, 2 adults
Keep the ball close and look up to find a free gate.
Set up
Mark a 17 x 17 yd square. Put 4 gates inside it, two cones 2 yd apart, at least 4 yd between gates. Every player has a ball.
Who goes where
Players: 6, in the square.
How to play
Players dribble through as many gates as they can in one minute.
They can't use the same gate twice in a row.
One point for each gate.
Try to beat your score next time.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Dribble through as many gates as you can. You can't use the same gate twice in a row. Count your gates.
Say while it runs
1
Small touches with your laces and the inside.
Praise it when the ball stays close as they reach a gate
2
Look up to find a gate nobody is using.
Praise it when their head comes up between touches
Ask at the drink How did you know which gate was free?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If most players score ten or more, add one defender with no ball who blocks a gate.
Too hard
If the ball runs away from them, make the gates 2 yd wide.
Keep the ball close and look up to find a free gate.
Set up
Mark a 20 x 20 yd square. Put 5 gates inside it, two cones 2 yd apart, at least 4 yd between gates. Every player has a ball.
Who goes where
Players: 8, in the square.
How to play
Players dribble through as many gates as they can in one minute.
They can't use the same gate twice in a row.
One point for each gate.
Try to beat your score next time.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Dribble through as many gates as you can. You can't use the same gate twice in a row. Count your gates.
Say while it runs
1
Small touches with your laces and the inside.
Praise it when the ball stays close as they reach a gate
2
Look up to find a gate nobody is using.
Praise it when their head comes up between touches
Ask at the drink How did you know which gate was free?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If most players score ten or more, add one defender with no ball who blocks a gate.
Too hard
If the ball runs away from them, make the gates 2 yd wide.
Keep the ball close and look up to find a free gate.
Set up
Mark a 22 x 22 yd square. Put 6 gates inside it, two cones 2 yd apart, at least 4 yd between gates. Every player has a ball.
Who goes where
Players: 10, in the square.
How to play
Players dribble through as many gates as they can in one minute.
They can't use the same gate twice in a row.
One point for each gate.
Try to beat your score next time.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Dribble through as many gates as you can. You can't use the same gate twice in a row. Count your gates.
Say while it runs
1
Small touches with your laces and the inside.
Praise it when the ball stays close as they reach a gate
2
Look up to find a gate nobody is using.
Praise it when their head comes up between touches
Ask at the drink How did you know which gate was free?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If most players score ten or more, add one defender with no ball who blocks a gate.
Too hard
If the ball runs away from them, make the gates 2 yd wide.
Keep the ball close and look up to find a free gate.
Set up
Mark a 24 x 24 yd square. Put 7 gates inside it, two cones 2 yd apart, at least 4 yd between gates. Every player has a ball.
Who goes where
Players: 12, in the square.
How to play
Players dribble through as many gates as they can in one minute.
They can't use the same gate twice in a row.
One point for each gate.
Try to beat your score next time.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Dribble through as many gates as you can. You can't use the same gate twice in a row. Count your gates.
Say while it runs
1
Small touches with your laces and the inside.
Praise it when the ball stays close as they reach a gate
2
Look up to find a gate nobody is using.
Praise it when their head comes up between touches
Ask at the drink How did you know which gate was free?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If most players score ten or more, add one defender with no ball who blocks a gate.
Too hard
If the ball runs away from them, make the gates 2 yd wide.
Keep the ball close and look up to find a free gate.
Set up
Mark a 26 x 26 yd square. Put 8 gates inside it, two cones 2 yd apart, at least 4 yd between gates. Every player has a ball.
Who goes where
Players: 14, in the square.
How to play
Players dribble through as many gates as they can in one minute.
They can't use the same gate twice in a row.
One point for each gate.
Try to beat your score next time.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Dribble through as many gates as you can. You can't use the same gate twice in a row. Count your gates.
Say while it runs
1
Small touches with your laces and the inside.
Praise it when the ball stays close as they reach a gate
2
Look up to find a gate nobody is using.
Praise it when their head comes up between touches
Ask at the drink How did you know which gate was free?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If most players score ten or more, add one defender with no ball who blocks a gate.
Too hard
If the ball runs away from them, make the gates 2 yd wide.
U9 · 7v7 · 12 min
Passing: find a team-mate who is free
Pass through the gates
Players tonight
10
Set up 1 of these
Set up
Players work in pairs, with one ball between them. The cones make gates around the square. Each pair passes through a gate, then moves to a new one.
The 3D view could not load. You can still read each step below.
10 players, 5 balls, 2 adults
Pass through a gate to a team-mate who is ready for it.
Set up
Mark a 17 x 17 yd square. Put 5 gates inside it, two cones 2 yd apart. Players work in twos with one ball between them.
Who goes where
Players: 6, in the square.
How to play
Partners pass to each other through a gate, then both find a new gate.
Each time, find a gate you haven't used yet.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Pass to your partner through a gate. Then both of you find a gate you haven't used yet.
Say while it runs
1
Look at your partner before you pass.
Praise it when their head comes up before the pass
2
Stop it with the inside of your foot.
Praise it when the inside of the foot meets the ball
Ask at the drink When is your partner ready for the pass?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If pairs get through easily, make the gates 1 yd wide.
Too hard
If passes miss the gates, make them 3 yd wide.
Pass through a gate to a team-mate who is ready for it.
Set up
Mark a 20 x 20 yd square. Put 6 gates inside it, two cones 2 yd apart. Players work in twos with one ball between them.
Who goes where
Players: 8, in the square.
How to play
Partners pass to each other through a gate, then both find a new gate.
Each time, find a gate you haven't used yet.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Pass to your partner through a gate. Then both of you find a gate you haven't used yet.
Say while it runs
1
Look at your partner before you pass.
Praise it when their head comes up before the pass
2
Stop it with the inside of your foot.
Praise it when the inside of the foot meets the ball
Ask at the drink When is your partner ready for the pass?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If pairs get through easily, make the gates 1 yd wide.
Too hard
If passes miss the gates, make them 3 yd wide.
Pass through a gate to a team-mate who is ready for it.
Set up
Mark a 22 x 22 yd square. Put 7 gates inside it, two cones 2 yd apart. Players work in twos with one ball between them.
Who goes where
Players: 10, in the square.
How to play
Partners pass to each other through a gate, then both find a new gate.
Each time, find a gate you haven't used yet.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Pass to your partner through a gate. Then both of you find a gate you haven't used yet.
Say while it runs
1
Look at your partner before you pass.
Praise it when their head comes up before the pass
2
Stop it with the inside of your foot.
Praise it when the inside of the foot meets the ball
Ask at the drink When is your partner ready for the pass?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If pairs get through easily, make the gates 1 yd wide.
Too hard
If passes miss the gates, make them 3 yd wide.
Pass through a gate to a team-mate who is ready for it.
Set up
Mark a 24 x 24 yd square. Put 8 gates inside it, two cones 2 yd apart. Players work in twos with one ball between them.
Who goes where
Players: 12, in the square.
How to play
Partners pass to each other through a gate, then both find a new gate.
Each time, find a gate you haven't used yet.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Pass to your partner through a gate. Then both of you find a gate you haven't used yet.
Say while it runs
1
Look at your partner before you pass.
Praise it when their head comes up before the pass
2
Stop it with the inside of your foot.
Praise it when the inside of the foot meets the ball
Ask at the drink When is your partner ready for the pass?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If pairs get through easily, make the gates 1 yd wide.
Too hard
If passes miss the gates, make them 3 yd wide.
Pass through a gate to a team-mate who is ready for it.
Set up
Mark a 26 x 26 yd square. Put 9 gates inside it, two cones 2 yd apart. Players work in twos with one ball between them.
Who goes where
Players: 14, in the square.
How to play
Partners pass to each other through a gate, then both find a new gate.
Each time, find a gate you haven't used yet.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Pass to your partner through a gate. Then both of you find a gate you haven't used yet.
Say while it runs
1
Look at your partner before you pass.
Praise it when their head comes up before the pass
2
Stop it with the inside of your foot.
Praise it when the inside of the foot meets the ball
Ask at the drink When is your partner ready for the pass?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If pairs get through easily, make the gates 1 yd wide.
Too hard
If passes miss the gates, make them 3 yd wide.
U9 · 7v7 · 12 min
1v1s: beat the guard and keep the ball
Gate guards
Players tonight
10
Set up 1 of these
Set up
The Attackers in red each have a ball. The Guards in blue stand one in each gate. The Attackers try to dribble through any gate. Each gate they get through scores a point.
The 3D view could not load. You can still read each step below.
10 players, 5 balls, 2 adults
Beat a defender one against one and keep the ball.
Set up
Mark a 17 x 17 yd square with 3 gates inside it, two cones 2 yd apart. 3 attackers have a ball each. 3 guards in pinnies stand one in each gate.
Who goes where
Attackers: 3, in the square.
Guards: 3 in blue pinnies, in the square.
Every two minutes, attackers and guards swap.
How to play
Attackers try to dribble through any gate.
The guard in that gate tries to win the ball.
A guard who wins the ball passes it back to the attacker.
Attackers get a point for each gate they get through.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Attackers, dribble through any gate you can. Guards, stay in your gate and win the ball. We swap every two minutes.
Say while it runs
1
Run at the guard, then go past.
Praise it when they change speed as they reach the guard
2
Guards, stay on your feet.
Praise it when the guard stays standing and watches the ball
Ask at the drink Which way did you go past the guard, and why?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If attackers get through too easily, make the gates 2 yd wide.
Too hard
If guards win every ball, make the gates 3 yd wide.
Beat a defender one against one and keep the ball.
Set up
Mark a 20 x 20 yd square with 4 gates inside it, two cones 2 yd apart. 4 attackers have a ball each. 4 guards in pinnies stand one in each gate.
Who goes where
Attackers: 4, in the square.
Guards: 4 in blue pinnies, in the square.
Every two minutes, attackers and guards swap.
How to play
Attackers try to dribble through any gate.
The guard in that gate tries to win the ball.
A guard who wins the ball passes it back to the attacker.
Attackers get a point for each gate they get through.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Attackers, dribble through any gate you can. Guards, stay in your gate and win the ball. We swap every two minutes.
Say while it runs
1
Run at the guard, then go past.
Praise it when they change speed as they reach the guard
2
Guards, stay on your feet.
Praise it when the guard stays standing and watches the ball
Ask at the drink Which way did you go past the guard, and why?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If attackers get through too easily, make the gates 2 yd wide.
Too hard
If guards win every ball, make the gates 3 yd wide.
Beat a defender one against one and keep the ball.
Set up
Mark a 22 x 22 yd square with 5 gates inside it, two cones 2 yd apart. 5 attackers have a ball each. 5 guards in pinnies stand one in each gate.
Who goes where
Attackers: 5, in the square.
Guards: 5 in blue pinnies, in the square.
Every two minutes, attackers and guards swap.
How to play
Attackers try to dribble through any gate.
The guard in that gate tries to win the ball.
A guard who wins the ball passes it back to the attacker.
Attackers get a point for each gate they get through.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Attackers, dribble through any gate you can. Guards, stay in your gate and win the ball. We swap every two minutes.
Say while it runs
1
Run at the guard, then go past.
Praise it when they change speed as they reach the guard
2
Guards, stay on your feet.
Praise it when the guard stays standing and watches the ball
Ask at the drink Which way did you go past the guard, and why?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If attackers get through too easily, make the gates 2 yd wide.
Too hard
If guards win every ball, make the gates 3 yd wide.
Beat a defender one against one and keep the ball.
Set up
Mark a 24 x 24 yd square with 6 gates inside it, two cones 2 yd apart. 6 attackers have a ball each. 6 guards in pinnies stand one in each gate.
Who goes where
Attackers: 6, in the square.
Guards: 6 in blue pinnies, in the square.
Every two minutes, attackers and guards swap.
How to play
Attackers try to dribble through any gate.
The guard in that gate tries to win the ball.
A guard who wins the ball passes it back to the attacker.
Attackers get a point for each gate they get through.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Attackers, dribble through any gate you can. Guards, stay in your gate and win the ball. We swap every two minutes.
Say while it runs
1
Run at the guard, then go past.
Praise it when they change speed as they reach the guard
2
Guards, stay on your feet.
Praise it when the guard stays standing and watches the ball
Ask at the drink Which way did you go past the guard, and why?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If attackers get through too easily, make the gates 2 yd wide.
Too hard
If guards win every ball, make the gates 3 yd wide.
Beat a defender one against one and keep the ball.
Set up
Mark a 26 x 26 yd square with 7 gates inside it, two cones 2 yd apart. 7 attackers have a ball each. 7 guards in pinnies stand one in each gate.
Who goes where
Attackers: 7, in the square.
Guards: 7 in blue pinnies, in the square.
Every two minutes, attackers and guards swap.
How to play
Attackers try to dribble through any gate.
The guard in that gate tries to win the ball.
A guard who wins the ball passes it back to the attacker.
Attackers get a point for each gate they get through.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Attackers, dribble through any gate you can. Guards, stay in your gate and win the ball. We swap every two minutes.
Say while it runs
1
Run at the guard, then go past.
Praise it when they change speed as they reach the guard
2
Guards, stay on your feet.
Praise it when the guard stays standing and watches the ball
Ask at the drink Which way did you go past the guard, and why?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If attackers get through too easily, make the gates 2 yd wide.
Too hard
If guards win every ball, make the gates 3 yd wide.
U10 · 7v7 · 12 min
Running with the ball: big touches into space
Run with the ball
Players tonight
10
Set up 1 of these
Set up
Every player has a ball, on the end line nearest us. The cones mark the far line. Each player runs with the ball to the far line, as fast as they can keep it.
The 3D view could not load. You can still read each step below.
10 players, 10 balls, 2 adults
Run with the ball into space using bigger touches.
Set up
Mark a 20 x 27 yd area with a line of cones at each end. Every player has a ball and starts on one end line.
Who goes where
Players: 6, in the area.
How to play
Players run with the ball to the far line as fast as they can keep it.
They stop it on the line, turn, and run back.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Run with the ball to the far line as fast as you can. Stop it on the line, turn, and come back.
Say while it runs
1
Push it out in front with your laces.
Praise it when the laces push the ball two strides ahead
2
Look up to see the space ahead.
Praise it when their head comes up after each push
Ask at the drink When can you take a bigger touch?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If they make it easily, add two defenders in the middle who try to win a ball.
Too hard
If the ball runs away from them, make the area 5 yd shorter.
Run with the ball into space using bigger touches.
Set up
Mark a 22 x 27 yd area with a line of cones at each end. Every player has a ball and starts on one end line.
Who goes where
Players: 8, in the area.
How to play
Players run with the ball to the far line as fast as they can keep it.
They stop it on the line, turn, and run back.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Run with the ball to the far line as fast as you can. Stop it on the line, turn, and come back.
Say while it runs
1
Push it out in front with your laces.
Praise it when the laces push the ball two strides ahead
2
Look up to see the space ahead.
Praise it when their head comes up after each push
Ask at the drink When can you take a bigger touch?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If they make it easily, add two defenders in the middle who try to win a ball.
Too hard
If the ball runs away from them, make the area 5 yd shorter.
Run with the ball into space using bigger touches.
Set up
Mark a 24 x 27 yd area with a line of cones at each end. Every player has a ball and starts on one end line.
Who goes where
Players: 10, in the area.
How to play
Players run with the ball to the far line as fast as they can keep it.
They stop it on the line, turn, and run back.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Run with the ball to the far line as fast as you can. Stop it on the line, turn, and come back.
Say while it runs
1
Push it out in front with your laces.
Praise it when the laces push the ball two strides ahead
2
Look up to see the space ahead.
Praise it when their head comes up after each push
Ask at the drink When can you take a bigger touch?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If they make it easily, add two defenders in the middle who try to win a ball.
Too hard
If the ball runs away from them, make the area 5 yd shorter.
Run with the ball into space using bigger touches.
Set up
Mark a 26 x 27 yd area with a line of cones at each end. Every player has a ball and starts on one end line.
Who goes where
Players: 12, in the area.
How to play
Players run with the ball to the far line as fast as they can keep it.
They stop it on the line, turn, and run back.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Run with the ball to the far line as fast as you can. Stop it on the line, turn, and come back.
Say while it runs
1
Push it out in front with your laces.
Praise it when the laces push the ball two strides ahead
2
Look up to see the space ahead.
Praise it when their head comes up after each push
Ask at the drink When can you take a bigger touch?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If they make it easily, add two defenders in the middle who try to win a ball.
Too hard
If the ball runs away from them, make the area 5 yd shorter.
Run with the ball into space using bigger touches.
Set up
Mark a 28 x 27 yd area with a line of cones at each end. Every player has a ball and starts on one end line.
Who goes where
Players: 14, in the area.
How to play
Players run with the ball to the far line as fast as they can keep it.
They stop it on the line, turn, and run back.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Run with the ball to the far line as fast as you can. Stop it on the line, turn, and come back.
Say while it runs
1
Push it out in front with your laces.
Praise it when the laces push the ball two strides ahead
2
Look up to see the space ahead.
Praise it when their head comes up after each push
Ask at the drink When can you take a bigger touch?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If they make it easily, add two defenders in the middle who try to win a ball.
Too hard
If the ball runs away from them, make the area 5 yd shorter.
U10 · 7v7 · 12 min
Keeping the ball: get free for a pass
Keep the ball
Players tonight
10
Set up 1 of these
Set up
The Reds and the Blues each try to keep the ball. The two Yellows are neutrals. They play for whichever team has the ball. The four cones mark the square.
The 3D view could not load. You can still read each step below.
10 players, 1 ball, 2 adults
Pass to a team-mate who is free.
Set up
Mark a 17 x 17 yd square. Two teams of 2 in pinnies and two neutrals in yellow, who play for whoever has the ball. One ball.
Who goes where
Reds: 2 in red pinnies, in the square.
Blues: 2 in blue pinnies, in the square.
Neutrals: 2 in yellow pinnies, in the square.
How to play
The team with the ball passes it to keep it away from the other team.
When the other team wins it, they keep it.
The neutrals always play for the team with the ball.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Keep the ball for your team. Neutrals, you play for whoever has it. If you lose it, win it back.
Say while it runs
1
Look before the ball arrives.
Praise it when their head turns before the pass reaches them
2
Move into a space after you pass.
Praise it when they move as soon as the ball leaves
Ask at the drink Where can you stand so a team-mate can pass to you?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If one team keeps it easily, make the square 4 yd smaller.
Too hard
If the ball keeps getting lost, make the square 4 yd bigger.
Pass to a team-mate who is free.
Set up
Mark a 20 x 20 yd square. Two teams of 3 in pinnies and two neutrals in yellow, who play for whoever has the ball. One ball.
Who goes where
Reds: 3 in red pinnies, in the square.
Blues: 3 in blue pinnies, in the square.
Neutrals: 2 in yellow pinnies, in the square.
How to play
The team with the ball passes it to keep it away from the other team.
When the other team wins it, they keep it.
The neutrals always play for the team with the ball.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Keep the ball for your team. Neutrals, you play for whoever has it. If you lose it, win it back.
Say while it runs
1
Look before the ball arrives.
Praise it when their head turns before the pass reaches them
2
Move into a space after you pass.
Praise it when they move as soon as the ball leaves
Ask at the drink Where can you stand so a team-mate can pass to you?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If one team keeps it easily, make the square 4 yd smaller.
Too hard
If the ball keeps getting lost, make the square 4 yd bigger.
Pass to a team-mate who is free.
Set up
Mark a 22 x 22 yd square. Two teams of 4 in pinnies and two neutrals in yellow, who play for whoever has the ball. One ball.
Who goes where
Reds: 4 in red pinnies, in the square.
Blues: 4 in blue pinnies, in the square.
Neutrals: 2 in yellow pinnies, in the square.
How to play
The team with the ball passes it to keep it away from the other team.
When the other team wins it, they keep it.
The neutrals always play for the team with the ball.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Keep the ball for your team. Neutrals, you play for whoever has it. If you lose it, win it back.
Say while it runs
1
Look before the ball arrives.
Praise it when their head turns before the pass reaches them
2
Move into a space after you pass.
Praise it when they move as soon as the ball leaves
Ask at the drink Where can you stand so a team-mate can pass to you?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If one team keeps it easily, make the square 4 yd smaller.
Too hard
If the ball keeps getting lost, make the square 4 yd bigger.
Pass to a team-mate who is free.
Set up
Mark a 24 x 24 yd square. Two teams of 5 in pinnies and two neutrals in yellow, who play for whoever has the ball. One ball.
Who goes where
Reds: 5 in red pinnies, in the square.
Blues: 5 in blue pinnies, in the square.
Neutrals: 2 in yellow pinnies, in the square.
How to play
The team with the ball passes it to keep it away from the other team.
When the other team wins it, they keep it.
The neutrals always play for the team with the ball.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Keep the ball for your team. Neutrals, you play for whoever has it. If you lose it, win it back.
Say while it runs
1
Look before the ball arrives.
Praise it when their head turns before the pass reaches them
2
Move into a space after you pass.
Praise it when they move as soon as the ball leaves
Ask at the drink Where can you stand so a team-mate can pass to you?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If one team keeps it easily, make the square 4 yd smaller.
Too hard
If the ball keeps getting lost, make the square 4 yd bigger.
Pass to a team-mate who is free.
Set up
Mark a 26 x 26 yd square. Two teams of 6 in pinnies and two neutrals in yellow, who play for whoever has the ball. One ball.
Who goes where
Reds: 6 in red pinnies, in the square.
Blues: 6 in blue pinnies, in the square.
Neutrals: 2 in yellow pinnies, in the square.
How to play
The team with the ball passes it to keep it away from the other team.
When the other team wins it, they keep it.
The neutrals always play for the team with the ball.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Keep the ball for your team. Neutrals, you play for whoever has it. If you lose it, win it back.
Say while it runs
1
Look before the ball arrives.
Praise it when their head turns before the pass reaches them
2
Move into a space after you pass.
Praise it when they move as soon as the ball leaves
Ask at the drink Where can you stand so a team-mate can pass to you?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If one team keeps it easily, make the square 4 yd smaller.
Too hard
If the ball keeps getting lost, make the square 4 yd bigger.
U10 · 7v7 · 12 min
Shooting: see the goal, then strike it
Score in a pop-up goal
Players tonight
10
Set up 1 of these
Set up
Reds play Blues, four against four. The Reds attack the far pop-up goal. The Blues attack the goal nearest us. The two neutrals in yellow play for whoever has the ball. A goal scores a point.
The 3D view could not load. You can still read each step below.
10 players, 1 ball, 2 adults
Shoot early when you see the goal.
Set up
Mark a 17 x 24 yd field with a pop-up goal in the middle of each end line. Two teams of 2 and two neutrals in yellow, who play for whoever has the ball.
Who goes where
Reds: 2 in red pinnies, in the field.
Blues: 2 in blue pinnies, in the field.
Neutrals: 2 in yellow pinnies, in the field.
How to play
Reds attack one pop-up goal and Blues attack the other.
The neutrals play for whoever has the ball.
After a goal, restart with a dribble-in from your end line.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Reds, you score in that goal. Blues, you score in this one. Neutrals, play for whoever has the ball.
Say while it runs
1
Look at the goal before you shoot.
Praise it when their head comes up to find the goal first
2
Strike it with your laces.
Praise it when the laces hit the middle of the ball
Ask at the drink When is the best moment to shoot?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If goals come too easily, make the field 5 yd longer.
Too hard
If nobody scores, make the field 5 yd shorter.
Shoot early when you see the goal.
Set up
Mark a 20 x 26 yd field with a pop-up goal in the middle of each end line. Two teams of 3 and two neutrals in yellow, who play for whoever has the ball.
Who goes where
Reds: 3 in red pinnies, in the field.
Blues: 3 in blue pinnies, in the field.
Neutrals: 2 in yellow pinnies, in the field.
How to play
Reds attack one pop-up goal and Blues attack the other.
The neutrals play for whoever has the ball.
After a goal, restart with a dribble-in from your end line.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Reds, you score in that goal. Blues, you score in this one. Neutrals, play for whoever has the ball.
Say while it runs
1
Look at the goal before you shoot.
Praise it when their head comes up to find the goal first
2
Strike it with your laces.
Praise it when the laces hit the middle of the ball
Ask at the drink When is the best moment to shoot?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If goals come too easily, make the field 5 yd longer.
Too hard
If nobody scores, make the field 5 yd shorter.
Shoot early when you see the goal.
Set up
Mark a 22 x 28 yd field with a pop-up goal in the middle of each end line. Two teams of 4 and two neutrals in yellow, who play for whoever has the ball.
Who goes where
Reds: 4 in red pinnies, in the field.
Blues: 4 in blue pinnies, in the field.
Neutrals: 2 in yellow pinnies, in the field.
How to play
Reds attack one pop-up goal and Blues attack the other.
The neutrals play for whoever has the ball.
After a goal, restart with a dribble-in from your end line.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Reds, you score in that goal. Blues, you score in this one. Neutrals, play for whoever has the ball.
Say while it runs
1
Look at the goal before you shoot.
Praise it when their head comes up to find the goal first
2
Strike it with your laces.
Praise it when the laces hit the middle of the ball
Ask at the drink When is the best moment to shoot?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If goals come too easily, make the field 5 yd longer.
Too hard
If nobody scores, make the field 5 yd shorter.
Shoot early when you see the goal.
Set up
Mark a 24 x 31 yd field with a pop-up goal in the middle of each end line. Two teams of 5 and two neutrals in yellow, who play for whoever has the ball.
Who goes where
Reds: 5 in red pinnies, in the field.
Blues: 5 in blue pinnies, in the field.
Neutrals: 2 in yellow pinnies, in the field.
How to play
Reds attack one pop-up goal and Blues attack the other.
The neutrals play for whoever has the ball.
After a goal, restart with a dribble-in from your end line.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Reds, you score in that goal. Blues, you score in this one. Neutrals, play for whoever has the ball.
Say while it runs
1
Look at the goal before you shoot.
Praise it when their head comes up to find the goal first
2
Strike it with your laces.
Praise it when the laces hit the middle of the ball
Ask at the drink When is the best moment to shoot?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If goals come too easily, make the field 5 yd longer.
Too hard
If nobody scores, make the field 5 yd shorter.
Shoot early when you see the goal.
Set up
Mark a 26 x 33 yd field with a pop-up goal in the middle of each end line. Two teams of 6 and two neutrals in yellow, who play for whoever has the ball.
Who goes where
Reds: 6 in red pinnies, in the field.
Blues: 6 in blue pinnies, in the field.
Neutrals: 2 in yellow pinnies, in the field.
How to play
Reds attack one pop-up goal and Blues attack the other.
The neutrals play for whoever has the ball.
After a goal, restart with a dribble-in from your end line.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Reds, you score in that goal. Blues, you score in this one. Neutrals, play for whoever has the ball.
Say while it runs
1
Look at the goal before you shoot.
Praise it when their head comes up to find the goal first
2
Strike it with your laces.
Praise it when the laces hit the middle of the ball
Ask at the drink When is the best moment to shoot?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If goals come too easily, make the field 5 yd longer.
Too hard
If nobody scores, make the field 5 yd shorter.
Four drills for under 8s
U8s play 4v4 with a size 3 ball. Give each game one rule. A game told as a story keeps them listening.
U8 · 4v4 · 10 min
Dribbling: stop and go on the coach's call
Traffic lights
Players tonight
10
Set up 1 of these
Set up
Every player has a ball, inside the square marked by the four corner cones. They dribble anywhere in the square. You call a colour. Green is go, amber is slow. Red means stop the ball, foot on top.
The 3D view could not load. You can still read each step below.
10 players, 10 balls, 2 adults
Keep the ball close and stop it when you need to.
Set up
Mark a 15 x 15 yd square with a cone on each corner. Every player has a ball and starts inside it.
Who goes where
Players: 6, in the square.
How to play
Everyone dribbles around the square.
You call a colour: green is go, amber is slow, red is stop the ball with your foot on top.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Dribble anywhere in the square. Green means go, amber means slow. Red means stop your ball with your foot on top.
Say while it runs
1
Little touches, keep it near your feet.
Praise it when the ball stays close enough to touch every step
2
Put your foot on top to stop it.
Praise it when the sole of the foot lands on top of the ball
Ask at the drink Which part of your foot stops the ball best?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If they stop the ball easily, add blue for turn and go the other way.
Too hard
If balls run away on red, make the square 4 yd smaller so they dribble slower.
Keep the ball close and stop it when you need to.
Set up
Mark a 17 x 17 yd square with a cone on each corner. Every player has a ball and starts inside it.
Who goes where
Players: 8, in the square.
How to play
Everyone dribbles around the square.
You call a colour: green is go, amber is slow, red is stop the ball with your foot on top.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Dribble anywhere in the square. Green means go, amber means slow. Red means stop your ball with your foot on top.
Say while it runs
1
Little touches, keep it near your feet.
Praise it when the ball stays close enough to touch every step
2
Put your foot on top to stop it.
Praise it when the sole of the foot lands on top of the ball
Ask at the drink Which part of your foot stops the ball best?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If they stop the ball easily, add blue for turn and go the other way.
Too hard
If balls run away on red, make the square 4 yd smaller so they dribble slower.
Keep the ball close and stop it when you need to.
Set up
Mark a 20 x 20 yd square with a cone on each corner. Every player has a ball and starts inside it.
Who goes where
Players: 10, in the square.
How to play
Everyone dribbles around the square.
You call a colour: green is go, amber is slow, red is stop the ball with your foot on top.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Dribble anywhere in the square. Green means go, amber means slow. Red means stop your ball with your foot on top.
Say while it runs
1
Little touches, keep it near your feet.
Praise it when the ball stays close enough to touch every step
2
Put your foot on top to stop it.
Praise it when the sole of the foot lands on top of the ball
Ask at the drink Which part of your foot stops the ball best?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If they stop the ball easily, add blue for turn and go the other way.
Too hard
If balls run away on red, make the square 4 yd smaller so they dribble slower.
Keep the ball close and stop it when you need to.
Set up
Mark a 22 x 22 yd square with a cone on each corner. Every player has a ball and starts inside it.
Who goes where
Players: 12, in the square.
How to play
Everyone dribbles around the square.
You call a colour: green is go, amber is slow, red is stop the ball with your foot on top.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Dribble anywhere in the square. Green means go, amber means slow. Red means stop your ball with your foot on top.
Say while it runs
1
Little touches, keep it near your feet.
Praise it when the ball stays close enough to touch every step
2
Put your foot on top to stop it.
Praise it when the sole of the foot lands on top of the ball
Ask at the drink Which part of your foot stops the ball best?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If they stop the ball easily, add blue for turn and go the other way.
Too hard
If balls run away on red, make the square 4 yd smaller so they dribble slower.
Keep the ball close and stop it when you need to.
Set up
Mark a 24 x 24 yd square with a cone on each corner. Every player has a ball and starts inside it.
Who goes where
Players: 14, in the square.
How to play
Everyone dribbles around the square.
You call a colour: green is go, amber is slow, red is stop the ball with your foot on top.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Dribble anywhere in the square. Green means go, amber means slow. Red means stop your ball with your foot on top.
Say while it runs
1
Little touches, keep it near your feet.
Praise it when the ball stays close enough to touch every step
2
Put your foot on top to stop it.
Praise it when the sole of the foot lands on top of the ball
Ask at the drink Which part of your foot stops the ball best?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If they stop the ball easily, add blue for turn and go the other way.
Too hard
If balls run away on red, make the square 4 yd smaller so they dribble slower.
U8 · 4v4 · 10 min
Passing: knock the cones down
Knock the cones down
Players tonight
10
Set up 1 of these
Set up
The Reds pass from the end line nearest us. The Blues pass from the far end line. They aim at the tall cones standing across the middle. A point for every cone a team knocks over.
The 3D view could not load. You can still read each step below.
10 players, 10 balls, 2 adults
Pass the ball with the inside of the foot to hit a target.
Set up
Mark a 15 x 13 yd area. Stand 5 tall cones in a line across the middle, 1 yd apart. Reds on one end line, Blues on the other, a ball each.
Who goes where
Reds: 3 in red pinnies, in the area.
Blues: 3 in blue pinnies, in the area.
How to play
Players pass from their own line to knock a cone over.
When the balls are all in the middle, call collect.
Everyone fetches one and goes back to their line.
A point for every cone your team knocks over.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Reds, you pass from this line. Blues, you pass from that one. Knock over as many cones as you can.
Say while it runs
1
Point your standing foot at the cone.
Praise it when the standing foot points at the cone
2
Use the inside of your foot.
Praise it when the inside of the foot meets the middle of the ball
Ask at the drink Where does your standing foot point when you pass?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If they hit cones every time, move both lines back 2 yd.
Too hard
If they miss most cones, move both lines 2 yd closer.
Pass the ball with the inside of the foot to hit a target.
Set up
Mark a 17 x 13 yd area. Stand 6 tall cones in a line across the middle, 1 yd apart. Reds on one end line, Blues on the other, a ball each.
Who goes where
Reds: 4 in red pinnies, in the area.
Blues: 4 in blue pinnies, in the area.
How to play
Players pass from their own line to knock a cone over.
When the balls are all in the middle, call collect.
Everyone fetches one and goes back to their line.
A point for every cone your team knocks over.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Reds, you pass from this line. Blues, you pass from that one. Knock over as many cones as you can.
Say while it runs
1
Point your standing foot at the cone.
Praise it when the standing foot points at the cone
2
Use the inside of your foot.
Praise it when the inside of the foot meets the middle of the ball
Ask at the drink Where does your standing foot point when you pass?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If they hit cones every time, move both lines back 2 yd.
Too hard
If they miss most cones, move both lines 2 yd closer.
Pass the ball with the inside of the foot to hit a target.
Set up
Mark a 20 x 13 yd area. Stand 7 tall cones in a line across the middle, 1 yd apart. Reds on one end line, Blues on the other, a ball each.
Who goes where
Reds: 5 in red pinnies, in the area.
Blues: 5 in blue pinnies, in the area.
How to play
Players pass from their own line to knock a cone over.
When the balls are all in the middle, call collect.
Everyone fetches one and goes back to their line.
A point for every cone your team knocks over.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Reds, you pass from this line. Blues, you pass from that one. Knock over as many cones as you can.
Say while it runs
1
Point your standing foot at the cone.
Praise it when the standing foot points at the cone
2
Use the inside of your foot.
Praise it when the inside of the foot meets the middle of the ball
Ask at the drink Where does your standing foot point when you pass?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If they hit cones every time, move both lines back 2 yd.
Too hard
If they miss most cones, move both lines 2 yd closer.
Pass the ball with the inside of the foot to hit a target.
Set up
Mark a 22 x 13 yd area. Stand 8 tall cones in a line across the middle, 1 yd apart. Reds on one end line, Blues on the other, a ball each.
Who goes where
Reds: 6 in red pinnies, in the area.
Blues: 6 in blue pinnies, in the area.
How to play
Players pass from their own line to knock a cone over.
When the balls are all in the middle, call collect.
Everyone fetches one and goes back to their line.
A point for every cone your team knocks over.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Reds, you pass from this line. Blues, you pass from that one. Knock over as many cones as you can.
Say while it runs
1
Point your standing foot at the cone.
Praise it when the standing foot points at the cone
2
Use the inside of your foot.
Praise it when the inside of the foot meets the middle of the ball
Ask at the drink Where does your standing foot point when you pass?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If they hit cones every time, move both lines back 2 yd.
Too hard
If they miss most cones, move both lines 2 yd closer.
Pass the ball with the inside of the foot to hit a target.
Set up
Mark a 24 x 13 yd area. Stand 9 tall cones in a line across the middle, 1 yd apart. Reds on one end line, Blues on the other, a ball each.
Who goes where
Reds: 7 in red pinnies, in the area.
Blues: 7 in blue pinnies, in the area.
How to play
Players pass from their own line to knock a cone over.
When the balls are all in the middle, call collect.
Everyone fetches one and goes back to their line.
A point for every cone your team knocks over.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Reds, you pass from this line. Blues, you pass from that one. Knock over as many cones as you can.
Say while it runs
1
Point your standing foot at the cone.
Praise it when the standing foot points at the cone
2
Use the inside of your foot.
Praise it when the inside of the foot meets the middle of the ball
Ask at the drink Where does your standing foot point when you pass?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If they hit cones every time, move both lines back 2 yd.
Too hard
If they miss most cones, move both lines 2 yd closer.
U8 · 4v4 · 10 min
Dribbling: bring the treasure home
Treasure hunt
Players tonight
10
Set up 1 of these
Set up
Reds have the square of cones at the far end. Blues have the square nearest us. The treasure is the circle of balls in the middle. The team with most balls in its base wins.
The 3D view could not load. You can still read each step below.
10 players, 10 balls, 2 adults
Dribble with your head up to find a ball and keep it.
Set up
Mark a 15 x 20 yd area. Mark a 4 x 4 yd base at each end. Put 6 balls in a circle in the middle. Reds have one base, Blues the other.
Who goes where
Reds: 3 in red pinnies, in the area.
Blues: 3 in blue pinnies, in the area.
How to play
On go, everyone dribbles a ball from the middle back to their base.
When the middle is empty, take a ball from the other team's base and dribble it home.
The team with the most balls in its base when you stop wins.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Reds, your base is that end. Blues, yours is this end. Dribble the treasure home, one ball at a time.
Say while it runs
1
Look up to find a ball.
Praise it when their head comes up between touches
2
Keep your body between the ball and the others.
Praise it when their back turns to anyone who comes close
Ask at the drink When is the best time to look up?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If one team wins easily, make the bases 2 yd smaller.
Too hard
If players bump into each other, make the area 4 yd longer.
Dribble with your head up to find a ball and keep it.
Set up
Mark a 17 x 22 yd area. Mark a 4 x 4 yd base at each end. Put 8 balls in a circle in the middle. Reds have one base, Blues the other.
Who goes where
Reds: 4 in red pinnies, in the area.
Blues: 4 in blue pinnies, in the area.
How to play
On go, everyone dribbles a ball from the middle back to their base.
When the middle is empty, take a ball from the other team's base and dribble it home.
The team with the most balls in its base when you stop wins.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Reds, your base is that end. Blues, yours is this end. Dribble the treasure home, one ball at a time.
Say while it runs
1
Look up to find a ball.
Praise it when their head comes up between touches
2
Keep your body between the ball and the others.
Praise it when their back turns to anyone who comes close
Ask at the drink When is the best time to look up?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If one team wins easily, make the bases 2 yd smaller.
Too hard
If players bump into each other, make the area 4 yd longer.
Dribble with your head up to find a ball and keep it.
Set up
Mark a 20 x 24 yd area. Mark a 4 x 4 yd base at each end. Put 10 balls in a circle in the middle. Reds have one base, Blues the other.
Who goes where
Reds: 5 in red pinnies, in the area.
Blues: 5 in blue pinnies, in the area.
How to play
On go, everyone dribbles a ball from the middle back to their base.
When the middle is empty, take a ball from the other team's base and dribble it home.
The team with the most balls in its base when you stop wins.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Reds, your base is that end. Blues, yours is this end. Dribble the treasure home, one ball at a time.
Say while it runs
1
Look up to find a ball.
Praise it when their head comes up between touches
2
Keep your body between the ball and the others.
Praise it when their back turns to anyone who comes close
Ask at the drink When is the best time to look up?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If one team wins easily, make the bases 2 yd smaller.
Too hard
If players bump into each other, make the area 4 yd longer.
Dribble with your head up to find a ball and keep it.
Set up
Mark a 22 x 26 yd area. Mark a 4 x 4 yd base at each end. Put 12 balls in a circle in the middle. Reds have one base, Blues the other.
Who goes where
Reds: 6 in red pinnies, in the area.
Blues: 6 in blue pinnies, in the area.
How to play
On go, everyone dribbles a ball from the middle back to their base.
When the middle is empty, take a ball from the other team's base and dribble it home.
The team with the most balls in its base when you stop wins.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Reds, your base is that end. Blues, yours is this end. Dribble the treasure home, one ball at a time.
Say while it runs
1
Look up to find a ball.
Praise it when their head comes up between touches
2
Keep your body between the ball and the others.
Praise it when their back turns to anyone who comes close
Ask at the drink When is the best time to look up?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If one team wins easily, make the bases 2 yd smaller.
Too hard
If players bump into each other, make the area 4 yd longer.
Dribble with your head up to find a ball and keep it.
Set up
Mark a 24 x 28 yd area. Mark a 4 x 4 yd base at each end. Put 14 balls in a circle in the middle. Reds have one base, Blues the other.
Who goes where
Reds: 7 in red pinnies, in the area.
Blues: 7 in blue pinnies, in the area.
How to play
On go, everyone dribbles a ball from the middle back to their base.
When the middle is empty, take a ball from the other team's base and dribble it home.
The team with the most balls in its base when you stop wins.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Reds, your base is that end. Blues, yours is this end. Dribble the treasure home, one ball at a time.
Say while it runs
1
Look up to find a ball.
Praise it when their head comes up between touches
2
Keep your body between the ball and the others.
Praise it when their back turns to anyone who comes close
Ask at the drink When is the best time to look up?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If one team wins easily, make the bases 2 yd smaller.
Too hard
If players bump into each other, make the area 4 yd longer.
U8 · 4v4 · 10 min
Passing: pass, then find a new space
Pass and move
Players tonight
10
Set up 1 of these
Set up
The Passers work in twos with one ball. The two Defenders start in the middle of the square.
The 3D view could not load. You can still read each step below.
10 players, 4 balls, 2 adults
Pass to your partner, then move to a new space.
Set up
Mark a 17 x 17 yd square. Players work in twos with one ball between them. Two defenders in pinnies start in the middle with no ball.
Who goes where
Passers: 4, in the square.
Defenders: 2 in yellow pinnies, in the square.
Every two minutes, the defenders swap with a pair.
How to play
Partners pass to each other, then both move to a new space and pass again.
The defenders try to touch a ball.
After a touch, they leave it and go for another.
Defenders get a point for every ball they touch.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Pass to your partner, then run to a new space. Defenders, touch as many balls as you can. We swap every two minutes.
Say while it runs
1
As soon as the ball leaves your foot, run to a space.
Praise it when they move off as soon as they pass
2
Roll it along the grass to your partner's feet.
Praise it when the pass stays on the ground and reaches their partner
Ask at the drink Where can you run so your partner can pass to you?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If the defenders hardly touch a ball, make the square 4 yd smaller.
Too hard
If the defenders touch every ball, play with one defender.
Pass to your partner, then move to a new space.
Set up
Mark a 20 x 20 yd square. Players work in twos with one ball between them. Two defenders in pinnies start in the middle with no ball.
Who goes where
Passers: 6, in the square.
Defenders: 2 in yellow pinnies, in the square.
Every two minutes, the defenders swap with a pair.
How to play
Partners pass to each other, then both move to a new space and pass again.
The defenders try to touch a ball.
After a touch, they leave it and go for another.
Defenders get a point for every ball they touch.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Pass to your partner, then run to a new space. Defenders, touch as many balls as you can. We swap every two minutes.
Say while it runs
1
As soon as the ball leaves your foot, run to a space.
Praise it when they move off as soon as they pass
2
Roll it along the grass to your partner's feet.
Praise it when the pass stays on the ground and reaches their partner
Ask at the drink Where can you run so your partner can pass to you?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If the defenders hardly touch a ball, make the square 4 yd smaller.
Too hard
If the defenders touch every ball, play with one defender.
Pass to your partner, then move to a new space.
Set up
Mark a 22 x 22 yd square. Players work in twos with one ball between them. Two defenders in pinnies start in the middle with no ball.
Who goes where
Passers: 8, in the square.
Defenders: 2 in yellow pinnies, in the square.
Every two minutes, the defenders swap with a pair.
How to play
Partners pass to each other, then both move to a new space and pass again.
The defenders try to touch a ball.
After a touch, they leave it and go for another.
Defenders get a point for every ball they touch.
Coaching points
Say this to start
Pass to your partner, then run to a new space. Defenders, touch as many balls as you can. We swap every two minutes.
Say while it runs
1
As soon as the ball leaves your foot, run to a space.
Praise it when they move off as soon as they pass
2
Roll it along the grass to your partner's feet.
Praise it when the pass stays on the ground and reaches their partner
Ask at the drink Where can you run so your partner can pass to you?
Five minutes in
Too easy
If the defenders hardly touch a ball, make the square 4 yd smaller.
Too hard
If the defenders touch every ball, play with one defender.
Make a drill for your own group
Say what they need to work on, the age group, how many are coming and what equipment you have. Bibs On sets out one drill for exactly that.
Need a whole practice, not one drill? Bibs On builds the full hour around what you saw at the last game.
Yes. The 10 drills on this page are free to use and print. With an email address you can make your own drills for your group, three a month. A drill does not use one of your practices.
How do I make a drill for my own group?
Tap Make a drill. Say what to work on, the age group, how many players and what equipment you have. Bibs On sets out one drill for that group, with the field drawn to match.
Which ages are these drills for?
The drills here are for under 8s, under 9s and under 10s. You can make a drill for any age from U5 to U18 or adults, and Bibs On sizes it to the format for that age.