Three Castles
2v2 where you score by dribbling through any of three castle gates on the far line.
2v2 (plus a joker who plays for whoever has the ball) attacking three cone castles at the far end; score by dribbling through one.
Set up
- Mark pitches 20 m by 15 m.
- On each end line, make 3 castles (1.5 m cone gates).
- Put 2v2 on every pitch.
- With an odd number, add a joker in a different colour who plays for whoever has the ball.
2v2 on 20 m by 15 m pitches, set out side by side.
How to play
- Attack the 3 castles at the far end.
- You score only by dribbling through a castle, never by passing through.
- Passing to your teammate is allowed anywhere else.
- After a goal, the other team dribbles in from its end line.
- Games last 3 minutes.
- Everyone moves one pitch clockwise and partners change by lucky dip.
Keeping everyone moving
Every child plays in every game, with no finishers waiting. Jokers handle odd numbers.
Make it easier
- Wider castles, or an extra castle.
Make it harder
- A middle castle worth a bonus if reached with the practice foot.
- 2 minutes only.
Three things to say
- Choose a castle and change your mind with a fake.
- Run with the ball into space.
- Defenders stay on their feet.
Words that work: "Brave dribble!", "Top effort defending together!", "Great shout for your teammate!"
Colts habit
Defend as friends.
Both feet
Bonus for the practice foot.
Heads up
Spot the unguarded castle.
For your birth year
Pick a birth year to show the tweak for that group.
- 2020 to 2021
- 2v2 on 15 m by 10 m with 2 wide castles.
- 2018 to 2019
- As written.
- 2016 to 2017
- 25 m by 18 m. A pass to your teammate first counts as a bonus.
Safety: Leave 3 m between pitches. No slide tackles.
Keeping score: Not needed. Team castles only.