Gate Dash
Dribble through as many gates as you can in 60 seconds, count the clean ones, then try to beat the count.
At a glance
- 5 gates, each two markers (or shoes or cups) a giant step apart, and a 60-second timer. You keep time and count the gates.
- Your child dribbles through as many gates as they can before the timer goes.
- Count only clean gates: ball in control, not kicked through.
- Three goes. Write down the best count, then they try to beat it.
- Progress 1: Head up: stand to one side and hold up fingers. They call your number before each gate, without looking down.
- Progress 2: The same again using only the practice foot.
If it's not working: Set the 5 gates closer together so there is less ground to cover.
Full details: set up, how to play, tips
Set up
- Set up 5 gates (two markers a giant step apart) and a 60-second timer. You keep time and count.
Garden, park.
How to play
- Your child dribbles through as many gates as they can before the timer goes.
- Count only clean gates: ball in control, not kicked through.
- Three goes. Write down the best count. Then they try to beat it.
Make it easier
- Set the 5 gates closer together so there is less ground to cover.
- Give them 90 seconds on the timer instead of 60.
Make it harder, step by step
- Head up: you stand to one side and hold up fingers. They call your number before each gate, without looking down.
- The same again using only the practice foot, still calling your number.
- Shrink and survive: halve the space and add a chin-up rule, never looking straight down at the ball. They dribble for 60 seconds without the ball running away from them once.
Three things to say
- Head up to spot the next gate before you reach this one. That's the secret.
Colts habit
Work hard: little and often beats one long go.
Both feet
Do a round with the practice foot only.
Heads up
Look up between touches.
Safety: Pick a clear, flat space, look out for traffic and hazards, and stop if anything hurts. Soft ball indoors.
My best
First go and best, with the date. Only ever compared with their own earlier go, never with anyone else's. Saved on this device only.