Gate Races
The coach calls a number and you dribble through that many gates and get back home.
Set up
- Split a 20 by 20 area into 2 grids with 4 gates in each.
- Every player has a ball and a home spot on the edge.
In a 20 by 20, split the area into 2 grids with 4 gates in each. Players in teams of no more than 4.
How to play
- The coach calls a number between 1 and 4. Every player dribbles through that many gates and gets back to their spot.
- They can go through the gates in any order they want.
- Everyone goes at once, each counting their own clean gates.
Keeping everyone moving
The booklet runs this as team relay races. At Colts everyone goes at the same time with a ball each and counts their own gates. No teams race each other.
Make it easier
Make it harder
- When the coach calls a number, players dribble through the other grid's gates and finish back home.
- The coach calls a number between 5 and 8. Players can use any of the 8 gates but only go through a gate once.
- In pairs: player 1 passes to player 2, who dribbles through 4 gates before getting home. Player 1 collects another ball and tries to catch player 2 by following their path.
Three things to say
- Speed and change of speed.
- Change of direction, head up.
- Deciding which gates to go through.
Colts habit
Work hard: back home as quickly as you can, every call.
Both feet
Practice-foot gates count double.
Heads up
Pick your gates before you set off.
The Colts change: The booklet runs this as team relay races. At Colts everyone goes at the same time with a ball each and counts their own gates. No teams race each other.
A young leader can run this one, with an adult coach beside them.
Safety: Keep the area clear of bags and bottles. Stay on your feet, no slide tackles. No heading.
Keeping score: Each child keeps their own count and tries to beat it next time. Nothing is compared between children.