At a glance
- 20 by 30 with a goal at each end, no keepers. Two teams of 2 down opposite sides, numbered 1 and 2, with a cone at the end each defends.
- The coach calls a number. That player from each team (N) sprints round their own cone into the middle.
- The coach serves a ball into the middle. Play 1v1: each attacks the goal at the far end from their own cone.
- Call the next number as soon as a go ends. A grid for every 4 children.
- Progress 1: Call both numbers for a 2v2.
- Progress 2: Add a time limit: 10 seconds to score after the serve, then the ball is dead.
If it's not working: The coach serves to one player's feet, so that player attacks and the other defends.
- blue team
- yellow team
- Ccoach
- Ncalled player
- run
- pass
- 1in this order
Two teams of 2 wait outside the pitch, numbered 1 and 2. Blue defend the bottom goal, with their end cone at that end, and attack the top goal; yellow defend the top goal and attack the bottom one. The coach calls a number: that player from each team (N) sprints round their own cone and into the middle, the coach serves a ball in, and it is 1v1, each going for the goal at the far end from their cone. Call the next number as soon as a go ends.
Full details: set up, how to play, tips and age tweaks
Set up
- Mark a grid of about 20 by 30 with a goal at each end. No keepers.
- Two teams of 2 wait outside the grid, one down each side, numbered 1 and 2. Each team has a cone at the end it defends and attacks the other goal.
A grid 20 by 30 with a goal at each end. Two teams of 2, one each side. With more than 4 children, run a second grid.
How to play
- The coach calls a number. That player from each team (N) sprints round their own end cone and into the middle.
- The coach serves a ball into the middle and the two play 1v1. Each attacks the goal at the far end from their own cone, so they go opposite ways.
- Call the next number as soon as a go ends.
Keeping everyone moving
Teams of 2 and a grid for every 4 children, so you're only ever one go from the ball. No keepers unless a child asks to go in.
Make it easier
- The coach serves to one player's feet, so that player attacks and the other defends.
- Skip the run round the end cone, so players go straight to the ball.
Make it harder, step by step
- Call both numbers for a 2v2.
- Add a time limit: 10 seconds to score after the serve, then the ball is dead.
- Different starts: sitting or lying down.
Three things to say
- Listen for your number.
- Find the ball as you come round the cone.
- Attack first, at speed.
Colts habit
Be brave: attack first.
Both feet
Finish with the practice foot for a bonus.
Heads up
Find the ball as you round the cone.
A young leader can run this one, with an adult coach beside them.
Safety: Academy keeper safety rules apply.
Keeping score: Goals scored from your 1v1.