Run the Gauntlet
Beat a defender in each of two lanes, then shoot past the keeper in the third.
At a glance
- Per gauntlet: 3 lanes of 10 m, a defender in lanes 1 and 2, the coach or a child who'd like a go in goal (GK), and 2 or 3 attackers.
- Dribble past the lane 1 defender, then the lane 2 defender. The next attacker sets off once you're over the lane 1 line.
- In lane 3, shoot past GK. Shots from 8 m and below the waist.
- Defender wins it? Swap places. Every 2 minutes, defenders swap with attackers.
- Progress 1: Five seconds to score in lane 3: the keeper counts out loud from when you cross the line.
- Progress 2: Practice foot only: dribble and shoot using only your practice foot.
If it's not working: The defenders walk.
- attackers
- defenders
- GKkeeper
- dribble
- shot
- 1in this order
One gauntlet: three lanes each 10 m deep, with a defender in lane 1, a defender in lane 2 and a keeper (a child who'd like a go, or the coach) at the goal in lane 3. The attacker dribbles past each defender and over the far line of the lane, then shoots past the keeper. The other two attackers start with a ball each: the next sets off once the one before is over the lane 1 line. A defender who wins the ball swaps with the beaten attacker.
Full details: set up, how to play, tips and age tweaks
Set up
- Mark a grid 30 m long and 14 m wide, in three lanes each 10 m deep, with a goal at the far end of lane 3. Two lines of cones show the lanes.
- In each gauntlet: a defender in lane 1, a defender in lane 2 and a keeper in the goal (a child who'd like a go, or the coach). 2 or 3 attackers start with a ball each.
Balls, bibs, cones and a goal. A grid 30 m long and 14 wide, in three lanes each 10 m deep. Run two side by side with 12 players.
How to play
- Attackers go one at a time. Dribble past the defender and over the far line of lane 1, then do the same in lane 2. The next attacker goes once the one ahead is across.
- In lane 3, dribble in and shoot past the keeper. Shots from 8 m and below the waist. Then collect your ball and go back to the start.
- If a defender wins the ball, swap: they take the ball to the start and the beaten attacker defends that lane.
- Every 2 minutes the coach calls Swap: the two defenders and the keeper change places with attackers.
- A child goes in goal only if they would like to. If nobody would, play without a keeper.
Keeping everyone moving
Two gauntlets side by side with more than 6, so each has 2 or 3 attackers and the next go comes straight round. Every 2 minutes the defenders swap with attackers.
Make it easier
- The defenders walk, so there is time to go round them.
- Make each lane a few metres wider, so there is more room to dodge.
Make it harder, step by step
- Five seconds to score in lane 3: the keeper counts out loud from when you cross the line.
- Practice foot only: dribble and shoot using only your practice foot.
- Go through in pairs against each defender, 2v1, with at least one pass in every lane.
Three things to say
- Run at the defender.
- Shoot early in lane 3.
- Defenders: side on, on your toes.
Colts habit
Be brave: run at the defender in every lane.
Both feet
Beat a lane with the practice foot.
Heads up
Watch the defender's feet.
Safety: No slide tackles. Academy keeper safety rules apply in the last lane.
Keeping score: Lanes you get through in a go.