Shooting Races
Dribble round the far goal, then turn and shoot into the goal you started beside.
At a glance
- 20 by 30 pitch in 3 zones with a goal at each end. A blue pair and a yellow pair in opposite corners, a ball each.
- Dribble down the side, round the far goal, then turn and shoot into the goal you started beside.
- Your partner goes as soon as you shoot. Fetch your ball and go back to your corner.
- Progress 1: Points by zone: 3 for a goal from the furthest zone, 2 from the middle, 1 from the nearest.
- Progress 2: Chase: your partner sets off when you reach the far goal and tries to tag you before you shoot.
If it's not working: Dribble round a cone at halfway instead of the far goal.
- blue pair
- yellow pair
- dribble
- shot
- 1in this order
A pitch in three zones with a goal at each end and a pair in each of two opposite corners, a ball each. The first blue player dribbles down the side, round the back of the far goal, then turns and shoots into the goal they started beside. Their partner goes the moment they shoot. The yellow pair does the same the other way. Fetch your ball and go back to your corner.
Full details: set up, how to play, tips and age tweaks
Set up
- Divide the pitch into 3 zones with a goal at each end.
- A pair in each of two opposite corners, a ball each.
Balls, cones, bibs and goals. Two pairs start in opposite corners of a pitch divided into 3 zones. With more than four players, set up a second pitch.
How to play
- The first player in each pair dribbles round the far goal, then turns and shoots into the goal they started beside.
- Your partner goes as soon as you shoot. Fetch your ball and go back to your corner.
Keeping everyone moving
No race between the pairs. A pitch for every 4 children.
Make it easier
- Dribble round a cone at halfway instead of the far goal, so the run is shorter.
- Let players stop the ball before they shoot, rather than striking it on the move.
Make it harder, step by step
- Points depend on the zone you shoot from: furthest from the goal you are shooting at 3 points, middle 2 points, closest 1 point.
- Chase: your partner sets off when you reach the far goal and tries to tag you before you shoot.
- No shooting from the closest zone: every shot comes from the middle or furthest zone.
Three things to say
- Small touches round the goal.
- Big touches in open space.
- Head over the ball when you shoot.
Colts habit
Work hard: run with the ball at full speed.
Both feet
Shoot with the practice foot from the closest zone.
Heads up
Look at the goal as you come round the far net.
Safety: Keep the area clear of bags and bottles. Stay on your feet, no slide tackles. No heading.
Keeping score: Your goals in a round.