Turning Gates
Also called Turn and Burn
Pairs dribble into a gate at the same time, turn and dribble back, changing the turn every 30 to 45 seconds.
At a glance
- Each pair has a gate of two cones about 5 m apart. Partners start 5 m back on either side of it, a ball each.
- Both dribble into the middle of the gate at the same time, turn (drag-back, inside chop, outside chop or Cruyff) and dribble back.
- Keep going. The coach names a new turn every 30 to 45 seconds.
- Progress 1: Turn with one foot only: right foot, then left foot on the next go.
- Progress 2: Dribble at your partner, do a step over or shoulder drop in the gate, then swap sides.
If it's not working: Drag-back only, done slowly, before trying other turns.
- partners
- dribble
- 1in this order
One pair's gate: two cones about 5 m apart, with the partners facing each other about 5 m back on either side of it, a ball each. Both dribble in to the middle of the gate at the same time, do the turn the coach has named (drag-back, inside chop, outside chop, Cruyff) and dribble back to their own side. Keep going, and change the turn every 30 to 45 seconds. Every pair works at once.
Full details: set up, how to play, tips and age tweaks
Set up
- For every pair, set out a gate: two cones about 5 m apart. Spread the gates around the area.
- Partners stand facing each other, one on each side of their gate and about 5 m back from it, each with a ball.
A gate of two cones about 5 m apart for each pair. Partners start about 5 m back on either side of it, facing each other. 1 ball each.
How to play
- Both players dribble toward the centre of the gate at the same time, complete a turn (drag-back, inside chop, outside chop, Cruyff turn) and dribble back to their side.
- Repeat, changing the turn every 30 to 45 seconds.
Keeping everyone moving
The booklet runs lines of 3 with one ball and a relay race. At Colts every child has a ball and every pair works at once. No relay, no race.
Make it easier
- Drag-back only, done slowly, before trying other turns.
- Players stop the ball with the sole in the middle, then turn and dribble back.
Make it harder, step by step
- Turn with one foot only: right foot, then left foot on the next go.
- Dribble at your partner, do a step over or shoulder drop in the gate, then swap sides. Change the skill every 30 to 45 seconds.
Three things to say
- Slow into the gate, fast out.
- Make the turn big and clear.
- Ball close as you turn.
Colts habit
Work hard: slow into the turn, fast out.
Both feet
Every turn on both feet.
Heads up
Look up as you come out of the turn.
Safety: Keep the area clear of bags and bottles. Stay on your feet, no slide tackles. No heading.