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Practice games

Pass and Go Zones

A goal only counts if the last passer has run into a new zone when it goes in.

Game 16 min 6 to 14 players Cage Half pitch 2016 to 2019

Off the Ball Work hard Lift each other

At a glance

  • Two teams in bibs on a 30 m by 40 m pitch (20 m by 30 m for 5v5), a goal at each end, six zones: two across, three down.
  • Play a normal game. After you pass, run into a different zone.
  • A goal only counts if the passer is in a new zone by the time it goes in. The coach shouts New zone! when they make it.
  • When the ball goes out, dribble it back in. Play 4 minutes, then swap ends.
  • Progress 1: The new zone must be a forward one, nearer the goal you attack.
  • Progress 2: Forward zones only, and everyone gets two touches at most.

If it's not working: Any goal counts one, and three if the passer ran into a new zone.

Pass and Go Zones: set-upABzone lines1231 A passes, 2 A runs into a new zone, 3 B scores.30 m by 40 m
  • attackers
  • defenders
  • Apasser
  • Breceiver
  • run
  • pass
  • shot
  • 1in this order

The 7v7 size, 30 m wide and 40 m long, split into six zones with discs, two across and three down. Blue attack the top goal. A passes to B, then runs straight over a zone line into a new zone. The coach shouts New zone! as A gets there, so when B shoots and scores, the goal counts.

Full details: set up, how to play, tips and age tweaks

Set up

  • Mark a pitch 30 m wide and 40 m long for 6v6 or 7v7, or 20 m wide and 30 m long for up to 5v5.
  • Put a pop-up goal at each end.
  • Split it into six zones with discs: two across and three down.
  • Make two teams in bibs, with spare balls at the side.

3v3 to 7v7. 20 m wide and 30 m long for up to 5v5, 30 m wide and 40 m long for 6v6 or 7v7, split into six zones.

How to play

  • Play a normal game to goals.
  • After you pass, run into a different zone.
  • A goal only counts if it comes after a pass, and the passer is in a new zone when it goes in.
  • The coach watches the passer and shouts New zone! when they make it.
  • When the ball leaves the pitch, dribble it back in. Play 4 minutes, then swap ends.

Keeping everyone moving

Every pass sends a player running, so nobody stands still in one zone. Use two pitches if you have more than 10.

Make it easier

  • Any goal counts one, and three if the passer ran into a new zone.
  • The coach calls Go! after each pass as a reminder to move.

Make it harder, step by step

  1. The new zone must be a forward one, nearer the goal you attack.
  2. Forward zones only, and everyone gets two touches at most.
  3. A goal counts double if the passer gets the ball back and scores.

Three things to say

  • Pass, then run into a new zone straight away.
  • Run to where your teammate can pass to you again.
  • Look up before you pass to see which zone is free.

Words that work: "New zone! Great run!", "You passed and went, brilliant!", "Great help for your teammate!"

Colts habit

Work hard: every pass means a run.

Both feet

Pass or shoot with either foot when you arrive in the new zone.

Heads up

Before you pass, spot the zone you will run into.

For your birth year

Pick a birth year to show the tweak for that group.

2018 to 2019
Any goal counts one. It counts three if the passer ran into a new zone.
2016 to 2017
As written: a goal only counts if the passer ran into a new zone.

Safety: Look before you run into a new zone. No sliding tackles. Keep a clear space round the goals.

Keeping score: Each child counts their runs into a new zone in one game and tries to beat it next time.