Pass or carry: 2v1 · Read the pressure
The ball carrier responds to D and sends a pass the teammate can continue with.
A and B start on the near end, A with the ball. D starts halfway along the grid. The far end line is the attacking target.
A/B/C = attackers · D = defender · S = server · N = neutral · white dot = ball. Leave clear space between stations. Schematic, not to scale.- Players per station
- 3–5; use the planner for a whole group
- Space
- 12 × 16 yards per station; leave 3 yards between stations
- Equipment
- 2 balls per station (one spare) · 4 flat cones per station · Optional bibs; use agreed team/role names if unavailable
Set up, then show one repetition
A and B start on the near end, A with the ball. D starts halfway along the grid. The far end line is the attacking target. Mark four corners. Keep spare balls outside the near sideline.
- Start
- A takes the first touch and D becomes live. A and B work toward the far end with no fixed lane assignments.
- Score
- Attackers score by dribbling across the far end or receiving a pass under control just beyond it. D scores by regaining and dribbling over the near end.
- Reset & rotate
- Restart after a point or ball out. Rotate the defender after each attempt so every player attacks and defends. With four players, a second defender waits outside and alternates each attempt; rotate through all roles.
U9 starting lens: Choose pressure by readiness, then watch: The ball carrier responds to D and sends a pass the teammate can continue with.
Rounds that fit 10 minutes
- 1:00 · Show and try
When D closes A, A passes into B’s path. When D protects B, A carries forward. A pass is an option, not a requirement.
- 1:53 · Play 1
Try the entry version and watch the main behavior.
- 0:20 · Rotate, drink, reset
Rotate roles as described. Take water when needed; shorten play instead of rushing the break.
- 1:53 · Play 2
In the first round, the opponent visibly closes one route without tackling. In later rounds allow a clean ball-winning challenge only if the first touch and reset are working. D walks and cannot tackle until the ball reaches halfway. Progress only when useful: D begins closer; the attackers must keep choosing without a required pass count.
- 0:20 · Rotate, drink, reset
Rotate roles as described. Take water when needed; shorten play instead of rushing the break.
- 1:52 · Play 3
In the first round, the opponent visibly closes one route without tackling. In later rounds allow a clean ball-winning challenge only if the first touch and reset are working. D walks and cannot tackle until the ball reaches halfway. Progress only when useful: D begins closer; the attackers must keep choosing without a required pass count.
- 0:20 · Rotate, drink, reset
Rotate roles as described. Take water when needed; shorten play instead of rushing the break.
- 1:52 · Play 4
In the first round, the opponent visibly closes one route without tackling. In later rounds allow a clean ball-winning challenge only if the first touch and reset are working. D walks and cannot tackle until the ball reaches halfway. Progress only when useful: D begins closer; the attackers must keep choosing without a required pass count.
- 0:30 · Notice and move on
Invite one example or gesture, collect balls safely, and move to the next activity.
If it breaks down
- The partner hides directly behind D: show one useful supporting angle, then replay the same starting picture.
- Players cannot explain the objective: show one repetition with their roles, then remove one extra condition.
Make it easier
D walks and cannot tackle until the ball reaches halfway.
Add a stretch
D begins closer; the attackers must keep choosing without a required pass count.
Safety & involvement
Check the surface and clearance around the grid. No pushing, holding, slide tackles, or challenges from behind. Begin with no-contact route blocking; allow clean ball-winning pressure only when players can control the approach. Stop play before retrieving a ball from another station.
Every player has a named role. Rotate through all roles, keep explanations between rounds, and offer a quieter demonstration or gesture response. Water and individual breaks are available whenever needed.
Learn the activity: demonstration, decision pictures & observation
Show this first
When D closes A, A passes into B’s path. When D protects B, A carries forward. A pass is an option, not a requirement.
See one repetition before you explain it.
The movement, pressure, and coaching cue change together. Pause on any picture or select a step below.
Why this problem
A and B start on the near end, A with the ball. D starts halfway along the grid. The far end line is the attacking target. The available space and target create a reason to act. Judge the choice in context: A completed pass that removes an available forward advantage is not automatically the best choice.
Ask or invite a demonstration
Was passing or carrying more useful?
Look in the next game
The ball carrier responds to D and sends a pass the teammate can continue with. Watch a few opportunities for two players; record the situation and choice rather than a head-turn or touch total.
Optional home game
With a partner, pass through a wide household-marker gate and move to offer a new angle. Alone, pass gently to a safe wall and move before the return.
Use the same problem differently
Repeat a useful version; change one constraint when players are ready.