Look, receive, choose · Choose another solution
A’s decision changes when D closes a different route.
S starts at the near end, A centrally, and D two yards beyond A toward the two far gates. A must use information about D rather than a shouted color.
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
- 10 × 12 yards per station; leave 3 yards between stations
- Equipment
- 2 balls per station (one spare) · 8 flat cones per station · Optional bibs; use agreed team/role names if unavailable
Set up, then show one repetition
S starts at the near end, A centrally, and D two yards beyond A toward the two far gates. A must use information about D rather than a shouted color. Mark four corners and two two-yard gates on the far end using four more cones. Keep spare balls outside the near sideline.
- Start
- S passes when A is ready. D moves toward either exit as the pass starts. Begin with D holding that route without tackling.
- Score
- A scores by dribbling through the available gate. Under live pressure, D counters by winning the ball and crossing the near end.
- Reset & rotate
- S restarts after a score or ball out. After each attempt, the server becomes A, A becomes D, and D joins the back of the server queue. A fourth or fifth player starts in that queue; the next server waits until everyone is ready.
U9 starting lens: Choose pressure by readiness, then watch: A’s decision changes when D closes a different route.
Rounds that fit 10 minutes
- 1:00 · Show and try
A checks D before S passes, then attends to the ball for contact. Change D’s position and show the first touch changing with it.
- 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
Repeat the starting picture from the other side. Let the player choose a different useful route; do not require a particular foot or move. D chooses a route earlier and stays there. A may stop the ball and look again. Progress only when useful: D may change direction after A looks; A can check again, protect, or change the exit.
- 0:20 · Rotate, drink, reset
Rotate roles as described. Take water when needed; shorten play instead of rushing the break.
- 1:52 · Play 3
Repeat the starting picture from the other side. Let the player choose a different useful route; do not require a particular foot or move. D chooses a route earlier and stays there. A may stop the ball and look again. Progress only when useful: D may change direction after A looks; A can check again, protect, or change the exit.
- 0:20 · Rotate, drink, reset
Rotate roles as described. Take water when needed; shorten play instead of rushing the break.
- 1:52 · Play 4
Repeat the starting picture from the other side. Let the player choose a different useful route; do not require a particular foot or move. D chooses a route earlier and stays there. A may stop the ball and look again. Progress only when useful: D may change direction after A looks; A can check again, protect, or change the exit.
- 0:30 · Notice and move on
Invite one example or gesture, collect balls safely, and move to the next activity.
If it breaks down
- A looks only at S: freeze the starting picture briefly and ask A to point to both exits before repeating.
- Players cannot explain the objective: show one repetition with their roles, then remove one extra condition.
Make it easier
D chooses a route earlier and stays there. A may stop the ball and look again.
Add a stretch
D may change direction after A looks; A can check again, protect, or change the exit.
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
A checks D before S passes, then attends to the ball for contact. Change D’s position and show the first touch changing with it.
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
S starts at the near end, A centrally, and D two yards beyond A toward the two far gates. A must use information about D rather than a shouted color. The available space and target create a reason to act. Judge the choice in context: Counting head turns does not show that the information affected the decision.
Ask or invite a demonstration
What did your look help you choose?
Look in the next game
A’s decision changes when D closes a different route. Watch a few opportunities for two players; record the situation and choice rather than a head-turn or touch total.
Optional home game
Before a gentle partner pass, look to see which side the partner points toward, then settle into the other clear space. Alone, look toward a chosen landmark before a safe-wall return.
Use the same problem differently
Repeat a useful version; change one constraint when players are ready.