Make a passing window · Read the pressure
A supporting player changes angle as D moves, keeping a reachable option available.
Three attackers share one ball inside the grid against D. All attackers may move; no one is fixed to a cone.
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
- 4–5; use the planner for a whole group
- Space
- 12 × 12 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
Three attackers share one ball inside the grid against D. All attackers may move; no one is fixed to a cone. Mark four corners. Keep spare balls outside the near sideline. A fifth player joins the attackers as a rotating neutral; increase width by two yards.
- Start
- D begins centrally. An attacker starts with a ground pass; D may intercept once that first pass is received.
- Score
- The attackers try to connect three passes, then start a new count while play continues. D scores by winning the ball and carrying it across any boundary.
- Reset & rotate
- After ball out or D’s point, attackers restart from a side. Rotate D at each round break, not as punishment for a misplaced pass. A fifth player joins the attackers in a larger grid.
U9 starting lens: Choose pressure by readiness, then watch: A supporting player changes angle as D moves, keeping a reachable option available.
Rounds that fit 10 minutes
- 1:00 · Show and try
Move B out from behind D so A can see a passing route. After A passes, show A offering a new angle instead of watching.
- 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 only intercepts passes, giving attackers time to move. Progress only when useful: D can win a dribble as well as intercept. Keep all attackers free to move; do not impose touch limits by default.
- 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 only intercepts passes, giving attackers time to move. Progress only when useful: D can win a dribble as well as intercept. Keep all attackers free to move; do not impose touch limits by default.
- 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 only intercepts passes, giving attackers time to move. Progress only when useful: D can win a dribble as well as intercept. Keep all attackers free to move; do not impose touch limits by default.
- 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 group passes around stationary cones: remove those assigned spots and demonstrate a new angle after every pass.
- Players cannot explain the objective: show one repetition with their roles, then remove one extra condition.
Make it easier
D walks and only intercepts passes, giving attackers time to move.
Add a stretch
D can win a dribble as well as intercept. Keep all attackers free to move; do not impose touch limits by default.
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
Move B out from behind D so A can see a passing route. After A passes, show A offering a new angle instead of watching.
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
Three attackers share one ball inside the grid against D. All attackers may move; no one is fixed to a cone. The available space and target create a reason to act. Judge the choice in context: Standing close to the ball carrier can hide the passing route and crowd the same space.
Ask or invite a demonstration
Where could you move to open a pass?
Look in the next game
A supporting player changes angle as D moves, keeping a reachable option available. 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 and move two steps to a new clear angle. The receiver waits until the passer is visible again. Use a safe wall alone and move before collecting the rebound.
Use the same problem differently
Repeat a useful version; change one constraint when players are ready.