Two exits, one defender · Change the challenge
10 minutes · U9 starting lens · 2–3 players per station
A starts with a ball on the near end. D starts in the middle. Two far-end gates offer a left/right choice.
A/B/C = attackers · D = defender · S = server · N = neutral · white dot = ball. Leave clear space between stations. Schematic, not to scale.Set up
A starts with a ball on the near end. D starts in the middle. Two far-end gates offer a left/right choice. Mark four corners and two two-yard gates on the far end using four more cones. Keep spare balls outside the near sideline. A third player alternates in after each attempt: attacker becomes defender, defender rests outside, resting player attacks.
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
- Start
- A’s first touch releases D. Begin with D blocking a route without tackling, then allow a clean ball-winning challenge.
- Score
- A scores by dribbling through either gate. D scores by winning the ball and crossing the near end under control.
- Reset & rotate
- After a score or ball out, switch roles and restart from the near end. Use a spare ball so retrieving does not delay the next pair.
Rounds: Show and try 1:00 · Play 1 1:53 · Rotate, drink, reset 0:20 · Play 2 1:53 · Rotate, drink, reset 0:20 · Play 3 1:52 · Rotate, drink, reset 0:20 · Play 4 1:52 · Notice and move on 0:30
One cue: Move the defender, then escape
If it breaks down: A stops far from D every time: shorten the starting distance and demonstrate a controlled approach before adding speed.
Entry version: Widen the gates and let D close just one route at walking pace.
Safety: 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.