Play forward or keep it · Choose another solution
10 minutes · U9 starting lens · 3–5 players per station
Two attackers start at the near end against D halfway up the grid. The far end is the forward target; the attackers may pass sideways or backward to reopen it.
A/B/C = attackers · D = defender · S = server · N = neutral · white dot = ball. Leave clear space between stations. Schematic, not to scale.Set up
Two attackers start at the near end against D halfway up the grid. The far end is the forward target; the attackers may pass sideways or backward to reopen it. Mark four corners. Keep spare balls outside the near sideline.
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
- Start
- A’s first touch releases D. Attackers may move anywhere inside the grid.
- Score
- Attackers score by dribbling across the far end or receiving under control just beyond it. D counters across the near end after a clean regain.
- Reset & rotate
- After a point or ball out, restart at the near end and rotate D. A fourth player alternates in D’s role each attempt and joins the full rotation.
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: Forward if it helps; keep it if it closes
If it breaks down: Both attackers rush straight ahead: demonstrate a supporting angle behind the ball, then let them choose again.
Entry version: D walks and blocks one route without tackling; start wider.
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.