Protect, then escape · Choose another solution
10 minutes · U9 starting lens · 2–3 players per station
A starts centrally with the ball; D starts two yards behind. Two gates on the far end give A an escape 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 centrally with the ball; D starts two yards behind. Two gates on the far end give A an escape 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 takes the first touch. D follows at walking pace initially and tries to reach the ball from the side, without pushing or reaching through A.
- Score
- A scores by escaping through either gate with the ball. Once pressure is live, D can score by winning it cleanly and carrying it over the near end.
- Reset & rotate
- Switch roles after each escape, clean regain, or ball out. Restart centrally. If neither player can move, reset instead of prolonging body contact.
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: Keep it safe, then find space
If it breaks down: Players push or hook arms: stop, demonstrate relaxed arms, and return to no-contact shadow pressure.
Entry version: D shadows without contact; let A choose the exit before starting.
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.