First touch, choose an exit · Use it in a game
12 minutes · U9 starting lens · 4–5 players per station
One 2v2 field. Teams attack opposite end lines; an odd fifth player can be a rotating neutral.
A/B/C = attackers · D = defender · S = server · N = neutral · white dot = ball. Leave clear space between stations. Schematic, not to scale.Set up
Make two balanced teams of two. A fifth player is a neutral for the team with the ball; rotate each round. Mark four corners. Keep spare balls outside the near sideline.
Space: 16 × 20 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
- Two teams of two start at opposite ends; one begins with a pass or dribble and opponents give three yards before challenging.
- Score
- Score by dribbling across the opposing end line with the ball under control. After a regain, attack the other end immediately. There is no compulsory pass count or skill bonus.
- Reset & rotate
- After a point, the other team starts from its end. Pass or dribble in after a sideline exit with opponents three yards away. An odd fifth player supports the team in possession; rotate that role at each round break.
Rounds: Show and try 1:00 · Play 1 2:23 · Rotate, drink, reset 0:20 · Play 2 2:23 · Rotate, drink, reset 0:20 · Play 3 2:22 · Rotate, drink, reset 0:20 · Play 4 2:22 · Notice and move on 0:30
One cue: Look before it comes; touch toward space
If it breaks down: Every attempt ends before A touches the ball: improve the pass and release D after the first touch.
Entry version: Protect the first touch at each restart and increase the space if players cannot find a route.
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.