Help the next player · Change the challenge
10 minutes · U9 starting lens · 4–5 players per station
Two teams of two play toward opposite end lines. Partners choose a name, gesture, or brief signal they can use to offer help.
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 teams of two play toward opposite end lines. Partners choose a name, gesture, or brief signal they can use to offer help. 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.
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
- A team starts from its own end with a pass or dribble; opponents give three yards until the ball moves.
- Score
- Dribble across the opposing end under control for a point. Normal scoring counts even if only one teammate touches the ball.
- Reset & rotate
- The other team restarts after a point. Pass or dribble in after a sideline exit. Between rounds invite one example of a helpful action; players may show it or pass on speaking.
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: Offer help, then keep playing
If it breaks down: One player takes over: use smaller games or briefly pair that player with a different teammate; do not require every player to touch before scoring.
Entry version: Add an attacking neutral in an odd group and allow an unchallenged first pass.
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.