Football Technique | Run the Gauntlet

Suitable for players aged 7-8 years

SETUP

  1. Create an area 25m x 15m. Divide the area up further by placing cones down 2 opposite sides
  2. Divide the players into ‘shooters’ (blue) and ‘targets’ (red)
  3. Assign the ‘shooters’, in pairs, to a section of the area. Each pair shares one ball
  4. Give the ‘targets’ one ball each

HOW TO PLAY

  1. The ‘shooters’ line up vertically at intervals either side of the area
  2. The ‘targets’ line up a with a ball each at the start of the area
  3. On your signal, the first ‘target’ tries to dribble past the first pair. The first pair of ‘shooters’ tries to hit the ‘targets’ ball by passing their ball
  4. If the ‘targets’ ball gets hit they must start again from the back of the line
  5. If the ‘target’ passes the first pair the next in line starts as the first ‘target’ continues toward the end
  6. The ‘shooters’ get a point for each hit, and the ‘target’s get two turns each

PROGRESSION

Basic: Change the part of the foot used to dribble
Intermediate: Players can only pass the ball at the ‘target’ with their non-dominant foot

OUTCOMES

  • Dribbling and changing direction with close ball control
  • Keeping head up for awareness of space and other players while dribbling
  • Timing and accuracy of passing