Gates Galore

Develop passing accuracy and weight over short distances, plus the scanning habit of finding the next free gate before you've used this one.

Scatter 8–10 cone gates (cones 2–3 yards apart) randomly around a 25x20 yard box. Players in pairs, one ball per pair, spread around the outside of the box to start.

1. On 'GO!', each pair scores a point every time they pass the ball through a gate to their partner.
2. You cannot use the same gate twice in a row — find a different one each time.
3. Play 60 seconds, pairs count their own score out loud.
4. Rest 30 seconds while pairs plan a better route, then race again to beat their score.
5. Final round: a 'golden gate' (coach's pick) is worth 3 points but everyone wants it — queue and you lose time.

• Pass with the inside of the foot — firm enough to reach, soft enough to control.
• Move the moment you pass — run to the other side of your next gate.
• Eyes up before you receive: where's the next free gate?
• Call your partner's name so they know it's coming.

• Pairs camp at one gate and pass back and forth — the different-gate rule is the drill; police it and praise clever routes.
• Passes are blasted and bounce off shins — coach 'pass it like a present, not a rocket'.
• The receiver stands still admiring the pass — the partner without the ball should already be running towards the next gate.

• Both players must take only two touches — control, pass.
• Passes must alternate feet — right through one gate, left through the next.
• Add a wandering 'gate goblin' defender who can block one gate at a time.

• Make the gates wider (4 yards).
• Remove the different-gate rule and just count total passes.
• Let the receiver stop the ball with hands first for the very youngest.

• A point only counts if the receiving partner controls the ball within two touches of the gate.