Turning Through Gates

Develop a range of turns and the decision of when to turn out of pressure versus set back.

A central player between two gates; a server at each gate. A light defender behind the central player.

1. A server passes in; the central player receives and turns to dribble through the far gate.
2. If the defender is tight, set back and spin off instead.
3. Use a named turn each round (Cruyff, drag-back, inside hook).
4. Rotate after a set number of reps.

• Check your shoulder before the ball arrives.
• First touch sets up the turn — away from the defender.
• Turn decisively and accelerate out the other side.
• If pressed tight, don't force it — set and spin.

• Players turn the same way every time — name the turn (inside hook, outside cut, Cruyff) and rotate them.
• The turn is performed but slow — explode out of the turn with the first two steps.
• Players watch the ball through the whole turn — take a picture over the shoulder before turning.

• Defender becomes active.
• Restrict to one-touch turns.
• Add a second defender.

• No defender.
• Bigger area.
• Allow extra touches before turning.

• Must use the called turn that round.