Gate Hunters

Objective

• -Dribble with purpose
• -Spot and attack open space
• -Make decisions while controlling the ball

Setup

1. 1Set lots of two-cone gates all over the area.
2. 2Players work in pairs or small groups with one ball each.
3. 3Use bibs for teams if you want to score points against another group.

How to play

1. 1Players dribble through as many gates as they can in the time given.
2. 2They must use a different gate each time and cannot go back through the same one straight away.
3. 3Award a point for every clean dribble through a gate under control.
4. 4Add a competition between pairs or teams to raise intensity.
5. 5Finish with a short free play where the same gates still count for points.

Progressions

• +Two-Touch Limit: drop to one touch in the central area
• +Weak Foot Only: add a defender to raise the pressure
• +Tempo Clock: cut the clock to four seconds
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Two-Touch Limit: allow three touches while the picture is learned
• -Weak Foot Only: static, unopposed reps before adding movement
• -Tempo Clock: extend the clock to ten seconds
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two-Touch Limit — Players are limited to two touches — one to control, one to release.
• -Weak Foot Only — Every touch, pass and finish must be with the weaker foot.
• -Tempo Clock — The ball must reach the end action inside six seconds or the rep restarts.
• -Scan and Cue — The coach shows a colour or number and the receiver must call it before their first touch.
• -Shadow Pressure — A shadow defender applies half pressure and can win the ball only after the first touch.
• -Score Challenge — Run it as a timed competition — pairs or teams count successful reps and compare scores.
• -1-to-1 Session — Run as an individual session: coach serves, one player works through the reps with rest built in.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Queueing at the same gate
• -Pushing the ball too far
• -Forcing every move