Gate Finder Relay

Objective

• -Dribble with control at pace
• -Scan for the next target
• -Link ball work with movement

Setup

1. 1Scatter lots of small cone gates across the area.
2. 2Split players into two or more teams.
3. 3Each player starts behind a line with a ball.

How to play

1. 1On the coach's signal, the first player dribbles to any gate.
2. 2They pass through the gate with the ball under control, then return.
3. 3Tag the next player to go.
4. 4Keep score for completed gates in the time limit.

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 too long and losing focus
• -Hitting the ball too hard
• -Running without control