Traffic Light Carry

Objective

• -React to visual or verbal cues
• -Control speed with the ball
• -Prepare for more intense dribbling work

Setup

1. 1Set up a square playing area.
2. 2Give each player a ball.
3. 3The coach stands on one side with the coloured cues.

How to play

1. 1Green means dribble fast, amber means slow touches, red means stop the ball.
2. 2Add turn commands such as left, right, or back.
3. 3Players must stay within the area and keep control.
4. 4Change the signals often to keep them alert.

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

• -Running into others
• -Ignoring the signal
• -Losing the ball on the stop