Colour Gate Pass

Objective

• -Practise passing accuracy
• -Scan for the right target
• -Improve decision making

Setup

1. 1Set up lots of small cone gates around the area in different colours.
2. 2Give each player a ball.
3. 3Players start spread out evenly in the middle of the area.

How to play

1. 1On the coach's call, players dribble to any free gate and pass through it.
2. 2After passing, they collect their ball and find another gate.
3. 3Add a rule that they must use the inside of the foot only.
4. 4If working in pairs, one player passes and the other moves to a new gate.
5. 5Challenge players to pass through as many different gates as possible.

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

• -Crowding the same gate
• -Rushing without control
• -Using weak contact on the ball