Gate and Go

Objective

• -Dribble with control before shooting
• -Use a short burst to create space
• -Build confidence in front of goal

Setup

1. 1Mark a small rectangular area with a shooting line 8 yards from goal or target zone.
2. 2Set up four cone gates scattered in the middle of the area.
3. 3Place one mini goal or target at the end opposite the start line.
4. 4Give each player a ball if possible, or use a shared pile with short turns.

How to play

1. 1The player dribbles through any two cone gates in any order.
2. 2After the second gate, they drive forward into shooting space.
3. 3The coach then rolls or passes a ball for the player to strike first time or after one touch.
4. 4The player retrieves the ball and joins the back of the line.
5. 5Keep turns short so players repeat the action often.

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

• -Taking too many touches
• -Trying to hit too hard
• -Looking down at the ball too long