End Zone Keepy

Objective

• -Warm up with simple game play
• -Protect the ball under pressure
• -Use support around the ball

Setup

1. 1Make a 30 x 20 yard area with a 4-yard end zone at each end.
2. 2Split players into two even teams in bibs.
3. 3Play starts with one ball in the middle of the main area.

How to play

1. 1Teams keep possession and try to pass into a teammate standing in the end zone.
2. 2The end-zone player must control the ball and return it to the same team.
3. 3After a score, the other team restarts from the middle.
4. 4Rotate end-zone players every few minutes so everyone is involved.
5. 5Keep the game flowing and remind players to stay safe in the close contest.

Progressions

• +Progressive Tempo: add a fourth maximal round
• +Ball For Every Player: shrink the working area
• +Reaction Start: two cues, one a decoy
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Progressive Tempo: stay at the first two tempos only
• -Ball For Every Player: bigger area, share a ball between two
• -Reaction Start: coach counts players in
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Progressive Tempo — Three rounds: 60% pace, 80% pace, then match pace with full recovery between.
• -Ball For Every Player — Every player works with their own ball so no one waits in a queue.
• -Reaction Start — Every repetition begins from a visual or audio cue rather than a set count.
• -Partner Race — Players work in matched pairs and race each repetition, best of five.
• -Mobility Focus — Each round finishes with a controlled mobility hold for the hips, groin and ankles.
• -Change Of Direction — Add a 90 or 180 degree turn into every repetition before the finish.
• -Team Target — The whole group works to a shared score target and repeats the round if they miss it.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Forcing long hopeful passes
• -Crowding the ball carrier
• -Standing still after passing