Follow the Leader

Objective

• -Copy movement patterns
• -Improve footwork with a ball
• -Build group energy

Setup

1. 1Make a large open square with cones.
2. 2Put players into small groups of three or four, each group with one ball.
3. 3One leader starts at the front of each group and the others follow.

How to play

1. 1The leader dribbles around the square using any safe move they choose.
2. 2The rest of the group copies the path and speed as closely as possible.
3. 3After one minute, the leader rotates to another player in the group.
4. 4Ask the leader to use a turn, stop or speed change every so often.
5. 5Keep groups apart so they can move without bumping into each other.

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

• -Groups getting too close together
• -No change of pace
• -Players losing the ball while copying