Small-Sided Games

Rotation End Zone Game

Reward forward passing and running with the ball

Small-Sided Games
Attacking
Passing

Reward forward passing and running with the ball. Set up the area, follow the steps and use the coaching points below.

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Small-Sided Games
Attacking
Passing
Small-Sided Game
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Minimal Equipment
Foundation Phase
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Rotation

Age

Under 5 to Adults

Duration

18 min

Players

6-18

Area / pitch size

34 x 24 yards

Difficulty

Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced

Equipment

Balls, Cones, Bibs

Coaching focus

Reward forward passing and running with the ball

Objective

  • -Reward forward passing and running with the ball
  • -Create a game that works without goals
  • -Encourage runs beyond the defensive line

Setup

  1. 1A pitch with a three-yard end zone at each end in a 34 x 24 yards area.
  2. 2Number every station so players know exactly where they travel to next.
  3. 3Balls with the coach, two sets of bibs.

How to play

  1. 1Teams score by controlling the ball inside the opposition end zone.
  2. 2The ball must be passed into the zone, not dribbled in.
  3. 3Restart immediately from the conceding team.
  4. 4Play starts at station one and the ball works round the numbers in order.
  5. 5Every player must complete each role once before the round is scored.

Coaching points

  • -Run beyond the line to receive
  • -Time the pass with the run
  • -Defend the zone, not the ball
  • -Follow your pass — the movement is part of the practice

Progressions

  • +Reverse the rotation direction on the coach's call
  • +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

  • -Hold roles for a full round before rotating
  • -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

  • -Rotate only the two hardest roles to give them extra reps
  • -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

  • -Runs made too early
  • -Passing into the zone with nobody there
  • -Staying in a favourite role and avoiding the harder one

Related Football Drills & Sessions

Build a full session around this drill

Related drills

Age band
Under 5 to Adults
Players
6-18
Time
16 min
Area
36 x 26 yards
Kit
Balls, Cones, Bibs
Focus
Small-Sided Game
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Tempo End Zone Game

Reward forward passing and running with the ball

Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
Small-Sided GamesAttackingPassing