If you’re looking for a drill that sharpens close control and quick feet while forcing players to think, this is the one.
It builds technical ability at pace and gets players reading the space around them, not just the ball at their feet.
Mark out a square or rectangle and fill it with as many obstacles as possible — cones, mannequins, whatever you’ve got.
How it works:
Mark out a large square or Large Rectangle and fill with as many obstables as you can. Cones, Mannequins whatever.
Split the group into 4 teams, one on each side of the area.
Players dribble from their side to the opposite side, as quickly as possible.
They must avoid hitting a cone or another player along the way or they go back to the beginning.
Add a time limit to push the pace and raise the pressure.
Want to make it harder ? Allow a little nudge from other players if they get close to each other.
One Drill is a Session.
A Plan Builds Players.
Two brothers. Two different teams. Two cup finals on the same weekend. Both coached using the same GRFUK framework — Jack Saturday, Fred Sunday.
Coaching Points:
Heads up — players need to be scanning for gaps and other dribblers, not just watching the ball. Close control matters more than speed here — a fast player who clatters through cones hasn’t beaten the drill.
The time limit is what turns this into a technical challenge under pressure, not a walk through the mine field, so don’t let it slip.
This drill develops:
- Close control and quick feet under pressure
- Awareness of space and other players
- Composure and decision making at pace
- Confidence to trust their touch rather than slow down
What Separates Good Coaches From Great Ones?
One Drill is a Session.
A Plan Builds Players.
Drills like this one work best when they’re part of something bigger — six weeks of structured sessions with a clear purpose, building week on week. That’s what The Plan gives you.
All About
The Plan
Just Want Your Age Group?
Each pack contains 50+ drills built specifically for that age group. PDF download or physical hardcopy. U7-U12 coaches — grab the bundle above for the best value.
Built for the youngest players — fun, engaging, age-appropriate. Develops love of the game first.
Everything a U7-U12 coach needs in one bundle. 50 drills from V1 plus 50 brand new drills from V2 — covering the full range of technical, tactical and competitive development for this age group.
Technical skills, tactical awareness, and competitive play for the grassroots sweet spot age group.
A full follow-on volume — 50 completely new drills for U7-U12. Perfect alongside V1 for a second season of fresh content.
Tactical depth, position-specific work, and competitive small sided games for older players.
⚽ Free 6 Week Training Planner
The framework behind two cup-winning seasons. Download it tonight. Use it Tuesday. Free forever.
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