tooptimeTIME TO PLAY
Soccer drills

Find space before a finishing pass

Use this activity to work on scanning through repeated decisions with the ball. Start with the simpler version, watch the first round, and adjust the space or pressure to match the players in front of you.

By ToopTime · Updated 2026-09-21U11–U12 · U13+
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At a glance
Players4–8
Starting space22 × 18 yards; secured goal or two targets
Suggested time6–10 minutes, including short breaks
EquipmentBalls, flat cones, bibs when teams are used

Set it up

A server has the ball centrally. An attacker and defender move in the finishing area while a supporting player offers a second option.

How to play

The attacker changes position to become visible. The server passes when the lane opens; the attacker receives and finishes or connects to support. Rotate after each attack.

Make it easier

The defender shadows at walking pace.

Add a challenge

Allow the defender to intercept and counter to a start gate.

What to watch for

The attacker waits behind the defender. Ask for a movement that lets the server see both the player and the passing lane.

Take it into a game

Finish with a short small-sided game and look for the same scanning decision without the activity’s extra conditions. Ask a player to describe one moment when it helped. Keep the next round simple if the skill disappears under pressure.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Look for space. Keep the ball within reach.

Practical suggestions to adapt to your players. This resource has not received independent coach or referee review. How our content is prepared.

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