| Players | 5–10 |
|---|---|
| Starting space | Half of the appropriate small-sided field |
| Suggested time | 6–10 minutes, including short breaks |
| Equipment | Balls, flat cones, bibs when teams are used |
Set it up
Use a keeper, two defenders, and two opponents. Mark any build-out line required by your competition and agree when opponents may advance.
How to play
Restart from the goal area and find an open teammate. The receiver chooses a forward route or a return support pass. Stop to reset after each possession ends.
Make it easier
Opponents begin as passive screeners.
Add a challenge
Allow active pressure only under the restart rules your league uses.
What to watch for
Players copy a restart pattern without checking pressure. Ask the keeper to identify the available side before playing.
Take it into a game
Finish with a short small-sided game and look for the same restarts 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 SIMPLELook 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.