tooptimeTIME TO PLAY
Soccer drills

Island hopping ball control

Use this activity to work on ball mastery 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 2026-09-21U6–U8
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At a glance
Players4–10
Starting space18 × 18 yards; four corner islands
Suggested time6–10 minutes, including short breaks
EquipmentBalls, flat cones, bibs when teams are used

Set it up

Mark four small corner squares. Everyone starts with a ball in the middle sea.

How to play

Travel to an island, stop the ball inside it, then choose a different island. Give each journey a challenge: gentle inside touches, outside touches, or a slow turn.

Make it easier

Make the islands larger and keep the journeys unhurried.

Add a challenge

An island closes when the coach stands in it, requiring a new destination.

What to watch for

Players crowd the same island. Ask which island has room before the next journey starts.

Take it into a game

Finish with a short small-sided game and look for the same ball mastery 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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