tooptimeTIME TO PLAY
Soccer drills

Keep the ball after kickoff

Use this activity to work on restarts 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 2026-09-21U9–U10 · U11–U12
Suggest an improvement
At a glance
Players6–10
Starting spaceCenter area, about 25 × 20 yards
Suggested time6–10 minutes, including short breaks
EquipmentBalls, flat cones, bibs when teams are used

Set it up

Arrange two equal teams for a kickoff using your competition’s distances and positions. Identify a nearby support player.

How to play

Take the kickoff and use the first two passes to find space. Play normally for a short period, then reset with different starters and roles.

Make it easier

Begin without immediate pressure after the first touch.

Add a challenge

Allow defenders to press as soon as the ball is legally in play.

What to watch for

The first player launches the ball with no target. Ask for a visible teammate and an option after the first pass.

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 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.

BUILT AROUND YOUR TEAM

Give us feedback.

What would make ToopTime more useful? Tell us what worked, what was confusing, or what you wish you could do.

How we use your suggestions