| Players | 2–12 |
|---|---|
| Starting space | 8 × 8 yards per pair; two balls |
| Suggested time | 6–10 minutes, including short breaks |
| Equipment | Balls, flat cones, bibs when teams are used |
Set it up
Partners face each other across a two-yard gap, each with a ball. Choose a leader.
How to play
The leader moves slowly sideways or backward and changes direction. The partner mirrors the movement while keeping their own ball close. Switch leaders every 30 seconds.
Make it easier
Remove the follower’s ball for the first round.
Add a challenge
The leader adds a turn before moving into a different part of the square.
What to watch for
The leader sprints away and loses the partner. Make successful mirroring the pair’s shared goal.
Take it into a game
Finish with a short small-sided game and look for the same dribbling 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.