tooptimeTIME TO PLAY
Soccer drills

Traffic light soccer

Use this activity to work on dribbling 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
Players4–12
Starting space15 × 15 yards; one ball per player
Suggested time6–10 minutes, including short breaks
EquipmentBalls, flat cones, bibs when teams are used

Set it up

Spread everyone across the area facing different directions. Demonstrate the three signals before starting.

How to play

Green means dribble, yellow means smaller touches, and red means stop the ball under a foot. Restart quickly so nobody waits or gets eliminated.

Make it easier

Use only green and red until players can stop under control.

Add a challenge

Hold up colored cones silently so players must glance away from the ball.

What to watch for

Children watch the coach continuously and collide. Ask for quick looks, then eyes back to the space around them.

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 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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