tooptimeTIME TO PLAY
Soccer drills

Give-and-go around a defender

Use this activity to work on passing 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
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At a glance
Players3–9
Starting space15 × 10 yards; one cone defender
Suggested time6–10 minutes, including short breaks
EquipmentBalls, flat cones, bibs when teams are used

Set it up

An attacker starts with the ball, a supporting player stands to one side, and a cone marks a defender.

How to play

Pass to the support, run beyond the cone into space, and receive the return pass ahead of the run. Switch the support after several attempts.

Make it easier

Remove the cone and rehearse the timing at walking pace.

Add a challenge

Replace the cone with a defender who chooses to follow the runner or press the support.

What to watch for

The return pass goes behind the runner. Support players should look at the run and pass into reachable space.

Take it into a game

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