Gafferbook
Fitness and agility ยท U7 to adult

Reaction races

Partners start in funny positions (sitting, lying, facing away) and race to a ball or gate when the coach calls. Short sprints, quick reactions and lots of competition.

U7 to adultAges
Pairs (whole squad)Players
20 x 10 mArea
8 minsTime

Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.

โž• Put it in tonight's session๐Ÿ—“ Build my season around itโœ๏ธ Make my own version

Set-up

  • Pairs side by side on a start line with a ball 10 metres away (or a gate each side).
  • Coach gives the start position each round.

Equipment: Cones, balls

How it works

  1. Start sitting, lying on your front or facing backwards.
  2. On the call, race to the ball; winner tries to dribble through a gate, loser defends.
  3. Swap starting positions each round.

Coaching points

  • Explode on the call: first three steps are key.
  • Get your body between your opponent and the ball.
  • Stay on your feet.

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Standing starts

Make it harder

  • Coach calls a colour gate after they set off
  • Winner must score in a goal

AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ†’ Passโ†’ Runใ€ฐโ†’ Dribble

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