Cone bowling (passing accuracy)
Players pass at cones to knock them over, like bowling. A brilliant first passing game for the youngest players: every pass has a target and a reward.
Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.
Set-up
- Scatter cones (or skittles) in the middle of the area.
- Players start on the outside, each with a ball.
Equipment: Lots of cones or skittles, 1 ball each
How it works
- Pass at a cone; knock it over for a point.
- Collect your ball and go again from the outside line.
- Coach re-stands the cones; count points in a minute.
Coaching points
- Use the inside of your foot like a putter.
- Look at the target, then the ball.
- Plant your other foot beside the ball, pointing at the cone.
Add this drill to a session plan โ
Make it easier
- Bigger targets (stacked cones)
- Closer line
Make it harder
- Weak foot only
- Further away
- Golden cone worth three points
AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ Passโ Runใฐโ Dribble
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See the drill โSwitching play: 4v4 + 2 across three zones
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See the drill โThird-man passing pattern (Y shape)
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See the drill โReceiving on the half-turn
Players in the middle receive from one side and turn to play to the other in one movement, with their body already open. The receiving skill every midfielder needs.
See the drill โScanning game: colour cones
Players pass in a square while the coach holds up a colour. The receiver must have looked first to pass to the matching cone gate. Builds the habit of checking your shoulder.
See the drill โ