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Player arrivals and departures
Use anonymous numbers from 1 to 99. Changes take effect before an activity begins; each activity needs 4–16 players.
Your practice
Offer options for a ground restart.
U11–U1260 min10 starting players28 × 34 mField practice
Bring 10 balls and 16 cones. Use ground play and line targets. Keep water available.
Look for progress
Show two options before starting the ground restart.
Move the server into support once the ball is in play.
Check the surface, boundaries and equipment before play. Pause or simplify whenever needed. Confirm local youth football rules. Numbered slots replace names.
Begin at walking pace in the numbered stations. Place a still ball on the end line; two receivers walk into different visible angles before anyone passes. Share the ball when needed; an observer watches the same decision and takes a ball turn on the next assigned round. In a three-player station both partners receive; when a group has only two players, the empty corner remains an available movement target. In larger stations, extra players observe and rotate into the trio.
Show two options before the restart. Movement happens before the ball is put in play.
Run the activity
Place a still ball on the end line; two receivers walk into different visible angles before anyone passes.
Pause on a raised hand and point to the space you chose.
Swap the ball on the round signal and notice this feature: Movement happens before the ball is put in play.
Play
Place a still ball on the end line; two receivers walk into different visible angles before anyone passes.
Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.
Watch for
Movement happens before the ball is put in play.
If you see: Receivers run away or stand on the same passing line.
Try: Keep the ball still until two visible reachable angles are shown.
Organisation
3 separate stations. Roles: carrier and two receivers when the group has three players; extra players observe. Advance one slot each round. 4 turns cover every player. A first carrier turn can take up to 180s of activity. Waiting is active observation; add balls or reduce group size if it becomes too long.
Easier: Fix the first receiver and practise only the separation.
Next step: Coach indicates one unavailable line before the pass.
Move on: Stop the balls and identify the start positions for restart triangle.
28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 3 numbered stations, 10 numbered player slots, 3 balls and 10 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Offer options for a ground restart. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show restart using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. Stop and set the ball: Place the ball inside the boundary. 2. Show an option: A partner shows a clear passing angle. 3. Restart and support: Use a ground pass, then offer support.
A server starts on the end line with two receivers at different angles. In pairs, show one receiver and name the unused option. In a three-player station both partners receive; when a group has only two players, the empty corner remains an available movement target. In larger stations, extra players observe and rotate into the trio.
Show two options before the restart. Movement happens before the ball is put in play.
Run the activity
Receivers separate and show ready before the restart.
Server looks at both angles and chooses a ground pass.
Ball stops and the group names the option that stayed available.
Play
Receivers separate and show ready before the restart.
Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.
Watch for
Movement happens before the ball is put in play.
If you see: Receivers run away or stand on the same passing line.
Try: Keep the ball still until two visible reachable angles are shown.
Organisation
3 separate stations. Roles: carrier and two receivers when the group has three players; extra players observe. Advance one slot each round. 4 turns cover every player. A first carrier turn can take up to 180s of activity. Waiting is active observation; add balls or reduce group size if it becomes too long.
Easier: Fix the first receiver and practise only the separation.
Next step: Coach indicates one unavailable line before the pass.
Move on: Stop in place, recall movement happens before the ball is put in play. and walk to water with the balls still.
28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 3 numbered stations, 10 numbered player slots, 3 balls and 10 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Offer options for a ground restart. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show restart using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. Stop and set the ball: Place the ball inside the boundary. 2. Show an option: A partner shows a clear passing angle. 3. Restart and support: Use a ground pass, then offer support.
Offer water and rest. Leave balls still outside the walking route. Before restarting, show the next decision: The server stays involved after releasing the ball.
Show two options before the restart. Every player has a rest opportunity and understands the next start position.
Run the activity
Stop every ball and offer water or seated rest.
Check the surface, clear the next station and keep boundary buffers empty.
Name what to look for next: The server stays involved after releasing the ball.
Play
Stop every ball and offer water or seated rest.
Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.
Watch for
Every player has a rest opportunity and understands the next start position.
If you see: Players begin moving balls while others cross the area.
Try: Keep every ball still until the area is clear and all players have heard the start signal.
Easier: Demonstrate only the first action, then begin slowly.
Next step: Invite a player to point out the next receiving or observation position.
Move on: Show the first decision in restart and rotate before the restart signal.
28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered stations, 10 numbered player slots, 0 balls and 4 cones. Players gather for rest or reflection; no ball is used. Focus: Offer options for a ground restart. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.
Use the same end-line restart. Opponents, if present, begin at least two metres away and only enter after the first touch. In a three-player station both partners receive; when a group has only two players, the empty corner remains an available movement target. In larger stations, extra players observe and rotate into the trio.
Show two options before the restart. The server stays involved after releasing the ball.
Run the activity
Receivers prepare two clear options.
Server makes the ground restart then walks into a supporting angle.
Receiver connects the next pass using the server or the other option.
Play
Receivers prepare two clear options.
Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.
Watch for
The server stays involved after releasing the ball.
If you see: The server watches from the end line.
Try: Name a support destination for the server before starting.
Organisation
3 separate stations. Roles: carrier and two receivers when the group has three players; extra players observe. Advance one slot each round. 4 turns cover every player. A first carrier turn can take up to 180s of activity. Waiting is active observation; add balls or reduce group size if it becomes too long.
Easier: Pause the ball while the server moves into support.
Next step: Receiver chooses a return or a third-player connection.
Move on: Stop the station balls, show the game target lines and explain this condition: Every restart begins at the end line; opponents retreat two metres until the first touch.
28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 3 numbered stations, 10 numbered player slots, 3 balls and 10 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Offer options for a ground restart. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show restart using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. Stop and set the ball: Place the ball inside the boundary. 2. Show an option: A partner shows a clear passing angle. 3. Restart and support: Use a ground pass, then offer support.
Every restart begins at the end line; opponents retreat two metres until the first touch. Use the numbered teams and neutral roles for this pitch. Agree line targets inside the shown area. Restart with a gentle ground pass; opponents retreat at least two metres until the first touch.
Show two options before the restart. Notice a restart with prepared options and a server who helps the second pass.
Run the activity
Before each round, explain the scoring condition: Every restart begins at the end line; opponents retreat two metres until the first touch.
Play within the marked pitch using the current numbered roles; restart from the nearest boundary after the ball leaves.
At the next pause, give one observed example: Notice a restart with prepared options and a server who helps the second pass.
Play
Before each round, explain the scoring condition: Every restart begins at the end line; opponents retreat two metres until the first touch.
Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.
Watch for
Notice a restart with prepared options and a server who helps the second pass.
If you see: The server watches from the end line.
Try: Name a support destination for the server before starting.
Organisation
2 pitches. Teams use numbered A/B slots. Odd groups use a neutral who helps the team with the ball. Rotate slot assignments between rounds; everyone plays and each odd-pitch player takes a neutral turn.
Easier: Pause at each restart to show the available choice. Pause the ball while the server moves into support.
Next step: Receiver chooses a return or a third-player connection.
Move on: Stop every ball, bring the numbered groups together and leave a clear space for walking or seated reflection.
28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered pitches, 10 numbered player slots, 2 balls and 4 cones. A and B are teams; N is the supporting neutral. End lines are scoring targets. Focus: Offer options for a ground restart. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show restart using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. Stop and set the ball: Place the ball inside the boundary. 2. Show an option: A partner shows a clear passing angle. 3. Restart and support: Use a ground pass, then offer support.
Round-by-round player roles
Round
Assignments
1 · 144s
1: team A (station 1); 3: team B (station 1); 5: team A (station 1); 7: team B (station 1); 9: neutral (station 1); 2: team A (station 2); 4: team B (station 2); 6: team A (station 2); 8: team B (station 2); 10: neutral (station 2)
2 · 144s
1: neutral (station 1); 3: team A (station 1); 5: team B (station 1); 7: team A (station 1); 9: team B (station 1); 2: neutral (station 2); 4: team A (station 2); 6: team B (station 2); 8: team A (station 2); 10: team B (station 2)
3 · 144s
1: team B (station 1); 3: neutral (station 1); 5: team A (station 1); 7: team B (station 1); 9: team A (station 1); 2: team B (station 2); 4: neutral (station 2); 6: team A (station 2); 8: team B (station 2); 10: team A (station 2)
4 · 144s
1: team A (station 1); 3: team B (station 1); 5: neutral (station 1); 7: team A (station 1); 9: team B (station 1); 2: team A (station 2); 4: team B (station 2); 6: neutral (station 2); 8: team A (station 2); 10: team B (station 2)
5 · 144s
1: team B (station 1); 3: team A (station 1); 5: team B (station 1); 7: neutral (station 1); 9: team A (station 1); 2: team B (station 2); 4: team A (station 2); 6: team B (station 2); 8: neutral (station 2); 10: team A (station 2)
Leave the balls still and walk comfortably within your own station. Recall one choice from the session, then ask: What made the first pass easier?
Show two options before the restart. Show two options before starting the ground restart. Move the server into support once the ball is in play.
Run the activity
Leave all balls still; choose comfortable walking or seated rest.
Point to the movement you remember without a ball, then reflect: What made the first pass easier?
Share one observed example or say that you need another look; count the players and equipment before finishing.
Play
Leave all balls still; choose comfortable walking or seated rest.
Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.
Watch for
Show two options before starting the ground restart. Move the server into support once the ball is in play.
If you see: The review names only the score and misses the choice that led to it.
Try: Ask for one specific example: Notice a restart with prepared options and a server who helps the second pass.
Easier: Allow a pointing gesture or one word instead of a spoken explanation.
Next step: Invite a player to explain what they would change if the same route closed next time.
Move on: Check every player and collect stationary equipment before leaving the area.
28 × 34 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered stations, 10 numbered player slots, 0 balls and 4 cones. Players gather for rest or reflection; no ball is used. Focus: Offer options for a ground restart. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.
