Gates 1v1: Dribble Through to Score

1v1 duels in an area full of cone gates: you score by dribbling through a gate. Builds dribbling, beating an opponent and shielding.

How to play

1. Spread 15–20 gates, 1.5 m wide, over half the field; pairs with one ball (2 min).
2. Unopposed round: each player counts gates dribbled through in 1 minute while the partner follows without tackling (3 min).
3. Live 1v1: the player on the ball scores gates; the defender tries to win the ball and, if successful, starts scoring (6 min).
4. Switch partners every 2 minutes, finding someone of similar level (5 min).
5. Final round: you can't go through the same gate twice in a row (4 min).

Rules

• Tackle the ball only, no tackling from behind, no sliding.
• A gate counts only if ball and player dribble through it.
• No using the same gate twice in a row.
• Each pair keeps its own score, no public rankings.

Variations

Adaptations

• Visual impairment: tall pole gates and a bell ball; the defender only blocks the path, no stealing.
• Limited mobility: scores gates carrying the ball on the lap; the defender may only step in front, no contact.
• Students unsure in duels: start against a passive defender and choose when to go live.

Learning goals

• Shield the ball with the body.
• Change direction to get past an opponent.
• Defend cleanly and on balance.

Equipment for a class of 25

• soccer balls: 14
• cones: 40
• pinnies: 14

Teacher tip

Pair by level and rotate often so nobody is stuck with the same partner. The common error is dribbling eyes-down: "see the gate before you go".

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