Passing Gates: Rack Up Gates With Your Partner

In pairs, score points by passing the ball through cone gates scattered around the area. Works accurate passing, communication and moving to receive.

How to play

1. Spread 20 gates, 1 m wide, across half the field; pairs with one ball (2 min).
2. Round 1: a pass through a gate received by your partner on the other side scores a point; 2 minutes (3 min).
3. Round 2: no using the same gate twice in a row, and every third pass is with the weaker foot (4 min).
4. Round 3: two pairs per 10 gates act as blockers by standing in gates others want to use; a gate only counts if free (5 min).
5. Round 4: a directional first touch after receiving is mandatory to head for another gate (4 min).
6. Team total: each pair shares its best round and the class adds them up (2 min).

Rules

• Ground passes only; lofted passes don't count.
• A gate in use by another pair can't be used.
• Move with your head up to avoid collisions.
• Each pair keeps its own score.

Variations

Adaptations

• Visual impairment: tall pole gates and a bell ball; the partner claps from the far side.
• Limited mobility: passes by rolling the ball by hand from the wheelchair; the partner does the moving.
• Beginners: may stop the ball before passing.

Learning goals

• Pass accurately along the ground.
• Move to open a passing lane.
• Communicate with a partner.

Equipment for a class of 25

• soccer balls: 15
• cones: 40

Teacher tip

40 cones make 20 gates; if short, use pinnies or water bottles. Typical error: the receiver stands still; "get to the gate before the ball does".

More main activities for Middle School