Receive and Turn Through the Gates

In pairs, one player receives a pass and uses the first touch to steer the ball through one of two cone gates set up behind them. Students learn the directional first touch, which sets up the next play instead of stopping the ball dead.

How to play

1. Place partners 8 yards apart; 2 yards behind the receiver, use flat disc cones to set up two 1-yard gates, one on each side, in a V shape.
2. The passer plays a ground pass; before receiving, the receiver checks over the shoulder and steers the ball with the inside of the foot toward one gate.
3. After dribbling through the gate, the receiver turns and passes back; repeat 6 times, then switch roles.
4. Add a cue: the passer raises one arm and the receiver must turn to the opposite side, as if escaping a defender.
5. Work in 3-minute rounds, and from the third round on, a classmate stands behind the receiver as a passive defender.
6. Finish with a 2-minute challenge: count only the first touches that go straight through a gate.

Rules

• The first touch only counts if the ball goes through the gate on that touch.
• Passes stay on the ground with the inside of the foot; no blasting the ball at a partner.
• All pairs face the same direction so loose balls do not roll through other groups.
• The passive defender does not steal; they just give the receiver a reference.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student receives with the hands or the wheelchair and pushes the ball toward the gate; gates are widened to 2 yards.
• Deaf or hard of hearing: every cue is already visual; just make sure the receiver looks at the passer before each pass.
• Skill level: advanced students receive with the outside of the foot or the weaker foot.

Learning goals

• Direct the first touch into open space.
• Scan before receiving to decide where to take the ball.
• Pass on the ground accurately over the set distance.

Equipment for a class of 25

• soccer balls: 13
• flat disc cones: 52

Teacher tip

The usual mistake is stopping the ball and then turning: demonstrate in slow motion and ask players to let the foot travel with the ball. Hand out the disc cones before starting to save time.

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