Traffic Light Dribbling: Stop, Go and Turn

Free dribbling inside an area, reacting to colored cards held up by the teacher. Works changes of speed and direction with the head up.

How to play

1. Everyone dribbles freely with a ball inside a 25 x 25 m square (2 min).
2. Green: dribble fast; yellow: dribble slowly with the sole; red: stop the ball under your foot and freeze (3 min).
3. Add signals: card held high means turn with the outside of the foot; arm pointing means dribble that way (3 min).
4. In pairs: one shows the cards, the other dribbles; switch halfway (2 min).

Rules

• Watch the card, not the ball: the winner reacts without looking down.
• If you meet someone head-on, pass to the right.
• On red, the ball is trapped and still.
• Never kick someone else's ball.

Variations

Adaptations

• Visual impairment: swap cards for clear spoken words and use a bell ball.
• Limited mobility: moves a ball with a hockey stick or the hands from the wheelchair, following the same colors.
• Ankle injury: is the card-holder for the whole activity.

Learning goals

• Change dribbling speed in response to a visual cue.
• Shield and stop the ball with the sole.
• Dribble with the head up.

Equipment for a class of 25

• soccer balls: 28
• cones: 4
• colored cards: 3

Teacher tip

Laminated colored paper works fine as cards. If you are short of balls, pair up and alternate on each signal.

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