Zone Soccer: Stay in Your Lane

The field is split lengthwise into three bands and each team has two players in each, who can't leave it. It stops a few players from dominating and gets the ball to everyone.

How to play

1. Divide a 36 x 20 m field into three bands with cones; teams of 6 plus a rotating keeper (4 min).
2. Each team puts two players in each band; the ball must go through the middle band to reach the attack (3 min).
3. 7-minute game (7 min).
4. Rotate bands: defenders move to midfield, midfield to attack, attack to defense (2 min).
5. Another 7-minute game and a new rotation (7 min).
6. Final game with an extra rule: a defender may join the attack by dribbling the ball there (7 min).

Rules

• Nobody leaves their band, except under the final extra rule.
• The ball can't skip from defense to attack without going through midfield.
• Band rotation is mandatory: everyone attacks and defends.
• No contact; tackle the ball only.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: plays in the attacking band with a personal zone where the ball can't be stolen.
• Visual impairment: band marked with tape or rope on the ground that can be felt underfoot, plus a bell ball.
• Students lacking confidence: start in their preferred band in round one before rotating.

Learning goals

• Hold position and occupy assigned space.
• Move the ball through every line of the team.
• Experience both attacking and defending roles.

Equipment for a class of 25

• soccer balls: 2
• pinnies: 16
• cones: 24
• futsal goals: 4

Teacher tip

The bands are an equalizer: the strongest player can't drop back and win every ball. Common error: stepping out of the band; warn without penalizing at first.

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