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Player arrivals and departures
Use anonymous numbers from 1 to 99. Changes take effect before an activity begins; each activity needs 4–16 players.
Your practice
Reach a player behind a closed direct route using a visible middle connection.
U9–U1060 min8 starting players24 × 30 mField practice
Bring 8 balls and 16 cones. Use ground play and line targets. Keep water available.
Look for progress
Connector checks the next receiver before accepting the first pass.
Third player adjusts their position to show a clear second passing line.
Check the surface, boundaries and equipment before play. Pause or simplify whenever needed. Confirm local youth football rules. Numbered slots replace names.
Begin at walking pace in the numbered stations. Three players name starter, connector and next receiver, then point to the two clear passes between them. Share the ball when needed; an observer watches the same decision and takes a ball turn on the next assigned round. In a three-player station both partners receive; when a group has only two players, the empty corner remains an available movement target. In larger stations, extra players observe and rotate into the trio.
See the next player before receiving. The connector has seen the next receiver before the ball arrives.
Run the activity
Three players name starter, connector and next receiver, then point to the two clear passes between them.
Pause on a raised hand and point to the space you chose.
Swap the ball on the round signal and notice this feature: The connector has seen the next receiver before the ball arrives.
Play
Three players name starter, connector and next receiver, then point to the two clear passes between them.
Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.
Watch for
The connector has seen the next receiver before the ball arrives.
If you see: The connector receives square and must search for the next pass.
Try: Pause before serving and ask the connector to point to both partners.
Organisation
2 separate stations. Roles: carrier and two receivers when the group has three players; extra players observe. Advance one slot each round. 4 turns cover every player. A first carrier turn can take up to 180s of activity. Waiting is active observation; add balls or reduce group size if it becomes too long.
Easier: Keep all positions fixed and stop between passes.
Next step: Third player changes angle before the connector receives.
Move on: Stop the balls and identify the start positions for prepare the connector.
24 × 30 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered stations, 8 numbered player slots, 2 balls and 8 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Reach a player behind a closed direct route using a visible middle connection. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show triangle move using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. Show passing angles: Use the available players to show angles. 2. Pass and relocate: Move after the pass to reopen the triangle. 3. Connect the next side: Use the next angle, then look up again.
Three players form a bent passing route around a named blocked direct line. The connector can see both partners. In a three-player station both partners receive; when a group has only two players, the empty corner remains an available movement target. In larger stations, extra players observe and rotate into the trio.
See the next player before receiving. The connector has seen the next receiver before the ball arrives.
Run the activity
Third player moves to an angle visible to the connector.
Connector checks that player before receiving from the starter.
Control across the body and connect the second ground pass; rotate by the round table.
Play
Third player moves to an angle visible to the connector.
Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.
Watch for
The connector has seen the next receiver before the ball arrives.
If you see: The connector receives square and must search for the next pass.
Try: Pause before serving and ask the connector to point to both partners.
Organisation
2 separate stations. Roles: carrier and two receivers when the group has three players; extra players observe. Advance one slot each round. 4 turns cover every player. A first carrier turn can take up to 180s of activity. Waiting is active observation; add balls or reduce group size if it becomes too long.
Easier: Keep all positions fixed and stop between passes.
Next step: Third player changes angle before the connector receives.
Move on: Stop in place, recall the connector has seen the next receiver before the ball arrives. and walk to water with the balls still.
24 × 30 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered stations, 8 numbered player slots, 2 balls and 8 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Reach a player behind a closed direct route using a visible middle connection. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show triangle move using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. Show passing angles: Use the available players to show angles. 2. Pass and relocate: Move after the pass to reopen the triangle. 3. Connect the next side: Use the next angle, then look up again.
Offer water and rest. Leave balls still outside the walking route. Before restarting, show the next decision: The second pass goes to the receiver's current position.
See the next player before receiving. Every player has a rest opportunity and understands the next start position.
Run the activity
Stop every ball and offer water or seated rest.
Check the surface, clear the next station and keep boundary buffers empty.
Name what to look for next: The second pass goes to the receiver's current position.
Play
Stop every ball and offer water or seated rest.
Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.
Watch for
Every player has a rest opportunity and understands the next start position.
If you see: Players begin moving balls while others cross the area.
Try: Keep every ball still until the area is clear and all players have heard the start signal.
Easier: Demonstrate only the first action, then begin slowly.
Next step: Invite a player to point out the next receiving or observation position.
Move on: Show the first decision in find the moving third player before the restart signal.
24 × 30 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered stations, 8 numbered player slots, 0 balls and 4 cones. Players gather for rest or reflection; no ball is used. Focus: Reach a player behind a closed direct route using a visible middle connection. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.
Keep the starter and connector in view. The third player chooses a near or farther window beyond the closed direct route. In a three-player station both partners receive; when a group has only two players, the empty corner remains an available movement target. In larger stations, extra players observe and rotate into the trio.
See the next player before receiving. The second pass goes to the receiver's current position.
Run the activity
Starter checks the direct route and uses the connector when it is closed.
Third player adjusts while the first pass travels.
Connector controls, verifies the new window and makes the second pass; return if the window is not ready.
Play
Starter checks the direct route and uses the connector when it is closed.
Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.
Watch for
The second pass goes to the receiver's current position.
If you see: The third player waits behind the same blocked line.
Try: Ask the third player to find a place where the connector can see both feet.
Organisation
2 separate stations. Roles: carrier and two receivers when the group has three players; extra players observe. Advance one slot each round. 4 turns cover every player. A first carrier turn can take up to 180s of activity. Waiting is active observation; add balls or reduce group size if it becomes too long.
Easier: Open one known third-player window throughout the attempt.
Next step: Close the second window briefly so the connector must return and try another angle.
Move on: Stop the station balls, show the game target lines and explain this condition: Score with a third-player connection into the end zone after a middle player changes the passing angle.
24 × 30 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered stations, 8 numbered player slots, 2 balls and 8 cones. Each station shares one ball and rotates roles; dashed arrow shows an example travel or pass route. Focus: Reach a player behind a closed direct route using a visible middle connection. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show triangle move using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. Show passing angles: Use the available players to show angles. 2. Pass and relocate: Move after the pass to reopen the triangle. 3. Connect the next side: Use the next angle, then look up again.
Score with a third-player connection into the end zone after a middle player changes the passing angle. Use the numbered teams and neutral roles for this pitch. Agree line targets inside the shown area. Restart with a gentle ground pass; opponents retreat at least two metres until the first touch.
See the next player before receiving. Record a third-player connection where movement opens the second pass and the receiver controls it.
Run the activity
Before each round, explain the scoring condition: Score with a third-player connection into the end zone after a middle player changes the passing angle.
Play within the marked pitch using the current numbered roles; restart from the nearest boundary after the ball leaves.
At the next pause, give one observed example: Record a third-player connection where movement opens the second pass and the receiver controls it.
Play
Before each round, explain the scoring condition: Score with a third-player connection into the end zone after a middle player changes the passing angle.
Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.
Watch for
Record a third-player connection where movement opens the second pass and the receiver controls it.
If you see: The third player waits behind the same blocked line.
Try: Ask the third player to find a place where the connector can see both feet.
Organisation
2 pitches. Teams use numbered A/B slots. Odd groups use a neutral who helps the team with the ball. Rotate slot assignments between rounds; everyone plays and each odd-pitch player takes a neutral turn.
Easier: Pause at each restart to show the available choice. Open one known third-player window throughout the attempt.
Next step: Close the second window briefly so the connector must return and try another angle.
Move on: Stop every ball, bring the numbered groups together and leave a clear space for walking or seated reflection.
24 × 30 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered pitches, 8 numbered player slots, 2 balls and 4 cones. A and B are teams; N is the supporting neutral. End lines are scoring targets. Focus: Reach a player behind a closed direct route using a visible middle connection. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show decision game using the first round's numbered players. Solid gold routes show the ball; dashed pale routes show player movement; dotted blue routes show a shadow or defender. Routes stay inside each numbered station. 1. See the options: Look for a carry, pass or safe return. 2. Choose a clear route: Choose the route that is clear now. 3. Keep the next option open: Move to help the next player with the ball.
Round-by-round player roles
Round
Assignments
1 · 180s
1: team A (station 1); 3: team B (station 1); 5: team A (station 1); 7: team B (station 1); 2: team A (station 2); 4: team B (station 2); 6: team A (station 2); 8: team B (station 2)
2 · 180s
1: team B (station 1); 3: team A (station 1); 5: team B (station 1); 7: team A (station 1); 2: team B (station 2); 4: team A (station 2); 6: team B (station 2); 8: team A (station 2)
3 · 180s
1: team A (station 1); 3: team B (station 1); 5: team A (station 1); 7: team B (station 1); 2: team A (station 2); 4: team B (station 2); 6: team A (station 2); 8: team B (station 2)
4 · 180s
1: team B (station 1); 3: team A (station 1); 5: team B (station 1); 7: team A (station 1); 2: team B (station 2); 4: team A (station 2); 6: team B (station 2); 8: team A (station 2)
Leave the balls still and walk comfortably within your own station. Recall one choice from the session, then ask: Who made the final passing window possible?
See the next player before receiving. Connector checks the next receiver before accepting the first pass. Third player adjusts their position to show a clear second passing line.
Run the activity
Leave all balls still; choose comfortable walking or seated rest.
Point to the movement you remember without a ball, then reflect: Who made the final passing window possible?
Share one observed example or say that you need another look; count the players and equipment before finishing.
Play
Leave all balls still; choose comfortable walking or seated rest.
Ground play only. No heading, sliding, body contact or tackles at a player's feet. Intercept loose ground passes only. Offer water or a pause whenever needed.
Watch for
Connector checks the next receiver before accepting the first pass. Third player adjusts their position to show a clear second passing line.
If you see: The review names only the score and misses the choice that led to it.
Try: Ask for one specific example: Record a third-player connection where movement opens the second pass and the receiver controls it.
Easier: Allow a pointing gesture or one word instead of a spoken explanation.
Next step: Invite a player to explain what they would change if the same route closed next time.
Move on: Check every player and collect stationary equipment before leaving the area.
24 × 30 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 1 numbered stations, 8 numbered player slots, 0 balls and 4 cones. Players gather for rest or reflection; no ball is used. Focus: Reach a player behind a closed direct route using a visible middle connection. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations.
