Prepare the first decision
10 minPlayers this activity: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 · 6 attending
Begin at walking pace in the numbered stations. A partner shows two closed sides; the carrier turns to find a visible return receiver before moving the ball. Share the ball when needed; an observer watches the same decision and takes a ball turn on the next assigned round.
Check both exits; keep a return option. The return is selected from the route information.
Run the activity
- A partner shows two closed sides; the carrier turns to find a visible return receiver before moving the ball.
- Pause on a raised hand and point to the space you chose.
- Swap the ball on the round signal and notice this feature: The return is selected from the route information.
Play
- A partner shows two closed sides; the carrier turns to find a visible return receiver before moving the ball.
- 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 return is selected from the route information.
If you see: The carrier forces a turn every time.
Try: Rehearse the both-closed cue with the ball still and receiver clearly visible.
Organisation
2 separate stations. Roles: carrier, receiver, signal observer; extra players observe. Advance one slot each round. 3 turns cover every player. A first carrier turn can take up to 120s of activity. Waiting is active observation; add balls or reduce group size if it becomes too long.
7 rounds × 60 seconds. Timing: 420s activity · 60s briefing · 60s rest · 60s transition.
Adjust the challenge
Easier: Use only open-left and both-closed cues.
Next step: Give the signal after the carrier enters the central space.
Move on: Stop the balls and identify the start positions for read the three route cues.
20 × 25 m clear area with a 2 m perimeter buffer. 2 numbered stations, 6 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: Choose an open turning exit or a supporting return pass when both exits close. Diagram shows starting positions, not fixed player locations. Three steps show turn or return 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. Read both exits: Read the cue: this example has both exits closed. 2. Use the return option: A short return keeps the ball out of the closed routes. 3. Find a new angle: Move into a new angle before reconnecting.
Round-by-round player roles
| Round | Assignments |
|---|---|
| 1 · 60s | 1: carrier (station 1); 3: receiver (station 1); 5: signal observer (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 4: receiver (station 2); 6: signal observer (station 2) |
| 2 · 60s | 1: signal observer (station 1); 3: carrier (station 1); 5: receiver (station 1); 2: signal observer (station 2); 4: carrier (station 2); 6: receiver (station 2) |
| 3 · 60s | 1: receiver (station 1); 3: signal observer (station 1); 5: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver (station 2); 4: signal observer (station 2); 6: carrier (station 2) |
| 4 · 60s | 1: carrier (station 1); 3: receiver (station 1); 5: signal observer (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 4: receiver (station 2); 6: signal observer (station 2) |
| 5 · 60s | 1: signal observer (station 1); 3: carrier (station 1); 5: receiver (station 1); 2: signal observer (station 2); 4: carrier (station 2); 6: receiver (station 2) |
| 6 · 60s | 1: receiver (station 1); 3: signal observer (station 1); 5: carrier (station 1); 2: receiver (station 2); 4: signal observer (station 2); 6: carrier (station 2) |
| 7 · 60s | 1: carrier (station 1); 3: receiver (station 1); 5: signal observer (station 1); 2: carrier (station 2); 4: receiver (station 2); 6: signal observer (station 2) |
Equipment: 2 balls · 8 cones · 0 goals
Round-by-round player roles
C = carrier · R = receiver · Q = signal observer. Times are activity seconds; briefing, rest and transition are separate.
| Player | Station | R1 60s | R2 60s | R3 60s | R4 60s | R5 60s | R6 60s | R7 60s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | C | Q | R | C | Q | R | C |
| 2 | 2 | C | Q | R | C | Q | R | C |
| 3 | 1 | R | C | Q | R | C | Q | R |
| 4 | 2 | R | C | Q | R | C | Q | R |
| 5 | 1 | Q | R | C | Q | R | C | Q |
| 6 | 2 | Q | R | C | Q | R | C | Q |