Lead the Diagonal Runner
A passer leads a teammate into diagonal space, then that receiver carries briefly to release the next moving teammate.
- 10 min
- 4–8 players
Drill · U12
Bounce and Escape
A runner passes to a wall player and times a return into space beyond a passive obstacle before connecting with an outlet.
- Duration
- 10 min
- Players
- 4–8 (ideal 4)
- Movement
- Passing
- Receiving
Setup
Step 1 of 2
One complete 4-player group is shown. Place one soft mannequin centrally, with a wall player above it and an outlet beyond it. One runner starts on the ball; a fourth player waits in a clear start pocket and rotates in each repetition.
Coaching points
- Setup: Place one soft mannequin centrally, with a wall player above it and an outlet beyond it. One runner starts on the ball; a fourth player waits in a clear start pocket and rotates in each repetition.
- Play: The runner passes to the wall player, moves around the obstacle and receives the wall return in the clear space beyond it. A controlled receive-and-outlet pass earns one quality point. The next runner starts only when the ball is returned outside the route.
- Reset and rotation: After each repetition the runner becomes outlet, outlet becomes wall player, wall player joins the start pocket and the waiting player runs next. Walk the ball back outside the action lane; pause after 45 seconds.
- Numbers: The diagram shows 4 players. With up to 8, use a second complete group in a separate area. Odd spare players rest off the area and rotate into a playing role every 45 seconds; everyone has equal turns.
- Coach focus: The wall player waits for the runner to clear the obstacle before delivering. The runner should stay visible and move at a controllable pace.
- Safety: Unopposed ground play, one active ball and a secured soft mannequin. Leave generous obstacle clearance; no racing or contact. Keep the return walk away from the next runner.
Equipment
- Ball · 2 per group, including a spare
- Mannequin · 1 per group
- Flat Marker · 1 per group
- Flat Marker · 4 per group for field and zone corners, in addition to pictured markers
- Bib · 4 per group; colours match the pictured roles
Progressions
- Easier Use a flat marker instead of a mannequin and let the runner stop beyond it before receiving.
- Harder The runner varies the departure timing and the wall player adjusts the return rather than playing automatically.
