Carry into the Safe End
Players seek an individual carrying route into a protected end zone, then stop the ball under control rather than rushing a shot.
- 12 min
- 6–12 players
Game · U15
Carry Before Release
A possession contest rewards the ball carrier for retaining control through an escape before releasing to a teammate; there are no goals or attacking ends.
- Duration
- 12 min
- Players
- 6–12 (ideal 6)
- Dribbling
- Scanning
- Possession
Setup
Step 1 of 2
One complete 6-player group is shown. Three blue and three red share a clear rectangle with one ball. There are no goals, fixed neutral players or directional scoring zones.
Coaching points
- Setup: Three blue and three red share a clear rectangle with one ball. There are no goals, fixed neutral players or directional scoring zones.
- Play: Before releasing, take at least three controlled carrying touches. A carry that moves beyond an opponent’s starting line of pressure followed by a teammate-controlled pass earns one. If no safe gap appears, turn and retain instead; extra touches do not score by themselves.
- Reset and rotation: On interception the new team starts its own carry-and-release attempt. Ball out restarts with the other team from a clear position. Use 45-second bouts, then rest and change the starting carrier; reset the score each bout.
- Numbers: The diagram shows 6 players. With up to 12, 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: Keep the ball reachable while looking for the opponent’s available side. Support players offer a passing angle after the carrier creates separation; do not count stationary toe taps as an escape.
- Safety: Interception only, no contact, sliding or poking at occupied feet. Comfortable pace and short bouts; remove the touch condition if it causes bunching or unsafe retention.
Equipment
- Ball · 2 per group, including a spare
- Flat Marker · 4 per group for field and zone corners, in addition to pictured markers
- Bib · 6 per group; colours match the pictured roles
Progressions
- Easier Allow a pass after one carrying touch and walking defence; demonstrate a safe release before counting points.
- Harder Ask defenders to vary their screen so the carrier chooses a new escape and outlet; avoid shrinking the space or adding contact.
