Three-Grid Gauntlet
One attacker dribbles a gauntlet of three squares, taking on a fresh defender in every one.
Beating a defender off the dribble — control it fast, attack their front foot, and burst into the space behind — is a skill this drill demands three times in a row.
Set up · 3 actions · before the kids arrive
- Grab: Cones, pinnies, and a large supply of balls — the coach keeps the balls.
- Build: Build a gauntlet of three squares in a row, 10 by 10 yards each.
- Place: Attackers line up 7 yards from one end with the coach and the balls. One defender stands in each square, and the remaining defenders wait 7 yards past the far end.
Show me the setup picture
One thing to remember: Dribbling to beat defenders — quick control, attacking the front foot, fakes and feints, and change of pace and direction.
How it runs — the whole game in one sentence
The coach passes in and the attacker tries to dribble through all three squares; lose it anywhere and the defenders each move up one square while a new attacker starts.
1Organize the players▾
Coach does
Split into attackers and defenders. Put one defender in each square, park the rest behind the far end, and line the attackers up behind you and the ball supply.
Coach says
One defender per square. Attackers — line up behind me.
2Show the jobs▾
Coach does
Walk the path — the attacker takes the pass and dribbles through square one, then two, then three, beating the defender in each. Each defender defends only their own square.
Coach says
Attackers — through all three, one defender at a time. Defenders — you only defend your own square.
3Play▾
Coach does
Feed the first attacker and keep the balls coming. When a defender wins the ball or it leaves the area, the attacker rejoins the line, every defender moves up one square, and the square-one defender heads to the defender line.
Coach says
First touch under control — then attack with speed! Go at their front foot.
Look for: Control, not kicking — the attacker keeps the ball at their feet through each square instead of knocking it ahead and chasing.
4Switch and repeat▾
Coach does
Switch the two groups so both teams attack and defend.
Coach says
Switch it up — defenders, you're attacking now.
If it's not working
If attackers can't get through the first square, drop the defenders to half speed until the moves come out — then turn the pressure back up.
Want to go deeper? Optional — not needed to run the game.
Why are we doing this?
What are they learning?
How can I change it?
Easier: Defenders play at half speed until the attackers find their confidence.
Next: 1v1 Close-Down Battle — the same moves at full speed, with two goals to attack.