Red Light, Green Light

Age Group: U6-U8
Skill Focus: Dribbling, Ball Control, Listening

🎥 Watch the Drill

Objective

Help players learn to dribble under control, stop the ball quickly, and keep the ball close while listening to instructions.

Equipment

• 1 soccer ball per player

• Cones to mark a 20x20 yard grid

Setup

• Every player starts on one end line with a ball.

• Coach stands on the opposite end.

• Players dribble toward the coach.

How to Play

🟢 Green Light

• Dribble toward the coach.

🟡 Yellow Light

• Slow dribble.

🔴 Red Light

• Stop the ball immediately using the sole of the foot.

Add fun commands later:

🚗 Speed Bump – tiny touches

🚀 Turbo – fast dribble

🦀 Crab Walk – backwards

🛑 Flat Tire – stop and sit on the ball

Coaching Points

✅ Keep the ball close.

✅ Use small touches.

✅ Keep your head up.

✅ Stop the ball with the bottom of your foot.

Common Mistakes

❌ Kicking the ball too far ahead

❌ Looking down the entire time

❌ Using only one foot

Make It Harder

• Use only the left foot.

• Use only the right foot.

• Add cones to avoid.

• Race to the finish line.

BYS Coaching Tip

At U6, don't worry about who wins. Celebrate players who keep the ball close and listen well.