Stop and turn dribbling relay (Cruyff and drag-back)
Relay race in groups of 2-3 in 5x10 yard channels: dribble to the end of the channel, stop the ball, turn with the requested move (drag-back, Cruyff turn, inside or outside hook) and come back to hand over to a teammate. First group to complete five trips wins.
Step 1Ida
1 / 3
A la señal, el primero de cada grupo conduce hasta la línea de conos del final.
Objective
Learn to stop the ball and turn under control with different moves (sole, Cruyff, inside, outside) under the pressure of a race.
Organisation
One 5x10 yard channel per group, marked with cones at the four corners. Groups of 2-3 players with one ball, lined up at one end of the channel. The coach on one side to start the race and check the turns.
Development
- 1On the signal, the first player in each group dribbles to the end of the channel.
- 2At the cone line they stop the ball (sole of the foot) and turn with the move the coach has called: round 1 drag-back with the sole, round 2 Cruyff turn, round 3 inside hook, round 4 outside hook.
- 3They dribble back and hand over with a short pass or by stopping the ball in front of the next player, then join the back of the line.
- 4The next player goes as soon as they receive the ball.
- 5Each group completes five trips down and back; the first group to finish wins the round, but a poor turn (ball leaving the channel) means repeating that trip.
- 6Play four rounds, one per turn, and a final where each player picks their favourite turn.
Coaching points4
- Close control so the ball can be stopped dead: small touches in the last two metres.
- The turn protects the ball: body between the ball and the imaginary opponent.
- After the turn, a bigger first touch and acceleration towards the teammate.
- Clean handover: the ball arrives stopped or rolling softly to the next player.
Common mistakes3
- Dribbling with the ball too far ahead and overrunning the cone line.
- Turning with the toe and losing the ball out of the channel.
- Leaving before receiving the ball from the teammate.
Variations3
- One turn only (drag-back) for the youngest.
- Handover with a 3 m pass instead of stopping the ball.
- Right foot on the way out, left foot on the way back.
Progressions2
- Two turns in the channel: one in the middle and one at the end.
- Add a central cone to beat with a move on the way out.
Regressions2
- Shorter channel (6 m) and no stopwatch.
- Rolling the ball with the hand for U4-U5.
Tips
- Demonstrate each turn slowly and have players practise it standing still before racing.
- Groups of three at most so nobody waits more than 20 seconds.