Soccer End Zone Game

Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot

The Soccer End Zone Game turns possession into a soccer attacking drill with real direction. By making teams win the ball into a zone behind the defense, U9–U16 players learn to spot and attack open space early - and defenders learn what it costs when they leave it unguarded. It's a game-realistic way to coach both sides of the transition.

Browse the full possession drills library for more like this, or explore every soccer drill for U13 players.

Setup

• Mark a 50×30 yard grid with cones.
• Add a 5-yard end zone across each end of the grid.
• Split the squad into two evenly matched teams in bibs.

How It Works

1. Teams play a normal possession game inside the main grid.
2. To start scoring, a team must pass or dribble the ball into one end zone and control it there.
3. As soon as they secure the ball in that zone, they attack the other direction, aiming to win possession of the ball in the opposite end zone.
4. A point is scored only when a team controls the ball in both end zones back to back; if the opponents win the ball at any point in between, the sequence resets and play continues.
5. Keep score and play to a target or a time limit.

Coaching Points

• Reward players who look forward early - the space behind the defense is the target.
• Push attackers to move and offer support angles the moment their team wins the ball.
• Ask defenders to protect the space behind them, not just chase the ball.
• Look for quick counterattacks immediately after a turnover, before the defense reorganizes.

Variations

• Limit players to two or three touches to speed up ball movement.
• Require a minimum number of passes before a team may enter an end zone.
• Shrink the grid for younger players so the switch from end to end is quicker.