Game version
Slow-it-down game: shadow a dribbler across a narrow lane and delay them for 10 seconds. The pair counts delays and swaps roles.
Jockey and Delay
Slow an attacker down by staying in front of them instead of diving in.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth soccer coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Your partner dribbles slowly toward you in a 5-yard channel.
Core: Jogs. Beat your own best run of patient delays.
- Ages
- 7 and up
- Time
- 10 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Soccer ball, partner, 4 cones
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Defending
The steps
How it works
- Your partner dribbles slowly toward you in a 5-yard channel.
- Back away at their speed, staying an arm and a half away.
- Do not try to win the ball; just keep them in front.
- Swap after each rep; do 8 each.
Coaching point
Patience. Make them make the mistake.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (dribbler walks), Core (jogs), More (changes pace). Beat your own best run of patient delays.
Story
You are a gentle dragon guarding the gate, patient rather than pouncing.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own best run of patient delays. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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