⚽ Dribbling
Carrying at Pace — Breaking Lines
Ball-carrying at U12 means something different from U8 dribbling.
Carrying at Pace — Breaking Lines — full pitch view
The one cue that matters
Close control in tight space — ball glued to the feet
◆Why this drill works
Ball-carrying at U12 means something different from U8 dribbling. At U12, the carry has a tactical purpose: break through a midfield line when passing options are blocked, arrive at the final third with momentum, or transition from defence to attack before the opposition shape sets. This drill teaches the carry as a deliberate tactical action — not running with the ball because you can't pass, but carrying because the space ahead justifies it. The gate represents the midfield line; the passive defender teaches the scan-and-commit moment.
▦The drill in three phases
1Setup
Starting positions — players, zones and equipment in place.
2Action
Movement begins — players run, dribble and create the pattern.
3Finish
The end action — pass, shot or outcome the drill builds toward.
Ball carrierAttackersDefendersPass / dribbleShot
▶How to run it
- Server plays the ball into the receiver's path at the start of the channel.
- Receiver takes a positive first touch forward and drives toward the gate at pace.
- On reaching the gate, receiver scans left/right — passive defender will drift to one side.
- Receiver carries through the gate and shifts past the defender using the side the defender vacated.
- Receiver drives to the final third and finishes.
- Rotate: receiver becomes server, server becomes defender, defender becomes receiver.
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Close control in tight space — ball glued to the feet
- Change of pace to beat the defender after the move
Correct when you see
- Head down, unaware of support or space around
- Always using the strong foot — develop both
★Kit for this drill — top picks compared
| Pick | Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Marker Cones (50-pack) | Build dribbling channels. | Check price → |
| Value | Training Footballs (6-pack) | Close-control reps. | Check price → |
| Upgrade | Agility Poles (set) | Weave and turn drills. | Check price → |
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?Frequently asked questions
What age group is Carrying at Pace — Breaking Lines suitable for?
This drill suits youth. Keep it unopposed for younger players to build confidence; add a defender for older players to make it game-realistic.
How many players do I need for Carrying at Pace — Breaking Lines?
This drill works well with around 10 players. With fewer, reduce the groups or rotate players through; with more, set up multiple stations so everyone stays active rather than queuing.
How long does Carrying at Pace — Breaking Lines take?
Allow around 3 minutes to set up and 15 minutes to run it — about 18 minutes in total. It fits well as the technical or main block of a session, leaving time for a warm-up and a game.