HomeDrillsWarm-UpColour Goals Warm-Up
⚽ Warm-Up

Colour Goals Warm-Up

Four mini-goals marked with different coloured cones.

Total19 min AgeU7–U8 Players12 Setup3 min Run16 min Level
12345Colour Goals Warm-Up — full pitch view
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The one cue that matters
Quality touches even in the warm-up

Why this drill works

Four mini-goals marked with different coloured cones. Coach calls a colour — players dribble and shoot at that colour goal. Develops reactive decision-making and shooting confidence in a non-threatening game-like format. Every player shoots every round. The game structure keeps U7 players engaged an

The drill in three phases

1Setup
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Starting positions — players, zones and equipment in place.
2Action
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Movement begins — players run, dribble and create the pattern.
3Finish
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The end action — pass, shot or outcome the drill builds toward.
Ball carrierAttackersDefendersPass / dribbleShot

How to run it

  1. Set four mini-goals (2 cones each, different colours) at corners of 20×15m grid. Players in middle, each with a ball.
  2. Coach calls a colour. All players dribble to that goal and shoot. Celebrate every attempt.
  3. Progression: call two colours — players choose which to shoot at. First decision-making.
  4. Progression: split into teams. Team A scores on red and blue; Team B on orange and green. First to 5 wins.
  5. Progression: passive defender in each goal (just stands there). Players must shoot around them.

Equipment checklist

  • Balls6
  • Cones8

Coaching points

Praise when you see

  • Quality touches even in the warm-up
  • Active, engaged movement — not going through the motions
  • Good intensity building gradually into the session

Correct when you see

  • Static stretching cold — keep the movement dynamic
  • Standing in queues — keep everyone active

Kit for this drill — top picks compared

PickProductBest for
Top pickMarker Cones (50-pack)Set up any warm-up grid.Check price →
ValueTraining Bibs (10-pack)Team activation games.Check price →
UpgradeAgility LadderDynamic movement prep.Check price →

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?Frequently asked questions

What age group is Colour Goals Warm-Up suitable for?
This warm-up suits U7–U8 and can be scaled in intensity to match the group.
How many players do I need for Colour Goals Warm-Up?
This drill works well with around 12 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 Colour Goals Warm-Up take?
Allow around 3 minutes to set up and 16 minutes to run it — about 19 minutes in total. It fits well as the technical or main block of a session, leaving time for a warm-up and a game.