Three-Colour Agility Maze

Set-up

Set up a square grid approximately 26 feet by 26 feet (about eight adult strides by eight adult strides). Place two cones of the same colour opposite each other on one side of the square to form a "gate". Repeat this for two more sets of different coloured cones, creating three distinct coloured gates evenly spaced around the perimeter of the square. A single size 3 or 4 football is required. For cones, you can use household items like old t-shirts, plastic cups, or shoes, ensuring they are distinct colours for the gates.

What you need

• Ball
• 6 coloured cones

The ground: 26 × 26 ft (about 8 × 8 m). One child can run it alone in a backyard. The space and equipment check lists every drill that fits the ground you have.

How to run it

1. Set up. A small grid about eight steps a side with three differently coloured gates around it.
2. Light feet. Small steps on the balls of the feet, ball close.
3. Head up. Find the colour first, then move. Feet follow the eyes.
4. Accelerate out. Burst through the gate rather than drifting through it.
5. Short bursts. Twenty seconds on, forty off. This is a speed drill, not a fitness one.
6. Six rounds. Count correct gates out of ten calls.

Coaching points

• Feet stay light and underneath you — no long strides
• The head comes up to find the colour before the feet change direction
• Accelerate through the gate, do not drift through it

What to watch: Head coming up to find the colour before the feet change direction, not after.

Common mistakes

• Head Down Too Long: The player looks at the ball for too long, only lifting their head after the colour is called. This means they react slowly, as their eyes must then scan for the gate, wasting precious reaction time and making the change of direction less efficient.
• Long Strides/Ball Drifts Away: The player takes large, infrequent touches on the ball, causing it to travel several feet ahead or to the side. This looks like the player running after the ball rather than moving with it. It means they lose the ability to make sudden changes of direction or react instantly to a called colour, as the ball is not under immediate control. Encourage them by saying, "Glue the ball to your shoelaces!" or "Tiny touches, keep it close, like a magnet!"
• Drifting Through Gates: Instead of bursting through the gate with speed, the player slows down or coasts. This reduces the drill's effectiveness in developing acceleration and decisive movement, which are crucial for game situations.
• Crashing into Cones: The player misjudges their speed or direction, colliding with the gate cones. This indicates a lack of spatial awareness and control, making them prone to losing possession or fouling in a real game.
• Lack of Readiness: The player stands flat-footed or is slow to react to the call. This shows a lack of anticipation and agility, meaning they won't be able to make quick decisions or react to opponents and passes effectively in a match.
• Not Using Both Feet: The player predominantly uses one foot for touches and changes of direction. This limits their versatility and ability to react quickly to plays on either side of their body, making them predictable to defenders.

What good looks like

A good target: Correct gate found on 9 of 10 calls with no more than two braking steps.

• Consistently finds the correct gate on 9 out of 10 calls.
• Changes direction with no more than two braking steps after the call.
• Keeps the ball within arm's reach while moving in the grid.
• Head lifts to scan for gates before the parent calls a colour.
• Accelerates decisively through the gate rather than slowing down.
• Maintains balance and control throughout the changes of direction.

Progressions and variations

Making it harder

• Level 1: Static Colour Call: Player stands still with the ball. Parent calls a colour, player dribbles slowly through that gate and stops. Focus on identifying colours and basic control.
• Level 2: One Gate Focus: Set up only one coloured gate. Player continuously dribbles within the grid, and on a call, dribbles through that single gate and back into the grid. Focus on constant movement and gate recognition.
• Level 3: Two Gates, Slower Pace: Use two different coloured gates. Player dribbles slowly, parent calls one of the two colours. Focus on scanning between options and changing direction.
• Level 4: Full Pace, All Gates: Use all three coloured gates. Player performs the drill as described, focusing on speed and quick changes of direction.
• Level 5: Call Combinations: Instead of a single colour, call "Red then Blue". The player must go through the red gate, return to the centre, then immediately go through the blue gate.
• Level 6: "Opposite" Calls: Parent calls a colour, and the player must go through the gate opposite the one called. This adds a cognitive challenge and requires quick processing.
• Level 7: Small Space, More Gates: Reduce the grid size significantly (e.g., 15x15 feet) and add a fourth coloured gate if possible, increasing the density of decision-making and control required.
• Level 8: Add a "Shadow" Defender: The parent lightly follows the player (without trying to tackle), creating pressure and forcing quicker decisions and tighter control through the gates.

Alone, with a sibling, or in a group

• Solo: a phone or a parent calls a colour every few seconds while the feet keep moving.
• Sibling: one calls and times, the other works; swap after thirty seconds.
• Co-op: two working at once through the same maze, which forces them to look up for each other too.

For the parent running it

• Quick feet through a small grid, out through whichever colour you call. Short bursts, plenty of rest.
• Keep the atmosphere positive and encouraging; praise effort and good decisions more than just perfect execution.
• This is a speed and decision-making drill, so stick to the short bursts (20 seconds on, 40 seconds off) to prevent fatigue from compromising technique.
• Focus on one or two coaching points per session, rather than trying to fix everything at once. For example, dedicate one round to "head up" and another to "small steps" or "ball close".
• Incorporate this drill early in a practice session after a general warm-up, when the player is fresh and can execute with maximum intensity.
• Vary the gate calls to keep the player engaged; sometimes call the same colour twice, sometimes cycle through all three.

On their own: Set the gates out and use a phone to call a colour every few seconds while the feet keep moving.

Safety

• Ensure the playing surface is even and free from hazards like rocks, holes, or debris to prevent trips and falls.
• Players should wear appropriate footwear with good grip to support quick changes of direction and minimise the risk of ankle twists.
• Maintain adequate hydration, especially in warmer weather, as this drill involves short, intense bursts of activity.
• If multiple players are participating, ensure they are spaced out sufficiently or take turns to avoid collisions, especially when accelerating through gates.
• Instruct players to stop the ball gently after exiting the gate to prevent it from rolling into an unsafe area or causing them to over-run.

More on training safely at home: Safety at Home.

Why it matters

This drill is fundamental for developing a player's agility, close ball control, and crucial scanning ability. It directly feeds into game situations requiring quick decisions under pressure, such as dribbling through congested areas, finding an open passing lane, or reacting to an opponent's movement. It teaches players to process visual information and execute a physical response simultaneously, a core skill for all positions.