Red Light, Green Light Dribble

Setup

Make a short lane with two markers at the far end. Call green light for dribbling, yellow for tiny touches, and red for stopping the ball with the sole of the foot.

Steps

1. Start with the ball at the player's feet.
2. Call green light and let the player dribble forward.
3. Call yellow light for slower touches.
4. Call red light and ask for a calm stop.
5. Turn around and play again before attention fades.

Coaching points

• Keep the ball close.
• Bend the knees when stopping.
• Use the sole gently, not a stomp.
• Let the player make up a call too.

Common mistakes

• Making the lane too long.
• Calling too quickly for a young player.
• Treating every lost ball as a mistake.
• Turning the game into a race.

Make it easier

Walk beside the player and use only green and red.

Make it harder

Add a turn on yellow or ask the player to stop with the other foot.

How to know it is working

The player starts, slows, and stops the ball several times without needing to chase it.

Safety

Use a flat surface and leave plenty of room behind the stopping line.