Combination Play Gate Game
Communication & Teamwork
Legend
- player
- coach / parent
- movement path
How it works
Score points by completing combination plays (1-2s, overlaps, or third-player runs) while communicating the sequence.
What you need
- cones
- soccer ball
- scrimmage vests
Your focus
Combination play requires teammates to read each other and communicate intent before executing. This drill rewards the teamwork and verbal coordination behind combinations , making players understand that team goals require team communication.
Set up a bounded space with 4 cone gates (a set distance wide) positioned around the perimeter.
Teams of 3 play small-sided activity.
A point is scored only by completing a combination play (wall pass, overlap, third-player) through a gate.
The combination must be called aloud by the initiating player before it starts ('wall!' or 'overlap!').
Coach confirms if the call was made, uncalled combinations don't count.
8-minute games; swap teams.
Helpful cues
- Call it first, your teammate needs to know what's coming
- Move to make the combination possible, meet the ball
- third-player run: the passer calls the runner, not the receiver
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Allow teams to set up the combination from a standing start, no live pressure.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Each combination type can only be used once per possession, must vary.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.