There is no single correct distance between cones for every football drill. A close-control weave, a passing gate and a running route ask the player to do different things. Start with the purpose, then choose a layout that lets the player practise it.
The examples below are starting layouts for practice. They are not official test dimensions, safety clearances or Marcr performance standards. If you are running a named assessment or competition, use its published protocol exactly.
Three things to decide before measuring
The task: what should the player practise? Small touches, a controlled turn, a pass through a target or movement between markers?
The player: can they complete the route at a controlled pace? Change the task or spacing if the layout prevents the intended movement.
The space: is there enough clear area around the route, beyond the finish and between active groups? The marked drill is only part of the space needed.
Example A: A four-cone weave
Place four cones in a line with 2 metres between adjacent cone centres. The first and last centres are 6 metres apart. Add clear starting and finishing space outside that measured line.
This is one starting point for the solo soccer cone drills. If the player repeatedly catches cones or cannot make the intended touches, slow the task down or widen the gaps. If you move to 2.5 metre gaps, the line becomes 7.5 metres long. Record that change before comparing results.
Example B: A dribbling gate
Use two cones to make a 2 metre opening, measured between the inside edges. Place a second gate with its centre 4 metres from the centre of the first. Leave room beyond each gate for a controlled turn.
Gate width and travel distance are separate choices. Widening the gate changes the target. Moving the gates further apart changes the journey. Change one at a time when you want to understand what made the task easier or harder.
Example C: A box for turns
Use four cones for a 4 metre square, measuring centre to centre along each side. Check both dimensions rather than assuming it looks square. A tape measure is more repeatable than pacing it out.
This makes a clear practice route, but it does not mean the player should sprint around it. Start at a controlled pace and allow clear space outside each corner. If the aim is ball control, watch what happens to the ball after the turn before increasing speed.
Keep measurement rules consistent
Choose either cone centres or the relevant edges and write down which you used. A gate opening is naturally described edge to edge; a route between marker positions is often easier to reproduce centre to centre.
Different cone sizes can change a gate even when the centres remain in the same place. Photograph the layout or sketch it in your notes, label the cones A to D and record the distances. A photograph alone will not reliably tell you the scale later.
For coaches setting up several groups
Mark out one layout and have another person check its measurements.
Copy those measurements for the remaining stations.
Check where players wait, where balls could travel and how groups enter and leave.
Keep walkways and emergency access clear.
Explain the route before starting, then watch a slow rehearsal.
Recheck moved cones before recording another set of results.
For a whole team session, use the session setup guide and equipment checklist. Station spacing needs to reflect the actual activity and site, not just the cone dimensions in a diagram.
Copy this setup card
Drill name and purpose:
Number of cones:
Distances and measurement points:
Gate width, if used:
Direction and foot:
Start and finish rule:
Clear space and waiting area checked:
Layout photo or sketch:
Changes since the previous session:
Add the card to your training log. If the layout changes, start a new comparison rather than claiming a faster time came from improvement alone.
Practice layouts and Marcr AI
Marcr AI is being built to help players record drills and follow their progress. Confirmed app drill protocols and supported setups will be provided as the product develops. These general practice examples do not replace those future instructions. Follow the build or register interest in a club trial.