Age
groups: all ages
Number of
players: whole team
Set up:
the size of the grid will vary depending upon the numbers involved as well as the level of
the players but for 10-14 players a 25 x 25 grid would be about right.
Basic game: start with two
players each holding a bib. These two players are it in a simple game of
tag. If either of the two it players tags another player, the player who
was tagged gets the bib and becomes it. This should get all of the players moving a
bit to start.
Progression: next we add two
footballs into the grid. A player who has possession of a football cant be
tagged. The it players dont try to steal the ball but rather they
try to tag a player who doesnt have a ball. This is where the passing,
receiving, vision and communication come into play. If a player is being chased and
is about to be tagged, a teammate with the ball should pass her the ball in order to give
her safety. This will require the players with the ball looking to see who is in
danger of being tagged. It will also require the players without the ball who are
being chased to be running while looking for a ball and calling for it (just like they
should be doing in a game).
TIP: With younger or less
experienced players you might want to start with them holding the balls and they can throw
and catch using their hands and then progress up to using soccer skills.
Summary: while this is a very
simple game, it's one that your players will enjoy and will also allow them to work on
some extremely valuable ball and communication skills at the same time. |