Young players find basic “keepaway” games rather boring.
But they are really good for improving ball control, shielding, supporting play and communication.
So you need to find a way to make keepaway fun!
Quick! Pass! is great fun to play and it can get very competitive. My players love it!
Age group: U8s to U14s.
Set-up: Split your players into two teams of between four and six and give the players numbers, 1 to 4, 1 to 5 or 1 to 6.
Create a 20-yard square. This is a good size for experienced players but if your players are inexperienced or find the game difficult, make the areas bigger.
How to play: Use one team per area. To begin, your players pass the ball to each number in order, i.e. 1 to 2 to 3 to 4, etc.
Make sure players move after passing (no playing statues!) and they use the whole of the area.
After a minute or two, call a number.
The players with that number run into the other team’s grid and try to steal the ball.
Whoever steals the ball first gets a point for their team.
Progression: Call two numbers so two players on each team try to steal the ball.
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