Set up
- Mark a 25 by 25 grid with a goal.
- Half attackers, half defenders. Several grids so pairs play at once.
Balls, bibs, cones and nets. 25 by 25 grid. Attackers and defenders.
How to play
- The defender passes the ball into the attacker, who tries to score.
- The defender aims to dictate play, steering the attacker away from goal into a wide area to narrow the angle for a shot.
- If a goal is scored, the ball goes out or the defender wins it, the turn is over. Swap roles.
Make it easier
Make it harder
- Give players a set number of goes before rotating roles.
- Open the grid up and change to a 2v2 scoring into both nets.
- Add a dribble line: if defenders win the ball they must dribble past it to swap roles.
Three things to say
- Bend your run to put your body between the ball and the goal.
- Close down quickly, slow down, don't dive in.
- Steer the attacker away from goal.
Colts habit
Work hard: patient defending is hard work.
Both feet
Show the attacker onto their practice foot.
Heads up
Watch the ball, not the tricks.
Safety: Keep the area clear of bags and bottles. Stay on your feet, no slide tackles. No heading.
Keeping score: Each child keeps their own count and tries to beat it next time. Nothing is compared between children.