First Touch
The keeper serves, whoever touches it first becomes the defender, and it's 2v1 to goal.
Set up
- Mark a 20 by 20 grid with a goal and a keeper.
- Three players in different colours start in the grid.
Balls, bibs, cones and nets. 20 by 20 grid. Three teams.
How to play
- The keeper serves the ball to any player. Whichever player touches the ball first becomes the defender.
- They pass to either of the other two attackers and then move to defend 2v1.
- The attackers try to score and the defender tries to stop them. If the defender wins the ball the round is over and play restarts from the keeper.
Keeping everyone moving
Several grids so groups of three play at once. Keeper turns follow the academy rotation rule.
Make it easier
Make it harder
- Add a time limit for the attackers to score.
- Allow a second defender to come in as a recovery defender to create 2v2.
- Add two small goals at the other end. If the defender wins the ball they can score in one.
Three things to say
- Keep the ball under control, change of speed.
- 1v1 skills, create space for the shot.
- Defending: body shape, close down, slow down.
Colts habit
Work hard: the defender's job starts the moment they pass.
Both feet
First touch with the practice foot.
Heads up
Look up as the keeper serves.
The Colts change: Several grids so groups of three play at once. Keeper turns follow the academy rotation rule.
Safety: Academy keeper safety rules apply.
Keeping score: Each child keeps their own count and tries to beat it next time. Nothing is compared between children.