Tails
Keep your tail away from the catchers, and if it goes, five star jumps and back in.
Set up
- Mark a 20 by 20 area.
- Every player tucks a bib into their shorts as a tail. Pick 2 or 3 catchers.
20 by 20 area. All players have a ball and a bib tucked into their shorts as a tail. 2 to 3 catchers.
How to play
- Players run around the grid trying to stay away from the catchers, who are trying to get their tail.
- If they get caught they complete 5 star jumps, put their tail back in and continue playing.
Keeping everyone moving
The booklet's later progressions (leave the grid when caught, most tails collected wins) are dropped. Caught always means five toe taps and back in.
Make it easier
Make it harder
- Add a ball for each player. If their tail gets caught they complete 5 toe taps, put their tail back in and continue to play.
- All players have a tail and a ball, and any player can catch any player's bib. If your bib gets caught, five toe taps, tail back in, carry on.
Three things to say
- Realistic football movement: forwards, backwards, left, right, slow and fast.
- Soft touches to keep control of the ball.
Colts habit
Work hard: keep moving until the whistle.
Both feet
Dribble away with the practice foot.
Heads up
Look over both shoulders for catchers.
The Colts change: The booklet's later progressions (leave the grid when caught, most tails collected wins) are dropped. Caught always means five toe taps and back in.
A young leader can run this one, with an adult coach beside them.
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.