Pairs dribble near each other, both with a ball; on Swap! they pass to each other at the same time.
Set up
- Mark a 20 m by 20 m square.
- Children pair up and both have a ball.
- Pairs spread out inside the square.
Pairs, 8 to 12 children. 20 m by 20 m.
How to play
- Pairs dribble near each other.
- One partner calls Swap! Both pass their ball to the other at the same time.
- Each receives the partner's ball, then dribbles away.
- After three swaps, find a new partner.
Keeping everyone moving
Both children always have a ball. Nobody stands and watches a partner.
Make it easier
- Pairs stand still 3 m apart for swaps.
- Stop the ball with the sole before moving.
Make it harder
- Swap on the move.
- The first touch must go into space away from the partner.
Three things to say
- Look at your partner before you pass.
- A soft pass the partner can take.
- First touch out of your feet.
Words that work: "Great call!", "You made your partner look good!", "Brave pass on the move!"
Colts habit
New partner each time, so everyone plays with everyone.
Both feet
Every third swap uses the practice foot.
Heads up
Look before calling Swap!
For your birth year
Pick a birth year to show the tweak for that group.
- 2020
- From the spring term. Still swaps, lots of cheering.
- 2018 to 2019
- Moving swaps, new partner each time.
- 2016 to 2017
- Add two defenders who try to touch a ball during swaps.
A young leader can run this one, with an adult coach beside them.
Safety: Keep pairs well apart in the square. Passes stay on the ground.
Keeping score: Each pair counts clean swaps in a minute and tries to beat their own total.