Jumpers for Goalposts
Two groups build their own pitch with jumpers for goals, agree a house rule and run their own game, with adults only there for safety.
At a glance
- A 25 m by 20 m area, a tall cone at each corner, the kit in a pile in the middle. Two groups of 4 to 6 by random bibs.
- Each group has 2 minutes to build a pitch in its half, with jumpers for goals, and agree one house rule, like 3 passes before a goal.
- Each group plays 2v2 (3v3 with 6). Players call their own fouls and outs and settle arguments with rock, paper, scissors.
- Every 8 minutes, whistle: groups swap pitches and play the other group's rule. Adults only step in for safety.
- Progress 1: A second house rule, added after the first swap.
- Progress 2: Keep both rules, and rebuild the pitch into a new shape at every swap.
If it's not working: Give each group a ready-made pitch to change, not build.
- one team
- other team
- run
- dribble
- 1in this order
The whole area, about 25 m by 20 m, with four tall cones at the corners and the kit in a pile in the middle. Children fetch kit from the pile and each group builds its own pitch in its half, with jumpers for goals. Then they play by the house rule they agreed, calling their own fouls. Four of the children shown.
Full details: set up, how to play, tips and age tweaks
Set up
- Put 4 tall cones at the corners of an area of about 25 m by 20 m as the outer limit.
- Put the kit in a pile in the middle.
- Deal out bibs at random (no captains, no picking): two groups of 4 to 6, each with two bib colours for its two teams.
- Tell each group: You have 2 minutes to build your pitch.
8 to 12 children in one area of about 25 m by 20 m, marked by 4 tall cones. Each group builds its pitch in its own half, about 20 m by 12 m. The children decide the exact size.
How to play
- Each group builds its own pitch with the kit, in its own half of the area inside the corner cones.
- They agree one house rule (for example rush goalie or 3 passes before a goal).
- Each group plays 2v2 on its pitch, or 3v3 with a group of 6.
- They play, calling their own fouls and outs.
- If they disagree, they sort it out with rock, paper, scissors, then play on.
- Every 8 minutes, the coach blows the whistle and groups swap pitches to try the other group's rules.
Keeping everyone moving
All children build and play at once. Disagreements are settled in seconds. Adults are groundskeepers who only step in for safety.
Make it easier
- Give each group a ready-made pitch to change, not build.
- Suggest a menu of house rules to choose from.
Make it harder, step by step
- A second house rule, added after the first swap.
- Keep both rules, and rebuild the pitch into a new shape at every swap.
Three things to say
- Children organising themselves quickly.
- Children playing fairly and calling their own fouls.
- Children including everyone in the game.
Words that work: "Great work building that!", "Brave to call your own foul!", "Love how you included everyone!"
Colts habit
Groups choose a different child to explain their house rule each time.
Both feet
Suggest other-foot goal counts double as a house rule.
Heads up
Children must look up to check the goal jumpers are still in place.
For your birth year
Pick a birth year to show the tweak for that group.
- 2018 to 2019
- 2v2 or 3v3 in each group, one house rule.
- 2016 to 2017
- 2v2 or 3v3 in each group, two house rules, self-refereeing throughout.
Safety: Jumper goals must be on the ground, not on posts. Keep the pitch inside the corner cones and away from paths or walls. The coach can veto any unsafe house rule. No heading, no slide tackles.
Keeping score: Each child says one thing they helped build or decide today, and whether they did more than last week.