Bounce and Strike Pairs
Also called Drop and Volley Pairs
Drop the ball, let it bounce once and strike it low into a pop-up goal.
One pair's area, set side by side with the others: drop the ball on the striking line 6 m out and strike it as it rises, partner beside the goal.
Set up
- Give each pair a pop-up goal and an area. Areas sit side by side, all facing the same way.
- Mark a striking line 6 m from goal.
- The partner stands beside the goal, not in it and not in front of it.
12 children in 6 pairs, each with its own 10 m by 8 m area.
How to play
- Hold the ball at waist height and drop it.
- Let it bounce once, then strike it with your laces as it rises.
- A goal only counts if the ball stays below the top of the pop-up goal.
- The partner collects the ball and rolls it back.
- Swap after 5 strikes. Alternate feet.
Keeping everyone moving
Two per goal and short rotations.
Make it easier
- Let the ball bounce twice.
- Move the line closer.
Make it harder
- The partner rolls the ball in and the striker flicks it up with the foot, then strikes after one bounce.
- Only other-foot goals count.
Three things to say
- Head and knee over the ball.
- Toes pointed.
- Land on the striking foot.
Words that work: "Brave strike!", "Great timing!", "Lovely rolls for your partner!"
Colts habit
Work hard at your timing.
Both feet
Alternate feet every strike.
Heads up
Glance at the goal before the drop.
For your birth year
Pick a birth year to show the tweak for that group.
- 2016
- 6 m, alternating feet.
- 2017
- 5 m.
Safety: No full volleys straight from the hands. No keeper. If a ball goes high, let it drop, never head it. Balls should not be over-inflated.
Keeping score: How many of my 5 stayed low and went in? Beat it next time.