Volcano
The coach keeps erupting balls along the ground and everyone chases, controls and scores in any goal.
Goals round the outside facing in; the coach is the volcano in the middle and rolls balls out in any direction for anyone to chase and score.
Set up
- Mark a square.
- Place pop-up goals around the outside, facing in.
- The coach stands in the middle with all the balls. This is the volcano.
8 to 12 children, 20 m by 20 m (15 m by 15 m for 2020s).
How to play
- The volcano erupts: the coach rolls or passes a ball along the ground in any direction.
- Any child can chase a ball, control it and score in any goal.
- After scoring, bring the ball back to the volcano and go again.
- Keep erupting balls quickly, so there are always 3 or 4 balls loose.
- Team challenge: can everyone score before the volcano is empty?
Keeping everyone moving
Balls come out constantly, and nobody waits for a turn.
Make it easier
- Roll balls more slowly.
- Add more goals.
Make it harder
- Add 2 lava monsters in bibs who try to win balls and give them back to the volcano. Swap monsters every 60 seconds.
- Goals must be scored first time or with a maximum of two touches.
Three things to say
- Quick first touch towards a goal.
- Look up before striking.
- Strike the ball low.
Words that work: "Great chase!", "Brave, quick shot!", "Well done bringing the lava back!"
Colts habit
Work hard, chase every eruption.
Both feet
Shoot with whichever foot the ball arrives on.
Heads up
Spot the free goal.
For your birth year
Pick a birth year to show the tweak for that group.
- 2020
- No monsters. 15 m by 15 m.
- 2018 to 2019
- 1 monster.
- 2016 to 2017
- 2 monsters, and other-foot goals count double.
A young leader can run this one, with an adult coach beside them.
Safety: Coach never throws balls in the air. Keep the volcano's pile tidy so no one trips.
Keeping score: How many goals did I score this eruption? Beat it next time.