Feed the Monster
A small goal or a big box is a hungry monster. Feed it the ball, and the grown-up makes a big gulp.
A small goal or a box on its side is the monster; the marker is where the ball sits for stage 2, and the cone is what you run round in stage 3.
Set up
- Put a small goal, or a big box on its side, in front of the child. That is the hungry monster.
Indoors or garden.
How to play
- Feed the monster the ball, and the grown-up makes a big gulp.
- Stage 1: right up close, hands or feet.
- Stage 2: from a marker a step or two back, with the grown-up putting the ball back on the marker each time so it is always a still ball.
- If it is not going in, move closer, never further away.
- Stage 3: get the ball back out of the monster's mouth, run round a cone and feed it again.
- Count everyone's feeds together, never each child's own.
Stages
Stage 1Right up close, hands or feet.Stage 2From a marker a step or two back, with the grown-up putting the ball back on the marker each time so it is always a still ball.Stage 3Get the ball back out of the monster's mouth, run round a cone and feed it again.
Make it easier
- Move closer.
- Use hands.
Make it harder
- Move to the next stage.
Three things to say
- Kicking a still ball comes long before kicking a moving one.
- One instruction at a time.
- If it is not working, make it easier.
Words that work: "Gulp!"
Colts habit
Work hard: one more feed.
Both feet
Feed it with either foot.
Heads up
Look at the monster's mouth.
Safety: Soft ball indoors. Keep the box away from stairs and glass. The grown-up stays close.
My best
Everyone's feeds counted together. Never each child's own. Only ever compared with your own earlier go, never with anyone else. Saved on this device only.