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Maverick and the Goose
The attacking player needs to beat the defender. If they can’t, they can pass the ball to their support player. This activity works on evasive skills, creating space, support and continuity.
CHALLENGE
Beat the defender by shifting them out of position. Use the support player if you can’t break through.
SET UP
Two 10m boxes split in half, with about 2m between the boxes.
how to do it
- Put a defender into each box, about 2m from start.
- Put Maverick (with the ball) and the Goose at the front of one box.
- When you say go, Maverick runs into one side of the box. They aim to beat the defender. If they do, they run into the next box and try to do the same.
- Once in one side of the box, neither Maverick or the defender can move into the other side of the box. Goose cannot run into their side of the box either.
- Maverick can pass the ball at any time.
- Maverick can also pass the ball within three seconds of being tagged.
- If they are tagged in the first box, Goose has to go alone into the next box, choosing one side.
- If not tagged in the first box, they can pass after a tag in the second. However, Maverick has only two seconds to pass the ball this time, Goose three.
- If they succeed, they have another go. If not, they become the new defenders.
TECHNIQUE
- Let the players work out that it’s better to pass before being tagged.
Reference: Maverick and the Goose are characters from the 80s film, Top Gun
- Maverick and the Goose start in the middle of first two boxes
- Each defender waits 2m inside their box
Related Files
- Maverick (ball carrier) runs into one of the boxes
- The Goose (support player) cannot run into the same box
- Only the Goose is allowed into this box
- If Maverick is tagged, they can pass within three seconds to the Goose
- If Maverick passes before being tagged, the defender cannot come into the other box
- If Maverick makes it untagged, the same happens in the next box
- If Maverick is tagged and The Goose takes a pass, then The Goose goes it alone
- If both are untagged, then it’s like the first box
Dan Cottrell
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