Fielding

Any player may need to catch the high ball. Usually forwards from the kick off, backs from open play. The principles of “fielding” the catch include being aware of your support players and thinking what to do next. This session builds on those principles.

Warm up time: 7-10
Session time: 10-15
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 10-15
Warm down time: 7-10

What to think about

• Are the players using both hands and their chest to field the ball successfully?Practice some catching with the players in pairs throwing high passes to each other. The fielding player moves and uses the “three points”, that is both hands and the chest, to catch the ball.
• Is the catcher giving an early call that it’s his ball?Throw or kick the ball to two players standing 10 metres apart. Make it fairly obvious who the ball is going to but encourage the players to shout for it. Develop the exercise by landing the ball between the players so there could be some indecision unless they communicate well.

set-up

1. Call for the ball early and move quickly to catch it before it hits the ground.
2. Turn your body sideways as you field the ball to stop any knock ons.
3. Have your hands above your head with the palms facing you.
4. As you gather the ball pull it into your chest.

What you get your players to do

Split your players into two groups of four with one group in each area. The players have to kick the ball from their area into the opponent’s area. If the ball is caught, the fielding team scores a point. If dropped or the ball hits the ground in the area, the kicking team scores a point. The fielding team also scores if the ball lands outside the fielding area.