Get organised with Russian dolls

Don’t be deceived – this handling exercise looks simple but will quickly turn to chaos! It will get players thinking, talking and organising as they need to problem-solve whilst retaining the accuracy of their skills

This is about communication, leadership and organisation as much as handling. Speed of thought is critical.

1. Put teams of four at each end of the red box.
2. When you shout “red”, they move forward and pass the ball down the line.
3. The last player passes it to the first player of the next team of four coming from the opposite direction.
4. Repeat until you call the next colour and the teams move and operate in that coloured box.

1. If you call “green”, the teams work in the smallest box but in teams of three.
2. If you call “blue”, they work in the biggest box but in teams of five.

1. The groups will have to constantly change to match up the numbers.
2. Develop so that when you shout “change”, teams swing 90 degrees and go through the box in a different direction.

TECHNIQUE

• Simple catch-and-pass basics (hands out to passer, follow through to target)
• Players should look for potential gaps in the next line and be ready to fill them
• Communicate to help determine who should fill in