Fielding the high ball

All players may need to catch a high ball – forwards from kick-offs, backs from open play. The principles of “fielding” include being aware of your support players and thinking about what to do next. This session builds on those principles.

WARM-UP

1. Throw balls between two players who practise calling and catching. 

ACTIVITY

1. Split players into two groups of four with one group in each 20m x 15m box. The players have to kick the ball from their area into the opponent’s area. 
2. 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.

DEVELOPMENTS

1. Ask that all “fielding” is done by jumping for the ball.
2. Tell players to catch the ball above their heads as a soccer goalkeeper would catch a cross.
3. The kicking player follows his kick and is allowed to put pressure on the fielder.

GAME

1. Split your squad into two teams of eight in a 40m square. Use poles 5m apart to mark out two sets of goalposts. 
2. Players can only run 5m with the ball and can only pass using a kick.
3. Defenders try to intercept or gather a loose kick.
4. Score by kicking the ball between the two poles at the end of the pitch.
5. The game is like Australian Rules football.

TECHNIQUE

• Get under the ball early.
• Turn your body sideways to protect yourself as you catch and prevent knock-ons.
• Move position after the catch.
• Look for space and kick into it.