This game takes a bit of setting up but it’s well worth it, as it really examines the players’ ability to grip the ball and their passing dexterity. It also requires discipline, as the players have to work in a confined space without making body contact.
What you need for this game
- 24 Players
- 1 Ball
- 15 Cones
Set-up
Use cones to mark out a playing area measuring 30m x 10m. Use more cones to divide the area into a grid of 12 5m x 5m squares, as shown
1.
Rules
No contact allowed.
Players must stay in their squares.
What you do as coach
1. Divide your players into two teams of 12, then put one player from each team into every 5m square. Nominate a team to start with the ball.
On your whistle, the first player must pass the ball up the grid to a team mate in the next designated square.
2. If the team mate catches the ball cleanly, he must then pass it along the grid to another team mate, but not back to the player who passed it to him.
As the ball is passed up the grid, the opposing team should try to intercept it, knock it down or force an error, but no contact is allowed.
A point is scored for every three completed passes.
3. On a turnover, play resumes in the square where the error took place and the other team moves the ball the opposite way along the grid.
How you can progress the game
As players become more adept, or for more advanced players, make the squares much smaller so that the player making the pass must display even greater dexterity.
Encourage the defending player to make contact, particularly with the ball-carrying arm, but not to grapple the ball carrier to the floor.
- One man from each team in every square.
- Player passes along grid to team mate.
- Enthuse: Try to get your players up and ready for this game. Tell them you’ll be looking for good ball control and variation in their passing.
- Players continue to pass to team mates.
- Opposition tries to intercept.
- No contact!
- Shout out: Players can, and should, move about within their squares when in possession to allow a clear pass. Shout out to let them know.
- After a knockdown or interception, play restarts with the opposing team.
- Advise: This game develops a range of passing skills, such as passing off both hands, one-handed or overhead. Advise players on technique.