Too often young players run out of space when carrying the ball and end up in touch. This game introduces them to a switch pass in a simple way and shows how it opens up play.
Set-up
Cones A, B, C and D form a 10m square. A player on cone A holds a ball and a player waits on cone B (picture 1).
The rules
On your call of “Go!” the player on cone A runs towards cone C. At the same time, the player on cone B runs towards cone D. When player A reaches the middle of the square, he pops a pass to player B who calls for it (picture 2).
When both players have reached their destination cones they turn and go back in the opposite direction. Now the player on cone D has the ball and pops it to the cone C runner who calls for it (picture 3).
Play pairs against each other in a knockout format to find the fastest kriss krossers. Progress by having the ball carrier run at the cone in front then going diagonal to add game realism.
Scoring
First race against the clock to find the pair who can do the most successful pops in one minute.
Race teams against each other in a knockout format to find the fastest pair.
Tell them
“Loud, effective calls.”
“Run behind the ball carrier to prevent forward or rushed pop passes.”
Coaching tips
This gets players not only used to making support runs but also making passes to support players and opening up space.
While we want players to carry the ball in two hands more, they are plenty of times when one-handed carries are important. But the hand has to be more dominant than the body and here’s why… MORE
Develop better handling skills by forcing the players to manipulate the ball with one hand in and around the contact area. This session picks out some one hand contact situations for players to find solutions. MORE
Hold defenders to retain space for receivers to move into. Here are the key points to fixing defenders which should help young and developing players to improve this skill. Generally, defenders want to chase the ball carrier, but their mind is always on whether to stay on the current ball carrier or move onto potential... MORE
Use this blocked attack game (one team attacks for a period of time) to challenge players to apply the principles of play under pressure. The attacking team get extra “lives” for good support when they score tries. MORE
During a match, 3 v 2s happen more times than you think. Yet, each situation can be different, with defenders and attackers arriving from different angles and starting close or far apart. You need to challenge yourself to replicate these scenarios in training. MORE
Scenarios offer a great way of engaging your players in games. By putting the players in a specific point of a well known match, they get the opportunity to develop their game management. For younger players, scenarios give them the opportunity to be their favourite players of their favourite teams. For older players, scenarios give them the opportunity to challenge their decision making with regards to the score-line and also how to deal with specific threats or weaknesses in future opposition. MORE
