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.
Ged Hall challenges players to be effective in finding space and passing, either on their feet or from the ground (the deck!). Good for fitness as well as decision-making.
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This is a game I will use at the start of sessions as a pulse raiser, sprint activation and to develop realistic evasion skills. It takes less than a minute to set up and can be played with three or more players. MORE
Use this game and its variation to create opportunities for players to make decisions on when to attack open or go back to the blindside. Create opportunities to stretch the defence and then attack where they are weakest. MORE