A simple exercise that reveals the desire, bravery and commitment required to regain possession of the ball when it’s loose on the floor.

What you need for this game

• 4 Players
• 1 Ball
• 4 Cones

Set-up

Use cones to mark out a playing area measuring 10m x 10m, as shown 1.

Rules

Defender must dive on the ball to gain possession.

Attackers can only hold the ball for 3 seconds.

The player in possession of the ball can’t move.

What you do as coach

1. Split your players up so that you have three attackers and one defender inside the playing area.

2. This game is a bit like an extreme version of “Piggy in the Middle” or “Keep Away”, but in this case the attacking players must pass the ball to one another by rolling it along the ground without the defender getting hold of it. An attacker can only hold on to the ball for 3 seconds before rolling it to a team mate, and the man in possession must stand still.

3. The only way that a defender can gain possession is by diving on the ball. Once the defender gains possession, he becomes an attacker and the player who lost the ball becomes the defender.

Add some further competition by seeing how many successful passes the attackers can complete in 1 minute.

How you can progress the game

Make the game more difficult for the attackers by reducing the size of the area.

Add a bit more bite to the game by increasing the number of players.

• Divide players into three attackers and one defender.
• Give the ball to an attacker.
• Motivate: Let the players know that you want this to be a fast, competitive exercise with plenty of energy and commitment.

• Attackers roll the ball to each other.
• Ball holder can’t move }Pass in 3 seconds.
• Note: Although this resembles a schoolyard game, players need good ball control and hand–eye co-ordination to succeed. Is it on show?

• Defender retrieves ball by diving on it.
• Defender and attacker reverse roles.
• Encourage: The defender has to show real bravery to throw himself on the ball. Let your players know that you appreciate their courage.