Set up a large playing square. Ask the players to pair up.
In each pair, one player leads and the other follows (the “shadow”). The lead player has to lose their shadow.
After several seconds call “STOP” and see who has managed to lose their shadow. Then swap the pairs around.
Set Up
Area: 20m x 20m or small gym/games hall.
Equipment: None
Players: Whole class or squad.
Scoring
When you call “STOP” each pair counts the number of steps they are apart. The winners are the nearest shadow and furthest lead player from their partners.
What to Call Out
“Look for space and move into it”
“Take short steps when changing direction”
“Keep your head up to see what’s going on”
“Use fast feet to move away from your shadow”
Coaching Tips
Vary the times before calling “STOP” to create variation and increase the work rate.
Players pair up, the shadow following the lead player.
The lead player tries to lose the shadow.
Regularly shout “STOP” to see which players have lost their shadow.
If you have good tacklers but a poor defensive unit, use this game where small groups of defenders have to work hard to prevent tries as a team, says Craig Newby, Ulster skills coach.
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