Take responsibility

Organisation

• Create groups of no more than ten players
• The aim is to pass through or round the circle, keeping the ball from two players in the middle. Ten successful passes are worth one point
• Encourage verbal communication among the players on the outside and between the two defenders
• Allow the players on the outside to throw the ball and then later progress to kicking it
• Rotate the players in the middle either when they win the ball or every minute

Ways to make the exercise easier

• Start with just one player in the middle
• The players on the outside only need five passes to score a point

Ways to make the exercise harder

• Ask the players on the outside to always pass the ball across the circle
• The players on the outside need 15 passes to score a point
• Limit the players on the outside to one-touch passes
• The players on the outside have to use their weaker foot

Great questions to ask the players

• For those on the outside, how do you decide which player to pass the ball to next?
• Can you show me different types of clever passes?
• For the players in the middle, how does it feel to be so heavily outnumbered like that?

Safety tips

• Replace the players in the middle regularly

Organisation

• One pitch, two equal teams; players go three at a time
• They pass the ball between them to progress up the pitch, then try to score a goal when close enough
• They can also try to pass the ball in different ways
• Afterwards, make a race between the two teams to see who can score first to win the point, with both teams moving at the same time
• Give different players a chance to try being a goalkeeper

Ways to make the exercise easier

• Begin with no goalkeeper

Ways to make the exercise harder

• Place conditions on the types of goals that can be scored (one-touch only, volleys only, etc.)
• One player from each team of three can become a defender

Great questions to ask the players

• Can you show me different ways to score a goal?
• Can you make sure that a different player gets a chance to shoot each time?
• What should you do after a shot is taken?

Safety tips

• Teams should only start when the coach says go and the area is clear

Organisation

• A normal game but each player has one direct opponent that he/she has to mark
• Ask the players to match themselves up
• Each player can only tackle his/her respective direct opponent and block his/her shots, etc.
• If they manage to get the ball from their direct opponent, players should try to score as quickly as possible or pass to someone else who can
• After a few minutes, give the players the chance to change their direct opponent

Ways to make the exercise easier

• Match up the players yourself based on their size/ability

Ways to make the exercise harder:

• Challenge certain players by putting them up against a stronger direct opponent

Great questions to ask the players

• What do you have to focus on to be successful in the game?
• How can you make sure you follow your direct opponent everywhere?

Safety tips

• If any players are struggling, allow them to change direct opponents. Try to match up opponents by size and ability (except where deliberately challenging certain players)