By Steven Smith
Setup:
This activity is designed to convert possession to shooting in a quick sequence. The teams must focus on proper and skillful possession of the ball in a tight space and then quickly convert that to a shooting opportunity and apply good finishing skills.
Execution:
Two grids are set up in 18 yard squares approximately 20 yards apart. Two color groups are set up so that each grid has 4 vs. 4 plus 1 in each grid. Each grid plays keep away with the extra color player in red always on the attacking team side (team in possession of ball at any given time). The coach predetermines the number of passes that must be completed consecutively and uninterrupted by anyone on the opposing team before the final player leaves the grid and takes a shot on goal. A player from the sideline joins each grid after a player leaves to shoot. The shooting player rejoins the sideline of the next grid over and the same activity continues.
Variations:
1. All players who take shots return to their same grid they left and score is kept between the two teams in that grid. Winners advance to play winners of the other grid.
2. Both teams shoot at the same time on opposite goals by the coach blowing a whistle during the possession. The team that scores first on each whistle gets the goal and the second shooter does not get a point even if he or she successfully scores their shot.
By Steve Smith
Steve Smith has been a men's college coach that holds an NSCAA Advanced National Diploma and a Doctorate in Physical Education.
