By Sean Pearson
Area Size: 20 x 30 yards. (end zone 20 x 2 yards)
Teams: 5 v 5
Time: 15 Minutes
This is game for young players of 5-8 years old. The field has 2 sides and 2 end zones. Each team has 5 players, 2 defenders and 3 attackers. The defenders have to stay in their half of the field and are not allowed in the end zone.
Each of the attackers has a ball and their aim is to dribble the ball past the opposite defenders and into the far end zone. Because there are 3 attackers and 2 defenders 1 attacker will have a clear run, this is meant to develop the different scenarios young players see. If there is clear space can they drive with the ball into the space keeping the ball under control.
Once in the end zone they leave the ball and run back to collect either a ball in their end zone or a ball one of their defenders has won and left near the halfway line.
Have a time limit of 2-3 minutes per game and the winner is the team with the most balls in the opposite end zone. Swap who the defenders and attackers are each time.
Coaching Points
- To use change of direction and speed to beat a defender
- To be positive and look to use creativity to beat a defender
Variations
- Add a goal to score in
- Attacker and defenders can only use their weaker foot
By Sean Pearson. Sean is also the author Coaching Team Shape in the 3-3-1, Coaching Team Shape in the 4-2-3-1 and Coaching Team Shape in the 4-3-3
