By Sean Reed -
Objective
I have chosen to write about a couple of classic playground games which you would often seen played in the playground, down the park and even in the street. Games that allow the players to manage, take control and most of all let them play.
Set Up – World Cup Singles
Diagram 1
Set Up
- I goal
- I Goalkeeper and 5 outfield players (anymore then you might look to go into the doubles game)
- An area is can be created in front of the goal in which no goals can be scored from within
- The ball starts with the goalkeeper and they with start the play by throwing the ball out onto the pitch area
- The objective is for the individual player to score, once a player scores they are through to the next round
- The last person left is out and the next round starts with all the players who scored going through
- This continues until you reach only 2 players left in for the final. The winner of this game then becomes the champion
- The number of goals to score within each round can be changed, as the player you might want players to have to score 2 goals to go through
Coaching Points
- Being positive / confident when in possession of the ball
- Creating a goal scoring opportunity
- Working as an individual player
- Defending, getting up to the ball
- Working hard in and out of possession
- Enjoy the game
Set Up – World Cup Doubles
Diagram 2
Set Up
- As with the previous session
- Within this game the players are now playing in pairs
- A pair must score 2 goals to go through into the next round, for the final it is 3 goals
- Only headers or volleys can be scored in the 6 yard area
Coaching Point
- Supporting angles / areas when in possession
- Game plan based around out of possession
- Working hard collectively to gain possession and take advantage of when in possession
- Enjoy the game
Set Up – 3rd Headers and Volleys
Diagram 3
Set Up
- 3 or more players
- 1 goalkeepers and 2/3/4 players outside
- Goalkeeper starts on 11 points, outfield players start on 10 points
- Players must score with either a header or a volley on the full
- If the player scores, then the GK loses a point
- If the GK catches the ball, the outfield player misses the goal or scores a goal but is not a header or volley on the full, they go in Goal
Coaching Points
- Quality of passes / crosses played into the area
- 1st touch to set up the opportunity to finish
- Quality on the finish, timing of movement, body shape and end product
- Enjoy the game
By Sean Reed
Former First Team Coach of Championship side Fulham FC. Sean is a UEFA A Coach with a Masters in Sport Coaching. He has over 15 years of experience working in professional football from Academy through to First team in the Premiership and Championship.
Web - www.seanjreed.com
Twitter - @SeanJReed
