Take the risk

Organisation

• Organise equal teams of up to 3v3
• Each team has to pass the ball and then try to receive/catch the ball in the end zone to score a point
• Challenge the players to throw the ball a certain way, for example using the throw-in technique or backwards over their heads
• Then move on to use of the feet only
• Play a mini-tournament of several teams

Ways to make the exercise easier

• Make the end zone wider
• Give one team more players

Ways to make the exercise harder

• Make the end zone narrower
• Give one team fewer players

Great questions to ask the players

• Can you move to a position away from the ball, ready to receive a pass?
• Can you call for the ball when you are in a position to receive it?
• Can you show me clever and creative ways to pass the ball?

Safety tips

• Create safe zones between multiple pitches

Organisation

• Create mini-pitches with two goals in wide positions at each end
• One team has two or three players, the other has three or four, so it's uneven sides
• Encourage the team with more players to create space or attack/dribble when in 1v1 situations
• Encourage the team with fewer players to be patient, defend the space and attack quickly after winning the ball

Ways to make the exercise easier

• Add a central goal at each end too

Ways to make the exercise harder

• Have only one goal at each end

Great questions to ask the players

• Can you try to pass to the player who is not marked closely?
• Can you try to create 1v1 situations so you can take on the opposition?
• When you are outnumbered, can you try to be patient and defend the space?
• Are you aware of the opposition players trying to distract you and win the ball?

Safety tips

• Create safe zones between multiple pitches

Organisation

• Organise two equal teams of up to 5v5, who play on a pitch with two goals in wide positions at each end
• Normal rules, but let the players decide how to restart the game (e.g. kick-ins instead of throw-ins)
• Ask the players to referee their own games
• If there are several teams, rotate every few minutes
• Try to use larger goals if possible
• If you have an odd number, it's fine to play with uneven teams

Ways to make the exercise easier

• Give one team more players

Ways to make the exercise harder

• Give one team fewer players
• Add conditions on ways to score, e.g. types of finish

Great questions to ask the players

• Do you want to add any special rules to this game for how to score?
• Which player on your team will be responsible for refereeing decisions if needed?
• Can you organise yourselves into positions on the pitch?
• Did anything surprise you during the game?
• Why is it important to always be aware of the other team?

Safety tips

• Watch all pitches from a central position in case of injuries and rotate to give players the opportunity to rest when needed