Lead and play

Organisation

• Simple to organise – a game of “follow the leader”
• Challenge the players to be creative with their physical movements and with the ball
• Ask the players to suggest their own movements, ensuring that in mixed-gender groups, equal opportunities are given to both boys and girls. In mixed-ability groups, ensure that players of differing abilities are given a chance to suggest movements
• Develops confidence and personalities

Ways to make the exercise easier

• Physical movements might be easier to copy than ones with the ball
• The players can stand still and copy instead of moving around the space

Ways to make the exercise harder

• Increase the complexity of the movements – focus on agility, balance and coordination
• Challenge the players to use both feet
• Suggest movements that develop hand-eye coordination, e.g. manipulating the ball while on the move

Great questions to ask the players

• Can you see the coach/leader?
• Can you show me a different way to move?

Safety tips

• Make sure that the players have some personal space to move in safely
• When balls are introduced, the players should keep their heads up and be aware of others around them

Organisation

• Ask the players to organise their own teams and select a partner
• The players play in pairs (2v2) but shoot at the same goal. Consider mixed-ability or mixed-gender pairs if appropriate
• Normal football rules, just played in pairs
• After three or five goals, an outfield player swaps with the goalkeeper
• Rotate the pairs, so they also play against pairs on other pitches
• Create a tournament format – winners accumulate points

Ways to make the exercise easier

• Use larger goals
• One team can start with the ball from the other end of the pitch

Ways to make the exercise harder

• The same player cannot score consecutive goals: pairs have to alternate scorers
• Create conditions for how to score – one-touch only, etc.

Great questions to ask the players

• How does it feel to play as a pair?
• What do you need to do to be successful?
• When do you think you should dribble with the ball?

Safety tips

• Create a safe zone between each mini‑pitch

Organisation

• Pick three equal teams and make a pitch. Consider mixed-ability or mixed-gender teams if appropriate
• Create more pitches if needed for more teams
• Two teams play and after three minutes or goals, one team rotates with the resting team
• Rotate the goalkeepers every match or after each goal

Ways to make the exercise easier

• One team can have extra players to make it easier for them

Ways to make the exercise harder

• A team can play with fewer players than the other team
• Limit the number of touches per player
• Play “winner stays on” – the first goal wins each match

Great questions to ask the players

• Can you organise yourself into positions?
• Can you try to spread out as a team?
• What can you do as a team when you lose the ball?

Safety tips

• Create a safe zone between each pitch
• Give the players a short rest between each mini-match and drinks breaks if needed