Step-by-step to a game-like environment

Organisation

• Create an inner and outer circle, with players opposite a partner
• The circles can be big or small depending on ability and weather conditions
• Make sure players have a go in both the inner and outer circle
• Build up the difficulty of how they transfer the ball between them

Ways to make the exercise easier

• Keep the distances between players short

Ways to make the exercise harder

• Increase the distance
• Make the players pass the ball by foot rather than by hand
• Ask the players to find different ways to pass the ball
• Make it a race – the first player to complete ten passes is the winner

Great questions to ask the children

• Can you show me different ways to throw and catch the ball?
• Can you show your partner how to do it?
• Can you show me different ways to move between passes?

Safety tips

Players should keep their heads up as much as possible to avoid collisions

Organisation

• Start with four players per pitch and vary 1v1 matches
• Increase to 2v2 and add more goals
• Rotate players so that they play against other teams

Ways to make the exercise easier

• Make the goals bigger

Ways to make the exercise harder

• Encourage each player to dribble past his/her opponent before scoring 

Great questions to ask the children

• How can you make it difficult for your opponent?
• Can you show me how you can dribble past your opponent at speed?
• Can you be patient when you try to win the ball as a defender?
• Are you aware of the empty goals or the space when we increase to a bigger pitch and more goals?

Safety tips

• Create a safe zone between each pitch
• Ensure children have a rest between each turn

Organisation

• Equal teams with an "outside target player" at one end
• Outside targets can move along the line at one end
• Make sure all players get the chance to be the target player
• Rotate teams to give varied challenges

Ways to make the exercise easier

• The target player can play inside the playing area
• Give one team extra players

Ways to make the exercise harder

• Limit the number of touches players can have on the ball
• Make a team play with fewer players
• Condition the type of pass into the target player – in the air, on the ground, etc. 

Great questions to ask the children

• How can you find space to receive a pass? Show me as a team
• How can you be creative to pass to the target player? Show me
• What can the target player do to help his/her team‑mates?

Safety tips

• Create a safe zone between each pitch