Teambuilding

Organisation

• Split the players into pairs; if you have an odd number, then have a group of three, who can also take turns
• Organise them opposite each other and create games of tag
• Build excitement: players can tag and run back to their safe zone
• Think of different ways the children can move and run
• Let the children create ways to move back to their safe zone
• Allow players to win points against their partner so that they challenge each other

 Ways to make the exercise easier:

• Let the players race without a ball or carrying the ball in their hands
• Start with walking races 

Ways to make the exercise harder:

• Increase the complexity of movements – focus on agility, balance and coordination
• Make players use their right and left foot, so that they practise with both feet
• Challenge players to approach their partner quietly and tag them by surprise

Great questions to ask the children

• What should you do as soon as you have tagged your partner?

Safety tips:

• If the exercise is taking place indoors, make sure a safe distance is left to the walls

Organisation

• Ask the children to organise their own teams and select a partner
• The children play as pairs, which must hold hands throughout
• Try to make sure that players have a good amount of space to play in
• Encourage the pairs not to all chase the ball, but also to find space ready to receive it
• Focus on teamwork and player cooperation
• Normal football rules, just played in pairs

 Ways to make the exercise easier:

• Nominate only one player in the pair who can touch the ball
• Start the game with no goalkeepers

 Ways to make the exercise harder:

• Limit the number of touches per pair
• Require each pair to take alternate touches of the ball when in possession

 Great questions to ask the children:

• How does it feel to play as a pair?
• What are the advantages?
• What are the disadvantages?

Safety tips:

• Make sure the players do not drag their partner around the pitch

Organisation

• Two equal teams on the pitch, with no more than six players per team
• Create multiple pitches so that everyone is involved
• The game focuses on concentration – the players must remember to hug ASAP after a goal is scored
• Remind the goalkeeper to stay as close to his/her team‑mates as possible, to be ready to join the hug

 Ways to make the exercise easier:

• Only require all the outfield players to hug

 Ways to make the exercise harder:

• Place a five-second time limit on the hug
• Only require players to hug after every odd‑numbered goal (the first, third, fifth and seventh goal, etc.)

 Great questions to ask the children:

• What do you need to do as soon as your team scores or concedes?
• What is the best way to make a quick team hug? Discuss it as a team
• How important is communication in this game?

Safety tips:

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