Fielding the high ball

WHY USE IT

All players may need to catch a high ball (forwards from kick-offs, backs from open play).

set up

Two 20m x 15m boxes, 15m apart; and 40m square for pitch.

HOW TO PLAY

Activity: After a warm-up (see top illustration), split players into two groups of four, with one group in each 20m x 15m box. The players have to kick the ball from their area into the opponent’s area. If the ball is caught, the fielding team scores a point. If it is dropped, or the ball hits the ground in the area, the kicking team scores a point. The fielding team also scores if the ball lands outside the fielding area.

Developments: Ask that all ‘fielding’ is done by jumping for the ball. Tell players to catch the ball above their heads as a soccer goalkeeper would catch a cross. The kicking player follows their kick and is allowed to put pressure on the fielder.

Game: Split your squad into two teams of eight in a 40m square. Use poles 5m apart to mark out two sets of goal posts. Players can only run 5m with the ball and can only pass using a kick. The defenders try to intercept or gather a loose kick. Score by kicking the ball between the two poles at the end of the pitch. The game is like Aussie Rules football.

COACHING POINTS

• Get under the ball early.
• Turn your body sideways to protect yourself as you catch and prevent knock-ons.
• Move position after the catch.
• Look for space and kick into it.

WARM-UP

1. Practise calling and fielding between two players

2. Either aim the ball towards one of them or in between them

3. Develop by the catcher passing immediately to the other player

DEVELOPMENT

1. Ideally play 4v4. Teams kick to each other

2. The fielding team scores a point for catching the ball. The kicking team scores if the ball is dropped or lands in the scoring zone

3. Adjust the lengths to suit your players

GAME

1. Players can only transfer the ball by kicking and can only run 5m with it
2. Kick between the poles to score points