Kick To Score II

This is an extremely useful kicking and catching exercise, where accuracy and technique can be practiced and perfected.

What you need for this game

• 6+ Players
• 2 Balls
• 11 Cones

Set-up

Use cones to mark out a playing area measuring 60m x 40m with a halfway line running across it at 30m. At one end, use more cones to mark out Zone A, which is 10m deep and runs across the pitch. At the other end, in one corner, mark out Zone B, which measures 20m x 10m, as shown 1.

Rules

Each play ends when the catcher/chaser scores in the relevant zone.
The players rotate after each set of plays.

What you do as coach

1. Position three players in each half of the playing area, in the six positions shown. If you have more than six players, divide them equally between the six positions.

On your whistle, player 1 passes the ball from the floor to player 2 who then grubber kicks through for player 3 to chase from an onside position and score within Zone A.

2. At the same time, player 4 passes from the floor to player 5, who puts up a high kick into Zone B for player 6 to chase and catch, again starting from an onside position. Player 6 then runs the ball back to the player 4 position.

3. After each set of plays, the players rotate positions and repeat the exercise.

After a time, swap the groups round. Make sure both kicks are done on both sides.

How you can progress the game

Introduce defenders to put pressure on the chaser/catcher:

For the grubber kick, start the defender inside Zone A but opposite the kicker, so that he must sprint across when the ball is kicked to try and stop the chaser scoring.

For the high ball, position the defender inside Zone B, so that the catcher has to leap above him to take the ball.

• Player 1 passes to 2 who grubber kicks for 3 to chase and score in Zone A.
• Observe: Picking up a ball from a grubber kick challenges hand–eye coordination. See how players cope with the unpredictable bounce.

• Player 4 passes to 5 who puts up a kick for 6 to chase and catch in Zone B.
• Note: This part of the game tests kicking accuracy and the chasing player’s ability to time his run and catch cleanly. Note who does well.

• After each set of plays, the players rotate positions and reset.
• Motivate: As players rotate roles you’ll be able to spot their strengths and weaknesses. Praise the good work and advise where necessary.