06 Aug 2019

Defend your country

A really simple, enjoyable and fun session to improve players defending and pass and move skills.

Organisation

Area 35 x 25 yards, split into 3 x 15 x 25 yard zones – adjust area size to suit the numbers, players ages and abilities
8 – 12 players split into two teams.
Position a team in each end zone.
Number the players in each team
Each team has a ball
Supply of balls with the coach

On the coaches call the ball starts with player 1, who passes to player 2, to player 3 and so on
Both teams playing at the same time

The coach calls a number – 4
The players with that number must immediately sprint from their zone, across the middle zone and into the opposition zone to defend their country
The players with the ball must try and keep the ball away from the defenders.
They don’t have to pass in sequential order when their country is invaded
The first defender to touch or win the ball gains a point.
First team to 5 or 10 points win.
After the ball is won, players return to their zone and the game is repeated

The coach calls 2 or 3 numbers.
The players with those numbers must immediately sprint from their zone, across the middle zone and into the opposition zone to defend their country
The players with the ball must try and keep the ball away from the defenders.
They don’t have to pass in sequential order when their country is invaded
The first defender to touch or win the ball gains a point.
First team to 5 or 10 points win.
After the ball is won, players return to their zone and the game is repeated

Players to play with their heads up and “picture the pass” before passing
Accurate passing
Movement from the players off the ball to create space and support the player with the ball
Pass the ball to players who don’t have a defender near them
Good communication between players